Sara Gilbert Explained

Sara Gilbert
Birth Name:Sara Rebecca Abeles
Birth Date:29 January 1975
Birth Place:Santa Monica, California, U.S.
Alma Mater:Yale University
Occupation:Actress
Years Active:1984–present
Children:3
Relatives:Harry Crane (grandfather)
Jonathan Gilbert (adoptive brother)
Melissa Gilbert (adopted sister)
Partner:Ali Adler (2001–2011)

Sara Gilbert (born Sara Rebecca Abeles; January 29, 1975) is an American actress best known for her role as Darlene Conner on the ABC sitcom Roseanne (1988–1997; 2018), for which she received two Primetime Emmy Award nominations, and its spin-off, The Conners (2018–present).[1] She is also creator and former co-host of the CBS daytime talk show The Talk and had a recurring role as Leslie Winkle on CBS's The Big Bang Theory.

Early life and education

Gilbert was born Sara Rebecca Abeles in Santa Monica, California,[2] the daughter of Barbara Cowan (née Crane) and Harold Abeles. Both her parents are Jewish.[3] Her maternal grandfather was The Honeymooners creator Harry Crane. Gilbert has two older half-siblings and two older adopted siblings. Her adopted siblings on her mother's side, Melissa Gilbert and Jonathan Gilbert, were stars of Little House on the Prairie. In 1984, Sara took the last name Gilbert from Paul Gilbert, her mother's first husband. Gilbert also has two siblings on her father's side, sister Patrice and brother Joseph.

Gilbert graduated from Yale University in 1997, with honors, majoring in art with an emphasis on photography.[4]

Career

Television

Following appearances in television movies and a commercial for Kool-Aid, at 13 she landed the role of Darlene Conner, the sarcastic middle child, in Roseanne. Gilbert was a cast member in the show's nine-year run (1988–97), for which she wrote a fourth-season episode story (the teleplay was written by the Guild Writers for the show) called "Don't Make Me Over." Her contribution was considered so important to Roseanne that the show's producers juggled storylines and taping schedules to allow her to study at Yale University while remaining in the cast, shooting remote segments of Darlene at a soundstage in New York.[5]

Gilbert has appeared on The Simpsons, 24, Will & Grace, and Private Practice. Starting in 2004, she had a recurring role as smart and sarcastic medical student Jane Figler on the long-running hospital drama ER; her appearances spanned seasons 11–13.Gilbert regained a regular spot on prime time television in the fall of 2005 in the sitcom Twins on The WB network. The show was canceled after one season, when the WB and UPN networks merged as The CW and dropped a number of series. She also had a recurring role on the short-lived CBS sitcom The Class as Fern Velch.

From 2007 to 2010, Gilbert appeared in episodes of the CBS TV series The Big Bang Theory as Leslie Winkle, a scientist friend of Leonard Hofstadter played by Johnny Galecki, who had previously played Gilbert's love interest David Healy on Roseanne. In the second episode of the second season of The Big Bang Theory, Gilbert was elevated to the show's main cast, portraying again a potential love interest of Galecki's character, and at one point a love interest to Howard Wolowitz (Simon Helberg). By January 2009, it was announced that the writers did not know how to write for her character full-time, and her status was reduced from regular to recurring.[6] Winkle was discontinued after Amy Farrah Fowler and Bernadette Rostenkowski became prominent characters.

Gilbert was a co-host and executive producer of The Talk, a talk show that premiered October 18, 2010. Gilbert won a Daytime Emmy in 2016 for Outstanding Entertainment Talk Show as producer and creator of the show. Her final appearance as co-host was August 2, 2019.

An eight-episode revival series of Roseanne was developed,[7] with Gilbert as an executive producer.[8] [9] The eight episodes, picked up by ABC, began airing March 27, 2018. Due to the revival's strong ratings and positive critical reception, a second season was announced. However, on May 29, 2018, in the wake of controversial remarks made by Barr on Twitter regarding Valerie Jarrett (an advisor to former president Barack Obama), ABC cancelled the revival after a single season.[10] [11] [12] Gilbert distanced herself and the show from Barr's tweets.[13]

On June 21, 2018, ABC announced that the network had ordered ten episodes of a spin-off of Roseanne. That series, The Conners, featuring all of the regular cast except Barr, premiered in October 2018, with Gilbert starring and serving as an executive producer.[14] In 2019, Sara, along with Tom Werner launched Sara+Tom, by combining two companies, her Gilbert TV arm, and Werner Entertainment, both of which worked after the success of The Conners.[15]

Sara Gilbert is one of the executive producers of the show titled 'The Pradeeps of Pittsburgh'. The eight-episode half-hour series is produced by Sony Pictures Television and Amazon Studios.

