When she was a newborn, his celebrity’s biological parents placed her for adoption.
Because their occupations meant more to them than raising a child, the star’s birth parents didn’t want her when she was born.
Up until the truth was revealed, the actress’ adoptive parents had been lying about her background.
The French Hospital in Los Angeles, which is now defunct, was the hospital where the future celebrity was born on May 8, 1964. The actress was adopted by Barbara Crane and Paul Gilbert, who took her in when she was just 24 hours old.

Jonathan, her younger brother, was also adopted by the couple. Barbara was a twentysomething actress whose career was cut short, and Paul was a stand-up comedian, actor, and dancer who began as an aerialist with a family circus from Buenos Aires. Barbara and Paul parted ways when the young child was six years old, but his daughter remembered him with affection, saying:
“I have never known a more brilliant, energetic, humorous, loving, and fair person than my father.”
When Paul passed away in 1976, many believed he had suffered a stroke while in bed. Her adoption was made public. The celebrity claimed in her book “Prairie Tale: A Memoir” that she was informed when she was a young kid that her father, David Darlington, had been a Rhodes Scholar and that her biological mother, Kathy Wood, was a prima ballerina.
Her birth parents reportedly had no desire to give up their occupations in order to raise her, according to her adopted parents. The timing of the celebrity’s birth was allegedly incorrect, and as a result, they had to give up their daughter because her father was in the middle of a project.
She learned the whole truth about her biological parents when she was old enough. Although not a prima ballerina, her birth mother was a dancer, and David was a stock car racer and sign painter.

Kathy and David had three children between them when they were first married to other people. After running away, becoming pregnant, and moving in with their kids, the couple realized they couldn’t support a seventh child.
Parents Who Adopted Her Didn’t Want Her
The actress was stunned to learn more about her adoption after the death of her adopted father. Mitzi, her godmother, talked about the day she was picked up from the hospital by her adoptive parents.
She acknowledged that when the Gilberts returned with their new baby, it came as a shock. This astonished the actress, who looked to Barbara, along with other family members, and she confessed:
“Well, we weren’t planning on adopting a kid.”
When Barbara and her husband received a call informing them that the little girl will be available, they replied they weren’t seeking for a kid. When the celebrity’s adoptive mother phoned her out-of-state spouse, he instructed her to “go get it.”
She said to the journalist that she wouldn’t subject her kids to the burden of such a dark secret.
She was taken aback to hear herself referred to as a “it,” but Barbara clarified that she hadn’t even been born yet. Later, after learning of her upcoming arrival, Barbara revealed to her that they had been attempting to conceive.
Barbara claims that although the Gilberts were undergoing fertility treatments, they had not brought up the subject of adoption until they got the call. The actress discussed the secrecy of her adoptive family in an interview from July 2020.
The Secrets of the Family
The famous person disclosed to “CBS Sunday Morning” that she learned at the age of 11 that her father had passed away due to a stroke. But she found out at 45 that he had committed suicide.
The actress concealed the secret from everyone in her life, even herself. She informed the interviewer that she would never subject her children to the harm that such deep secrets do to families.
To learn the truth about what had happened to her adopted father, the actress engaged a detective. The detective learned that the deceased World War II veteran had threatened to take his own life while receiving care from the VA and was in excruciating pain.

