Sarah Gilbert, once one of America’s most beloved television stars, has lived a life filled with triumphs, controversies, and personal battles. From her breakout role as Darlene Conner on Roseanne to her unexpected role in the show’s downfall, Gilbert has never been a stranger to the spotlight.
But behind her groundbreaking career and fearless personality, there are deeply personal struggles, including family rifts, a broken marriage, and the painful journey of self-acceptance.
A Star Is Born: From Hollywood Legacy to Rising Talent
Born Sara Rebecca Abeles on January 29, 1975, in Santa Monica, California, Sarah Gilbert grew up in a family deeply connected to Hollywood. Her mother, Barbara Cowan, was a talent manager, and her grandfather, Harry Crane, was the creator of The Honeymooners, one of TV’s most iconic sitcoms.
Her adoptive siblings, Melissa Gilbert and Jonathan Gilbert, found early success in Little House on the Prairie, setting the stage for Sarah’s own Hollywood aspirations.
At just six years old, she attended the Hollywood Walk of Fame ceremony for Melissa—a moment that solidified her dream of becoming an actress.
The Role That Changed Everything: Roseanne
In 1988, at just 13 years old, Sarah landed the role of Darlene Conner in Roseanne, a sitcom that quickly became one of the biggest hits on American television.
Darlene wasn’t the typical sitcom daughter—she was sharp-witted, rebellious, and intelligent, offering a realistic portrayal of a middle-class American teenager.
Gilbert’s portrayal was so authentic that she became one of the show’s most beloved characters, earning two Emmy nominations and multiple Young Artist Awards.
She even wrote an episode of Roseanne during season 4, proving her talents extended beyond acting.
But as the show returned in 2018, Gilbert’s role in its cancellation would become one of the biggest scandals of her career.
The Roseanne Revival—and Its Dramatic Fall
After over 20 years off the air, Roseanne made a highly anticipated comeback in 2018. The revival shattered ratings records, bringing back the original cast, with Gilbert reprising her role as Darlene.
However, everything came crashing down when Roseanne Barr, the show’s creator and lead actress, posted a controversial tweet about former Obama advisor Valerie Jarrett.
Barr’s comment, which compared Jarrett to an ape, was widely condemned as racist. ABC immediately canceled Roseanne, a move that shocked fans and the entertainment industry.
Shortly after, Sarah Gilbert publicly condemned Barr’s tweet, stating:
“Roseanne’s comments do not reflect the views of our cast and crew. I am deeply disappointed by what has transpired.”
In response, Roseanne Barr lashed out, blaming Gilbert for the show’s downfall, saying:
“Sarah Gilbert destroyed my life with one tweet.”
Their friendship was completely severed, and Barr’s career never fully recovered. Meanwhile, Gilbert launched The Conners, a Roseanne spin-off that continued without Barr.
Coming to Terms with Her True Self
Beyond her career controversies, Gilbert has faced deep personal struggles, particularly regarding her sexuality.
As a teenager, she dated Johnny Galecki, her co-star on Roseanne. However, she realized she wasn’t attracted to men, leading to one of the hardest conversations of her life.
Gilbert later recalled telling Galecki the truth, and to her surprise, he responded with support and kindness.
Despite realizing she was gay, Gilbert kept her sexuality a secret for over 15 years, fearing how Hollywood would react.
It wasn’t until 2010, when she was launching The Talk, that she finally decided to publicly come out. She admitted on live television:
“I can’t hide this anymore. I am a lesbian, and I am proud of it.”
The audience erupted in applause, and Gilbert later said the experience was terrifying but liberating.
A Love Life Filled with Challenges
Gilbert’s first major relationship was with TV producer Allison Adler, with whom she had two children. However, after 10 years together, the couple separated in 2011.
She later fell in love with musician Linda Perry, and they married in 2014 in an intimate ceremony.
However, their differences eventually became too much, and in 2019, Gilbert filed for divorce, citing irreconcilable differences.
Despite the painful breakup, Gilbert and Perry remain on good terms, co-parenting their son, Rhodes Emilio.
Struggles with Family and Loss
Beyond relationships, Gilbert also struggled with family tensions, particularly with her biological father, Harold Abeles.
As a successful actress by 18, she began financially supporting him, but over time, his constant financial demands became overwhelming.
Eventually, Gilbert had to make the painful decision to cut him off.
Years later, when her father’s health deteriorated, she stepped in to care for him, proving that despite past tensions, family remained important.
Where Is She Now? A New Chapter for Sarah Gilbert
At 48, Sarah Gilbert is no longer just the teen actress from Roseanne. She has transformed into:
A successful television producer
A strong advocate for LGBTQ+ rights
A devoted mother of three
She continues to star in The Conners, proving that her legacy is still being written.
Final Thoughts: A Life of Strength and Resilience
Sarah Gilbert’s journey has been one of controversy, courage, and resilience. From a child star to an outspoken advocate, she has faced criticism, heartbreak, and personal struggles, yet she has always emerged stronger than before.
Her story serves as a reminder that being true to oneself is the greatest success of all.
