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.

Her biological parents, a dancer and a stock car racer, chose their careers over raising her.

Adopted by actress Barbara Crane and comedian Paul Gilbert, Melissa learned about her adoption and her adoptive father’s suicide later in life.
Despite family secrets, she reconciled with her past.

Melissa married Timothy Busfield in 2013, and they now live in the Catskill Mountains, enjoying their blended family of five children and eight grandchildren. Melissa advocates for mental health and suicide prevention.