Film

Gilbert appeared in two films alongside Drew Barrymore, in Poison Ivy in 1992 and Riding in Cars with Boys in 2001. Gilbert also had a feature role in Light It Up in 1999. She has had several minor roles following Roseanne, including the short film $30 (aka 30 Bucks) as part of the Boys Life 3 feature, and High Fidelity. She directed her short film Persona Non Grata in 1998. In 2000, Gilbert appeared in a production of The Hot L Baltimore as part of the Williamstown (Mass.) theater festival.[16]

Personal life

As a teenager, Gilbert dated her Roseanne (and later The Big Bang Theory) co-star Johnny Galecki (their characters also dated). During their relationship she realized she was a lesbian. She remains close friends with Galecki.[17]

In 2001, Gilbert began a relationship with television producer Ali Adler. They have two children—a son, Levi Hank, born to Adler in October 2004,[18] and a daughter, Sawyer Jane, born to Gilbert in August 2007.[19] [20] For many years, Gilbert remained private about her sexuality, choosing not to publicly discuss her personal life. In July 2010, as she prepared to launch her talk show, The Talk, Gilbert confirmed that she was a lesbian.[21] In August 2011, Gilbert announced that she and Adler had separated amicably.[22]

Following the breakup, Gilbert began a relationship with songwriter, music producer and former 4 Non Blondes frontwoman Linda Perry.[23] Gilbert announced their engagement in April 2013,[24] and the pair married on March 30, 2014.[25] Gilbert gave birth to their son, Rhodes Emilio Gilbert Perry, on February 28, 2015.[26] [27] [28] On December 27, 2019, Gilbert filed for legal separation from Perry.[29]

Filmography

Film

YearTitleRoleNotes
1992Poison IvySylvie CooperNominated — Independent Spirit Award for Best Supporting Actress
1994Dead BeatMarthaFilm is based on the killings of Charles Schmid.
1997Walkin' on Sunshine: The MovieNeural Nurse 256
1998$30Emily / MichelleShort film
1999Desert BlueSandy
Light It UpLynn Sabatini
2000The Big TeaseGretle Dickens
High FidelityAnaugh Moss
Boys Life 3Emily/MichelleShort film; Segment: "$30"
2001Riding in Cars with BoysTina Barr
2004Laws of AttractionGary Gadget's AssistantCameo
202380 for BradySara

Television

YearTitleRoleNotes
1984Calamity JaneJeanTV movie
1988ABC Weekend SpecialStephieEpisode: "Runaway Ralph"
1988–1997;
2018[30]
RoseanneDarlene Conner-Healy190 episodes
Executive producer
2x Young Artist Award for Outstanding Young Comedienne in a Television Series
TV Land Award for Innovator Award
Nominated — Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series (1993–1994)[31]
Nominated — TV Land Award for Character Most Desperately in Need of a Timeout
Nominated — Young Artist Award for Best Young Actress Supporting Role in a Television Series
1989A&E's An Evening at the ImprovHerselfSeason 4, Episode 6
1990Sudie and SimpsonSudie HarriganTV movieYoung Artist Award for Best Young Actress in a Cable Special
1992; 1994The SimpsonsLaura Powers (voice)Episodes: "New Kid on the Block" and "Another Simpsons Clip Show" (archival recordings)
1994Saturday Night LiveHerself – HostEpisode: "Sara Gilbert/Counting Crows"
1996ABC Afterschool SpecialJessieEpisode: "Me and My Hormones"
1997Broken RecordTV movie
2000–2001Welcome to New YorkAmy Manning13 episodes
2002RugratsCindy (voice)Episode: "Cynthia Comes Alive/Trading Phil"
24Paula Schaeffer5 episodes, Season 2
2003Will & GraceCherylEpisode: "Fanilow"
2004Strong MedicineCharlayneEpisode: "Cinderella in Scrubs"
2004–2007ERDr. Jane Figler15 episodes
2005In the GameUnsold TV pilot
The ClinicMrs. JenningsEpisode: 3.1
2005–2006TwinsMitchee ArnoldLead role
2006Girls on the BusHelenEpisode: "Pilot"
2006–2007The ClassFern Velch6 episodes
2007Private PracticeKellyEpisode: "In Which Sam Gets Taken For a Ride"
The Big Bang TheoryLeslie WinkleRecurring role (season 1)
Main role (season 2)
Guest role (seasons 3, 9)
2008Caitlyn RyanEpisode: "Trials"
2010HawthoRNeMalia Price3 episodes
Grey's AnatomyKimEpisode: "Suicide is Painless"
2010–2019The TalkHerselfAlso creator and executive producer
2014Bad TeacherIrene DudekMain role
2016SupergirlHerselfEpisode: "Falling"
2018Jane the VirginHerselfEpisode: "Chapter Seventy-Four"
Living BiblicallyCherylMain role
2018–presentThe ConnersDarlene Conner-HealyMain role; 106 episodes
2019Weird CityJathrynEpisode: "Smart House"
AtypicalProfessor JuddRecurring role (season 3)
2020EqualJ.M. From ClevelandDocuseries

