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Melissa Gilbert and her younger siblings, Sara and Jonathan, are all well-known actors who started their careers as children.

But did you know that they are not biologically related?

Or that they have a connection to one of the most iconic sitcoms of all time?

In this article, we will explore the fascinating family history of the Gilbert siblings, their rise to fame, and their current projects.

Table of Contents

The Gilbert Family Tree

The Gilbert siblings were all adopted by different parents, but they share a common maternal grandfather: Harry Crane, the co-creator of The Honeymooners.

Melissa was born on May 8, 1964, and adopted by Barbara Crane and Paul Gilbert, both actors.

Jonathan was born two years later and adopted by the same couple.

Barbara and Paul divorced when Melissa was six, and Barbara remarried Harold Abeles, a lawyer.

Sara was born to Barbara and Harold on January 29, 1975, and took the Gilbert name when she started acting.

Paul Gilbert died by suicide in 1976, when Melissa was 11.

She later learned that he had been suffering from chronic pain and depression.

Melissa has said that she considers Michael Landon, her co-star on Little House on the Prairie, as a father figure.

 Jonathan Gilbert

Began acting at a young age, appearing in commercials and guest roles on TV shows.

Jonathan Gilbert  joined his sister on Little House on the Prairie in 1976, playing Willie Oleson, the mischievous brother of Laura’s nemesis, Nellie.

He also appeared in two TV movies based on the show.

Jonathan quit acting in 1984, after the show ended, and pursued a career in finance.

He has kept a low profile since then, and rarely attends public events with his siblings.

Sara Gilbert

Sara Gilbert  made her TV debut at 13, playing Darlene Conner, the sarcastic middle child of the working-class family on Roseanne.

She earned two Emmy nominations and a Golden Globe nomination for her performance, and became a teen idol in the 1990s.

She reprised her role in the revival of Roseanne in 2018, and its spin-off, The Conners, which she also produces.

FAQs

What are the most famous roles of Melissa Gilbert and her siblings?

Melissa Gilbert  is best known for playing Laura Ingalls Wilder on Little House on the Prairie, a role she played for nine seasons and two TV movies.

Jonathan Gilbert also appeared on the show as Willie Oleson, the brother of Laura’s nemesis, Nellie.

Sara Gilbert rose to fame as Darlene Conner on Roseanne, and continues to play the same character on its spin-off, The Conners.

She also co-created and co-hosted the daytime talk show The Talk.

Are Melissa Gilbert and her siblings close?

Melissa Gilbert and Sara Gilbert are close, and have shared the screen on several occasions, such as when Sara guest-starred on Little House on the Prairie, and when Melissa played Sara’s mother on The Conners.

Jonathan Gilbert, however, has kept a low profile since he quit acting in 1984, and has not been in contact with his siblings for years.

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CONCLUSION

Melissa Gilbert and her siblings, Jonathan and Sara Gilbert, are all accomplished actors who grew up in the Hollywood spotlight.

They have entertained millions of viewers with their talent, charm, and humor, and have made their mark on the history of television.

They have also faced various challenges and struggles in their personal and professional lives, such as adoption, divorce, death, health issues, and sexuality.

Despite their different paths and choices, they share a common bond of family and show business.

They are truly a remarkable trio of siblings.

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