Melissa Gilbert, best known for her role in “Little House on the Prairie,” was born in 1964 in Los Angeles. Adopted by Barbara Crane and Paul Gilbert at just 24 hours old, along with her brother Jonathan, Melissa’s childhood was marked by her adoptive parents’ diverse talents and eventual divorce when she was six.

Her father, Paul, a stand-up comic and aerialist, passed away when Melissa was 11, initially believed to be from a stroke but later revealed to be a suicide. Melissa’s quest for truth led her to uncover this painful reality through a special detective.

Her memoir, “Prairie Tale: A Memoir,” shed light on her adoption and family secrets, including the revelation that her adoptive parents hadn’t planned to adopt her either. Despite the challenges, Melissa found success in her acting career, notably starring in “Little House on the Prairie” from 1974 to 1983.

In 2013, Melissa married Timothy Busfield after meeting him in a bar amidst his second divorce. Together, they have eight grandchildren from their combined families. Melissa has a son, Dakota Paul Brinkman, from her first marriage to Bo Brinkman, and a son, Michael Garrett Boxleitner, from her second marriage to Bruce Boxleitner. Timothy Busfield has three children: Samuel, Daisy, and Wilson.

Melissa’s journey from a tumultuous childhood to finding stability and love in her personal life underscores her resilience and strength. Her memoir and public revelations offer insight into her remarkable life journey and the challenges she has overcome.