This Girl Became a Successful Child Star after Bio Parents Gave Her up to Family Who Had ‘No Plans’ to Adopt

Melissa Gilbert, known for her role as Laura Ingalls on Little House on the Prairie, was adopted as a newborn after her birth parents, Kathy Wood and David Darlington, chose to prioritize their careers over raising her. She was adopted by Barbara Crane and Paul Gilbert, who initially didn’t plan to adopt but took her in when given the opportunity.

As an adult, Melissa learned the truth about her biological parents and her father’s death, which had been kept a secret. She later forgave her adoptive mother for hiding these details and now works to raise awareness on mental health and suicide prevention.

Melissa has had a successful life, marrying actor Timothy Busfield in 2013, and the couple now enjoys a peaceful life in the Catskill Mountains, raising their blended family and eight grandchildren.