When she was just a newborn, this future star’s biological parents chose not to raise her, prioritizing their careers over parenthood. Her adoptive parents, who initially had no intentions of adopting, stepped in and gave her a home.
Born on May 8, 1964, at the now-closed French Hospital in Los Angeles, she was just 24 hours old when Barbara Crane and Paul Gilbert welcomed her into their family. Alongside her, they also adopted a son, Jonathan, making him her adoptive brother.
Barbara had a brief career as an actress, while Paul was a versatile performer—known as a stand-up comedian, actor, dancer, and even an aerialist in a family circus based in Buenos Aires.
The actress, Melissa Gilbert, formed a deep bond with her adoptive father. She often expressed that no one had been more supportive or loving than him. His death in 1976 shocked many, as it was believed he passed away from a stroke while bedridden.
Melissa discovered much later in life that she was adopted. She learned that her biological father, David Darlington, was a Rhodes Scholar and her biological mother, Kathy Wood, was a professional ballerina. Both of them were consumed by their careers and unwilling to provide the attention and care a child needed.
Her adoptive parents had not been actively looking to adopt, but when they learned about the opportunity to take in a child, they initially hesitated. However, after a conversation with her biological mother, they made the life-changing decision to adopt her.
This chance decision by her adoptive parents provided Melissa Gilbert with the love and stability she needed to grow into a successful actress and beloved star. Her story serves as a testament to how one act of compassion can shape a life and create a lasting legacy.