Notes and References

  1. Web site: Sara Gilbert. Academy of Television Arts & Sciences. April 11, 2016. August 7, 2017. https://web.archive.org/web/20170807232533/http://www.emmys.com/bios/sara-gilbert. live.
  2. Web site: Sara Gilbert . . March 31, 2014 . April 7, 2014 . https://web.archive.org/web/20140407072625/http://www.tvguide.com/celebrities/sara-gilbert/bio/173864 . live .
  3. News: Nate. Bloom. Nate Bloom. Interfaith Celebrities: The Talk's Hosts and David Schwimmers Bride. Interfaith Family. October 26, 2010. October 4, 2015. August 30, 2017. https://web.archive.org/web/20170830001112/http://www.interfaithfamily.com/arts_and_entertainment/popular_culture/Interfaith_Celebrities_The_Talks_Hosts_and_David_Schwimmers_Bride.shtml. live.
  4. Web site: Sara Gilbert. Biography.com. A&E Networks. March 16, 2016. March 23, 2018. https://web.archive.org/web/20180323103802/https://www.biography.com/people/sara-gilbert-6430#film-and-tv-work. live.
  5. Web site: Sara Gilbert Biography . Fancast . January 29, 1975 . October 4, 2010 . dead . https://web.archive.org/web/20090109035956/http://www.fancast.com/people/Sara-Gilbert/40732/biography . January 9, 2009 .
  6. Ausiello . Michael . 'Big Bang Theory' scoop: Sara Gilbert taken off contract . . January 23, 2009 . October 4, 2010 . February 6, 2015 . https://web.archive.org/web/20150206225413/http://www.ew.com/article/2009/01/23/big-bang-theory . live .
  7. News: Roseanne' TV show revival in the works with main cast set to reprise roles . . April 28, 2017 . en-US . April 28, 2017 . https://web.archive.org/web/20170428221922/http://www.nydailynews.com/entertainment/tv/roseanne-revival-works-article-1.3113625 . live .
  8. News: 'Roseanne' revival may be in the works . . April 28, 2017 . April 28, 2017 . https://web.archive.org/web/20170428234404/https://www.usatoday.com/story/life/tv/2017/04/28/roseanne-revival-may-works/101039122/ . live .
  9. Web site: Roseanne Revival Eyed at ABC . . Michael . Ausiello . April 28, 2017 . April 28, 2017 . April 28, 2017 . https://web.archive.org/web/20170428191630/http://tvline.com/2017/04/28/roseanne-revival-abc-netflix-eight-episodes/ . live .
  10. News: Pallotta . Frank . Stelter . Brian . ABC cancels 'Roseanne' after star's Twitter comments . May 29, 2018 . CNN . May 29, 2018 . May 29, 2018 . https://web.archive.org/web/20180529172100/http://money.cnn.com/2018/05/29/media/roseanne-twitter-chelsea-clinton/index.html . live .
  11. News: Park . Andrea . ABC cancels 'Roseanne' after Barr's tweet . May 29, 2018 . . May 29, 2018 . May 29, 2018 . https://web.archive.org/web/20180529204359/https://www.cbsnews.com/news/abc-cancels-roseanne/ . live .
  12. Web site: ABC cancels "Roseanne" after show's star compared Obama adviser to 'ape'. Chandelis R.. Duster. May 29, 2018. NBC News. May 29, 2018. April 2, 2019. https://web.archive.org/web/20190402175139/https://www.nbcnews.com/news/nbcblk/roseanne-barr-apologizes-tweet-comparing-obama-adviser-ape-n878171. live.
  13. Sara. Gilbert . THEsaragilbert. 1001513801546530816 . Roseanne's recent comments..... May 29, 2018. May 29, 2018.
  14. News: ABC's 'Roseanne' Spinoff Officially a Go – Without Roseanne Barr . Lesley . Goldberg . June 21, 2018 . . June 21, 2018 . June 22, 2018 . https://web.archive.org/web/20180622011903/https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/live-feed/roseanne-spinoff-conners-officially-a-go-at-abc-1117397 . live .
  15. Web site: Low. Elaine. May 21, 2019. Sara Gilbert, Tom Werner Launch Production Company Sara + Tom. December 12, 2021. Variety. December 12, 2021. https://web.archive.org/web/20211212000531/https://variety.com/2019/tv/news/sara-gilbert-tom-werner-production-company-1203221497/. live.
