This Girl Became a Successful Child Star after Bio Parents Gave Her up to Family Who Had ‘No Plans’ to Adopt

he actress was born on May 8, 1964, at the French Hospital in Los Angeles and was placed for adoption by her biological parents, who prioritized their careers over raising a child. Her birth parents, David Darlington (a stock car racer and sign painter) and Kathy Wood (a dancer), had three children from previous marriages and were unable to support a seventh child. The actress was adopted by Barbara Crane, an actress, and Paul Gilbert, a comedian and former aerialist, when she was just 24 hours old.

Barbara and Paul’s marriage ended when the actress was six, and Paul passed away in 1976. For years, the actress was told her biological mother was a prima ballerina and her father a Rhodes Scholar, but the truth was different. She learned the full story when she was older, including that her birth parents had no desire to raise her due to their careers.

The actress was also shocked to learn from her godmother that Barbara and Paul hadn’t originally planned to adopt. They had been trying to conceive but only adopted after receiving a call about her availability. Barbara later admitted to the actress that they hadn’t planned on adoption until that moment.

Years later, the actress uncovered the truth about her adoptive father’s death. She was told he died of a stroke, but at 45, she discovered he had committed suicide due to pain and depression. She had kept this secret for years and, after hiring a detective, learned the full story about his struggles.