She fought the anguish of losing her father in this way for approximately six months after learning the truth about Paul. During that time, she was unable to eat or sleep. She has since come to terms with it, though, and now works to preserve his memory by supporting mental health awareness and suicide prevention.
On January 23, 1982, an actress was spotted in Santa Monica at the Santa Monica Bowling Alley | Source: Getty Images
The actress also accepted and forgave Barbara for her decision to conceal the truth, even though she had been angry and betrayed for a long time. The next chapter reveals the celebrity’s name and her current way of life.
Who Is the Star Who Got Abandoned and Went on to Become a Famous Actress?
Melissa Gilbert is the actress, best known for her role as Laura “Half-Pint” Ingalls Wilder on the adored television program “Little House on the Prairie,” which ran from 1974 to 1983. She published her memoir, “Back to the Prairie,” in July 2022, and she is currently spending time with her family.
The celebrity acknowledged that she is “blessed” and mentioned that she is in a different place from her deceased adoptive father. She wants Paul to have felt the happiness that comes with having grandkids and the value of having a life partner who makes you feel listened, safe, and loved.
Timothy Busfield, Melissa’s third husband, and she became grandparents to a total of eight grandchildren in May 2022. While going through his second divorce, Busfield observed the actress waiting for a buddy at an empty pub in 2012.

On June 20, 2023, in Monte-Carlo, Monaco, Melissa Gilbert and her spouse Timothy Busfield attended a photocall for the 62nd Monte Carlo TV Festival | Getty Images
In April 2013, the pair got married in an intimate ceremony in Santa Barbara, California, with Melissa donning a dress by Morgane Le Faye. When Barbara’s daughter couldn’t determine what she wanted, Barbara suggested the brand’s Santa Monica store.
She disclosed in her book “Back to the Prairie” that Busfield, dressed in a blue suit, was alone at the private event; no guests were present. After nearly a lifetime in Hollywood, the famous person had her first kid, a son named Dakota Paul Brinkman, from her first marriage to the actor Bo Brinkman.
Michael Garrett Boxleitner is Melissa’s second child, born after her marriage to Bruce Boxleitner. Along with being a father, Busfield raised three children: Wilson, Daisy, and Samuel. He and his wife currently reside peacefully in a 14-acre cottage in the Catskill Mountains of New York.
My Future Brother-in-Law Was Always a Pain, but He Went Too Far at Our Wedding and That Was the Last Straw for My Fiancé and Me — Story of the Day

My future brother-in-law was always a problem—rude, arrogant, and always pushing boundaries. But on my wedding day, he crossed a line we could never forgive. He humiliated me in front of everyone, turning my perfect day into a nightmare. That was the last straw, and my fiancé finally had enough.
When Michael and I first started dating, everything felt like a fairy tale. Not the perfect kind, but the kind with unexpected twists.

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Yes, I cried on our first date because I was late. I rushed into the restaurant, breathless and embarrassed.
My eyes welled up as I tried to explain—traffic, spilled coffee, a broken shoe. Michael sat there, silent, clearly unsure of what to do.
We made it through dinner, but he didn’t call me for a week. I assumed I had scared him off.

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Then we ran into each other at a mutual friend’s party. I explained myself, saying I was just an emotional person. To my surprise, he understood and admitted he was the same.
That party was six years ago, and we had been inseparable ever since. I was no longer crying alone over movies where animals died—Michael cried with me. He was my soulmate, and I knew he felt the same.

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Our relationship moved quickly. After just three months, we moved in together, and that’s how we lived for six years.
But somehow, we never got around to planning a wedding. There was always something—either I had a crisis, or Michael did—so we kept postponing it.
Then, eight months ago, Michael proposed. He planned everything so well that I didn’t suspect a thing, making the moment even more special. Not that I needed a proposal to know I wanted to spend my life with him.

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But, like with any couple, there was one problem. His family. More specifically—his brother, Jordan.
Jordan was awful. Rude, arrogant, and full of himself. He thought he was better than everyone, including Michael.
He was only three years older but never missed a chance to remind Michael that he was the older brother.

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I still remember our first meeting. Michael took me to meet his parents, and since Jordan still lived with them—yes, even as an adult—he was there too. So much for being as “amazing” as he thought he was.
At first, everything seemed fine. We had a polite conversation. But when I stepped away to use the bathroom, Jordan was waiting by the door.
“Bored yet?” Jordan asked, his voice low and smug.