  16. Web site: Hot L Baltimore, The. Williamstown Theatre Festival. November 2, 2018. July 6, 2018. https://web.archive.org/web/20180706022720/https://wtfestival.org/main-events/hot-l-baltimore-the/. live.
  17. Web site: Takeda. Alison. Sara Gilbert: I Realized I Was Gay While Dating Johnny Galecki. March 31, 2014. September 13, 2013. June 7, 2017. https://web.archive.org/web/20170607150511/http://www.usmagazine.com/celebrity-news/news/sara-gilbert-i-realized-i-was-gay-while-dating-johnny-galecki-2013139. live.
  18. Web site: Levi Hank Gilbert-Adler. MyHeritage.com. April 9, 2018. February 7, 2021. https://web.archive.org/web/20210207121014/https://www.myheritage.com/research/record-10182-1222340/levi-hank-gilbert-adler-in-biographical-summaries-of-notable-people. live.
  19. News: Sara Gilbert and partner welcome second child. People. August 6, 2007. August 6, 2007. February 5, 2021. https://web.archive.org/web/20210205115532/https://people.com/parents/sara-gilbert-an-2/. live.
  20. News: Sara Gilbert Gives Birth to Baby Girl. November 8, 2009. Fox News. August 13, 2007. February 8, 2009. https://web.archive.org/web/20090208205953/http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,293089,00.html. live.
  21. News: 'Roseanne's' Sara Gilbert confirms she's a lesbian . CNN . July 30, 2010 . July 30, 2010 . December 25, 2018 . https://web.archive.org/web/20181225013318/http://marquee.blogs.cnn.com/2010/07/30/roseannes-sara-gilbert-confirms-shes-a-lesbian/ . live .
  22. Jordan, Julie. "The Talk's Sara Gilbert, Partner Break Up" . People. August 24, 2011. Retrieved August 25, 2011.
  23. Grossberg, Josh "Sara Gilbert Talks Relationship With Linda Perry on The Talk" . E Online. November 30, 2011. Retrieved December 1, 2011.
  24. Web site: Rice . Lynette . Sara Gilbert announces engagement on 'The Talk' . Entertainment Weekly . April 8, 2013 . April 9, 2013 . March 2, 2022 . https://web.archive.org/web/20220302113012/https://ew.com/tv/ . live .
  25. Web site: Lee. Esther. Sara Gilbert and Linda Perry Are Married. US Weekly. March 31, 2014. March 31, 2014. July 6, 2017. https://web.archive.org/web/20170706095501/http://www.usmagazine.com/celebrity-news/news/sara-gilbert-and-linda-perry-are-married-2014313. live.
  26. Web site: Sara Gilbert and Linda Perry Welcome Son Rhodes Emilio . . March 2, 2015 . July 10, 2017 . https://web.archive.org/web/20170710031626/http://celebritybabies.people.com/2015/03/02/sara-gilbert-linda-perry-welcome-son-rhodes-emilio/ . dead .
  27. Web site: Sara Gilbert, Linda Perry welcome baby boy . . March 2, 2015 . Oldenburg, Ann . February 4, 2021 . https://web.archive.org/web/20210204235837/https://www.usatoday.com/story/life/people/2015/03/02/sara-gilbert-wife-welcome-baby-boy/24274369/ . live .
  28. Web site: Sara Gilbert, Linda Perry are parents of a new baby boy . . Christie . D'Zurilla . March 2, 2015 . October 21, 2017 . October 16, 2018 . https://web.archive.org/web/20181016021512/http://www.latimes.com/entertainment/gossip/la-et-mg-sara-gilbert-baby-son-the-talk-linda-perry-20150302-story.html . live .
  29. Web site: Contreras . Cyndey . Sara Gilbert Separates from Wife Linda Perry After 5 Years of Marriage . . . December 28, 2019 . United States . December 27, 2019 . December 28, 2019 . https://web.archive.org/web/20191228075631/https://www.eonline.com/news/1106197/sara-gilbert-separates-from-wife-linda-perry-after-5-years-of-marriage . live .
  30. Web site: ABC Cancels 'Roseanne' Following Star's Racist Tweet. TVWeek.com. May 29, 2018. November 2, 2018. August 9, 2020. https://web.archive.org/web/20200809174943/https://www.tvweek.com/tvbizwire/2018/05/abc-cancels-roseanne-following-stars-racist-tweet/. live.
  31. Web site: SARA GILBERT. Television Academy. April 9, 2019. August 7, 2017. https://web.archive.org/web/20170807232533/http://www.emmys.com/bios/sara-gilbert. live.