As a newborn, this future star was put up for adoption by her biological parents, who prioritized their careers over raising a child. The truth about her adoption was kept from her by her adoptive parents until later.

Born on May 8, 1964, at the now-closed French Hospital in Los Angeles, she was taken in just 24 hours later by Barbara Crane and Paul Gilbert. Barbara, a once-promising actress, and Paul, a comedian and former circus aerialist, divorced when she was six.

Following Paul’s death in 1976, the actress discovered that her biological parents had abandoned their careers rather than raise her.

While initially believing her birth mother was a prima ballerina and her father a Rhodes Scholar, she later learned the truth about their less glamorous careers.

The actress was surprised to find that her adoptive parents had not intended to adopt a child initially.

Barbara’s godmother revealed that the adoption came as a shock to them, though Barbara later explained that they had been trying to conceive but hadn’t discussed adoption until the opportunity arose.

The actress kept secret her father’s true cause of death, learning only later that he had passed.

This revelation, which came after extensive investigation, led her to struggle with grief and eventually work to raise awareness about mental health prevention.

Now known for her role as Laura “Half-Pint” Ingalls Wilder on “Little House on the Prairie,” Melissa Gilbert has shared her life’s story in her memoir, “Back to the Prairie.”

She lives with her third husband, Timothy Busfield, and their eight grandchildren, finding peace and fulfillment despite her tumultuous past.