Melissa and her brother, Jonathan Gilbert, have come a long way. Despite their challenging backgrounds, they have written their names in the sand of time.

The eldest sibling, Melissa, was born on May 8, 1964, and adopted by Barbara Cowan (née Crane) and Paul Gilbert. Jonathan was born two years later and adopted by Barbara and Paul.

Jonathan Gilbert and Melissa Gilbert worked together on 'Little House on the Prairie.' But Jonathan 'simply disappeared' when he turned 18.