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I stiffened. “No, I’m fine,” I replied, keeping my tone polite but firm.
He chuckled. “Come on, let’s go have some fun,” he suggested, stepping closer.
I took a small step back. “No, really, I’m good,” I said cautiously. A strange feeling crept up my spine.

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Jordan tilted his head. “Oh, come on. My brother doesn’t deserve someone like you.
You’d have a much better time with me,” he said. His voice was smooth, but his eyes held something cold.
Before I could react, he grabbed me by the waist. His hand slid lower, pressing against my backside.

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“Get off me!” I shouted, shoving him away. My heart pounded as I rushed back to the dining room, my breath shaky.
Michael looked up as I approached. I placed a hand on my stomach, forcing a weak smile. “I don’t feel great. Can we leave?”
Michael stood immediately. “Of course.”

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His parents looked concerned. “It was so nice to meet you, Danica,” they said as we hugged goodbye.
Once we were in the car, Michael glanced at me. “Are you okay? Did you eat something bad?”
I took a deep breath. “Jordan hit on me,” I said.
Michael’s hands tightened on the wheel. “What? That jerk!” His jaw clenched. “I’m going to talk to him.”

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Michael did talk to Jordan, but Jordan laughed it off. He claimed he was just “testing me” as Michael’s older brother, as if that excused his behavior. I didn’t believe him for a second, but Michael didn’t push back.
Sometimes, I wondered if he was afraid of Jordan. Growing up, Jordan had bullied and teased him constantly.
He always found ways to make Michael feel small, like he was less than him. Their relationship had never been close, but Michael still tried to keep the peace.

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But when Jordan wouldn’t stop, even Michael had to admit it wasn’t a joke anymore.
Then the messages started. Inappropriate texts. Unwanted pictures. Disgusting words. I blocked his number.
When I told Michael I didn’t want Jordan at our wedding, he agreed right away.

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One evening, Michael came home looking drained. He sighed and dropped onto the couch beside me, his shoulders heavy with tension.
“What happened?” I asked, noticing the way his shoulders slumped.
He rubbed his face and let out a long breath. “I talked to my parents. They said if Jordan isn’t invited to the wedding, they won’t come either.” His voice was quiet, heavy with frustration.

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I felt a sharp sting in my chest. “That’s not fair!” I said, my hands tightening into fists.
“I know,” Michael murmured, staring at the floor.
“The way he treats me is reason enough for me not to want him there. He harassed me, sent disgusting messages. Why does that not matter to them?” My voice wavered.
Michael didn’t answer. He just sat there, looking lost.

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I exhaled, the weight of the situation pressing down on me. “Fine. We’ll invite Jordan,” I said, my voice tight.
Michael lifted his head. “Are you sure?”
“Not that we have much of a choice. But your parents need to make sure I don’t have to see him,” I said firmly.
Michael wrapped his arms around me. “You’re the best,” he whispered.

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The wedding day finally arrived. My heart was so full I thought it might burst.
I had dreamed about this moment for years, and now it was finally here. I was marrying the man I loved more than anything, and nothing could ruin my day. Not stress, not nerves, not even Jordan.
Or so I thought.

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I was in the bridal room at the church, standing in front of the mirror as my bridesmaids helped me with the final touches.
The dress was perfect. Everything was perfect. Then, there was a knock at the door.
Smiling, I turned to open it. My breath caught when I saw Jordan standing there.

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“What are you—” Before I could finish, he lifted a bucket and, in one swift motion, dumped its contents over me. Cold, sticky liquid drenched my dress, my skin, my hair.
“This is for rejecting me, witch,” he sneered.
I gasped. The smell of paint hit me first. Bright green dripped from my arms. My beautiful white gown was ruined.

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“Are you insane?!” I screamed, my voice shaking.
Jordan only laughed, his eyes gleaming with satisfaction, then slammed the door in my face.
My knees buckled, and I collapsed onto the chair, sobbing. My bridesmaids rushed in, their faces horrified.

