Gilbert Family Genealogy & History

Melissa Ellen Gilbert, born May 8, 1964, is a renowned American actress best known for her role as Laura Ingalls Wilder on NBC's "Little House on the Prairie." Starting her career as a child actress in the late 1960s, Gilbert appeared in commercials and TV films like "The Diary of Anne Frank" and "The Miracle Worker." She later featured in series such as "Babylon 5" and provided voice work for "Batman: The Animated Series." Gilbert served as the Screen Actors Guild president from 2001 to 2005, and her contributions to television earned her a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 1985.

Born in Los Angeles, California, Gilbert was adopted by actor Paul Gilbert and actress Barbara Crane. Her adoptive mother was the daughter of Harry Crane, creator of "The Honeymooners." The couple also adopted a son, Jonathan, who acted alongside Melissa on "Little House on the Prairie." After Paul Gilbert's death and Barbara's remarriage, Melissa gained a half-sister, Sara Gilbert, known for her role on "Roseanne." Raised in her mother's Jewish faith, Melissa's family background is deeply rooted in the entertainment industry.

Sara Gilbert, an acclaimed American actress, is best known for her iconic role as Darlene Conner on the ABC sitcom "Roseanne" and its sequel, "The Conners." Her performances earned her two Primetime Emmy Award nominations. Gilbert also served as the creator and former co-host of CBS's "The Talk," winning a Daytime Emmy for Outstanding Entertainment Talk Show. She has had notable roles on "The Big Bang Theory" and "ER," showcasing her versatility. Gilbert's contributions to television extend into production, with credits on "The Pradeeps of Pittsburgh" and more.

Born Sara Rebecca Abeles, Gilbert is the daughter of Barbara Cowan and Harold Abeles, both of Jewish descent. Her maternal grandfather was Harry Crane, famed creator of "The Honeymooners." Sara adopted the surname Gilbert from her mother's first husband, Paul Gilbert. Her family includes notable figures like her adopted siblings Melissa and Jonathan Gilbert, stars of "Little House on the Prairie."

Elizabeth Gilbert, born July 18, 1969, in Waterbury, Connecticut, is an acclaimed American journalist and author best known for her 2006 memoir, "Eat, Pray, Love." This international bestseller, which sold over 12 million copies and was translated into over 30 languages, chronicles her year-long journey across Italy, India, and Indonesia in search of personal and spiritual growth. It was later adapted into a film starring Julia Roberts. Gilbert's career highlights include debuting as a short story writer in Esquire, contributing to prestigious magazines like GQ and the New York Times Magazine, and authoring notable works such as "Pilgrims" and "The Last American Man."

Elizabeth Gilbert's family background includes her father, John Gilbert, a chemical engineer, and her mother, Carole, a nurse who established a Planned Parenthood clinic. Raised on a Christmas tree farm in Litchfield, Connecticut, Gilbert and her sister Catherine Gilbert Murdock, also a writer, were encouraged to explore literature and creativity from a young age. Describing her parents as "modern pioneers," Gilbert attributes her early love for storytelling to their unconventional lifestyle, which emphasized self-sufficiency and intellectual curiosity.

Chad Everett Gilbert, born on March 9, 1981, in Coral Springs, Florida, is a prominent American musician and record producer. Best known as a founding member and lead guitarist of the rock band New Found Glory, Gilbert has also contributed as a vocalist for Shai Hulud and the International Superheroes of Hardcore. His production credits include works for bands like H2O and A Day to Remember, enhancing his reputation in the punk and hardcore music scene. Gilbert has released solo music under the name What's Eating Gilbert and has collaborated with notable acts like Fall Out Boy and Say Anything.