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“Oh my God,” one of them whispered.
“We need water,” another said, grabbing a towel.
They scrubbed at my dress, but the paint had already soaked in. There was no saving it.
Stacy grabbed my shoulders. “Stay here. I’ll find a white dress—anything.” She ran out before I could answer.

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I wiped my face, but more tears came. This wasn’t how it was supposed to be.
I couldn’t stop crying. I had spent months picking out my wedding dress, searching for the perfect one, imagining how I would look walking down the aisle.
Now, I’d have to wear something I had never even seen before. My hair was completely green, streaks of paint clinging to the strands. My bridesmaids worked quickly, pinning it up and covering it with my veil.

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“It’ll be okay,” one of them whispered.
“We’ll wash it after the ceremony,” another promised.
The ceremony was already supposed to have started, but Stacy was still missing.
The minutes dragged on, each one heavier than the last. My bridesmaids paced, checking the time, whispering in worried tones.

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Finally, the door burst open. Stacy came running into the room, breathless, her face flushed. In her hands, she held a surprisingly beautiful dress.
“Jordan told everyone you ran away. Michael is freaking out,” she blurted.
I froze. My stomach twisted.
“HE DID WHAT?!” I screamed, my voice echoing off the walls.

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Stacy nodded. “People are whispering. Michael looks like he’s about to pass out.”
I clenched my fists. My chest burned with anger. “That’s it. I’ve had enough.”
I reached up, ripped off my veil, and let my green-streaked hair fall loose. Gasps filled the room. My bridesmaids stared, wide-eyed.

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Without another word, I stormed out. My dress stuck to my skin, the paint dry in some places, still dripping in others.
As I stepped into the church, heads turned. People whispered. My heart pounded, but I pushed forward.
Michael stood at the altar, his hands clenched, his face pale. He looked devastated.

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“I didn’t run away!” I shouted. My voice cut through the murmurs.
Michael’s head snapped up. “Danica?” He rushed down the aisle and pulled me into his arms.
Tears stung my eyes, but I forced them back. “Jordan poured green paint on me,” I said, stepping back and gesturing to my ruined dress. “Then he lied and told everyone I left!”

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Michael’s jaw tightened. He turned, scanning the room. “Jordan! Care to explain?!” His voice was sharp.
Jordan leaned back in his chair, smirking. “It was just a harmless joke,” he said, shrugging.
“That’s not a joke! No one is laughing! We’re all on edge as it is!” Michael snapped.

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“Whoa, little brother, calm down,” Jordan said, his tone mocking.
Michael squared his shoulders. “I’m not five anymore. You don’t have control over me.”
Jordan chuckled. “Yet here I am, at your wedding.”
“Get out!” I shouted, my voice shaking with rage.

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Jordan raised an eyebrow. “I was invited. I’m not leaving.”
Michael took a step forward. “Get out!” he repeated, his voice firm. “Or I’ll throw you out myself.”
“Michael, he’s your brother,” his mother interjected, standing abruptly.
Michael turned to her. “If you support what he did, you can leave too,” he said without hesitation.

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His mother’s face paled. “But Michael—” she started.
“Out!” Michael commanded. His voice was final.
A tense silence filled the church. His parents exchanged a glance, then grabbed Jordan and walked out without another word.

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Michael turned back to me, his eyes softening. He pulled me close, resting his forehead against mine. “I was so scared,” he whispered.
I exhaled, feeling the weight of everything lift. “Thank you for standing up for me,” I said, my voice steady.
“From now on, always,” he promised.

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney
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If you enjoyed this story, read this one: I thought marriage would bring us closer, but instead, we drifted apart. Silence filled our mornings, distance grew between us. Then, one day, a forgotten phone and a single message shattered my world: “Hi, Daddy.” A name I didn’t recognize. A word that changed everything. I had to know the truth—no matter the cost.
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