Sara Gilbert has been a familiar face on television for decades, captivating audiences with her sharp wit and relatable charm. Best known for her iconic role as Darlene Conner on the hit sitcom Roseanne and its spin-off The Conners, she’s not just an actress but also a talented producer and talk show host. What makes her story so compelling is her journey from a child star inspired by her famous siblings to a powerhouse in the entertainment industry, all while navigating personal growth and family life. In this Sara Gilbert biography and net worth overview, we’ll dive into the details of her remarkable path.
| Field | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Sara Rebecca Abeles (later adopted Gilbert) |
| Nickname / Stage Name | Sara Gilbert |
| Date of Birth | January 29, 1975 |
| Age | 50 (as of January 2026) |
| Birthplace | Santa Monica, California, USA |
| Nationality | American |
| Occupation | Actress, producer, director, talk show host |
| Known For | Playing Darlene Conner on Roseanne and The Conners, co-creating and hosting The Talk |
| Height | 5 feet 3 inches (estimated based on public appearances and reports) |
| Family / Spouse | Ex-partner: Ali Adler (2001–2011); Ex-spouse: Linda Perry (2014–2019, separated); Children: Levi Hank (b. 2004), Sawyer Jane (b. 2007), Rhodes Emilio (b. 2015) |
| Education | Yale University, BA in Art with emphasis on photography (graduated with honors in 1997) |
| Social Media Followers | Instagram: approximately 183,000; X (Twitter): approximately 420,000; Facebook: approximately 373,000 (figures as of recent estimates) |
| Estimated Net Worth | $30 million (estimated based on public data from entertainment industry sources) |
Early Life and Background
Sara Gilbert grew up in a family steeped in show business, which sparked her interest in acting from a young age. Born in Santa Monica, California, she was the daughter of Barbara Cowan and Harold Abeles, both from Jewish backgrounds. Her maternal grandfather, Harry Crane, was a legendary comedy writer who co-created the classic TV show The Honeymooners. On her mother’s side, Sara had two adopted siblings who were already stars: Melissa Gilbert and Jonathan Gilbert, famous for their roles in Little House on the Prairie.
As a child, Sara was drawn to the spotlight after watching her siblings’ success. She changed her last name to Gilbert in 1984 to match them. Her early years were spent in Los Angeles, where she attended local schools before heading to Yale University. There, she majored in art with a focus on photography, graduating with honors in 1997. During college, she balanced her studies with her budding acting career, often flying back and forth for auditions and shoots. This period shaped her creative side, blending her love for visual arts with storytelling.
Career Journey and Major Achievements
Sara’s entry into Hollywood came early, but it was her breakout role that cemented her place in TV history.
Acting Career
She kicked off her career at 13 with a Kool-Aid commercial and small parts in TV movies. Her big break arrived in 1988 when she landed the role of Darlene Conner, the sarcastic middle child on Roseanne. The show ran for nine seasons until 1997, and Sara appeared in nearly 200 episodes. Her performance earned her two Primetime Emmy nominations for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series in 1993 and 1994, plus Young Artist Awards for her comedic talent.
Beyond Roseanne, Sara starred in films like Poison Ivy (1992), where she earned an Independent Spirit Award nomination, and Riding in Cars with Boys (2001) alongside Drew Barrymore. On TV, she had recurring roles on ER as medical student Jane Figler and on The Big Bang Theory as scientist Leslie Winkle. Guest spots included The Simpsons, Will & Grace, and Law & Order: Special Victims Unit.
In 2018, she reprised Darlene in the Roseanne revival, which transitioned into The Conners after controversy surrounding the original star. The spin-off wrapped in 2025 after seven seasons, with Sara starring in over 100 episodes.
Talk Show and Producing Ventures
In 2010, Sara co-created and executive produced The Talk, a daytime chat show on CBS. She co-hosted until 2019, winning a Daytime Emmy in 2016 for Outstanding Entertainment Talk Show. This role showcased her as a thoughtful interviewer, discussing everything from pop culture to personal issues.
Her production company, Sara+Tom, formed in 2019 with Tom Werner, has developed projects like The Pradeeps of Pittsburgh. Sara also directed a short film, Persona Non Grata, in 1996 and wrote for shows like Dogs with Jobs.
Personal Life and Relationships
Sara Gilbert has always kept her personal life relatively private, focusing on her family and self-discovery. She realized she was a lesbian during her teenage years while dating her Roseanne co-star Johnny Galecki, with whom she remains good friends.
From 2001 to 2011, she was in a relationship with TV producer Ali Adler. Together, they welcomed two children: son Levi Hank, born to Adler in 2004, and daughter Sawyer Jane, born to Sara in 2007. Sara came out publicly in 2010 while promoting The Talk.
In 2014, she married musician Linda Perry, and they had a son, Rhodes Emilio, in 2015. The couple separated in 2019 but have committed to co-parenting amicably. Sara enjoys a low-key lifestyle, with hobbies like photography and spending time with her kids. She’s also an advocate for LGBTQ+ rights, sharing her story to inspire others.
Net Worth and Income Breakdown
Sara Gilbert’s estimated net worth stands at $30 million, built through a diverse career in entertainment. Keep in mind, these figures are estimates drawn from public reports and industry analyses, as celebrities’ finances aren’t always fully disclosed.
Her main income sources include acting salaries, especially from long-running shows. On The Conners, she reportedly earned $400,000 per episode starting in season three, adding up to millions per season. Roseanne and its revival also contributed significantly during her early and later career peaks.
Producing has been a big earner too. As executive producer on The Talk, the Roseanne reboot, and The Conners, she received backend profits and fees. Guest roles and films like Poison Ivy added to her earnings, along with writing credits.
Other streams come from brand deals and investments, though she’s not as flashy about endorsements as some stars. Her wealth grew steadily from child actor paychecks to producer-level income, reflecting smart career moves over 40 years.
Interesting Facts and Trivia
- Sara hosted Saturday Night Live in 1994, showcasing her comedic chops beyond scripted roles.
- She’s a vegan and has spoken about her commitment to animal rights and healthy living.
- Despite her fame, she took time off during college to focus on studies, proving her dedication to education.
- Sara once wrote a Roseanne episode called “Don’t Make Me Over” at just 16 years old.
- Her close bond with Johnny Galecki led to them reuniting on The Big Bang Theory, where she played his on-screen love interest.
Influence and Legacy
Sara Gilbert matters because she represents resilience and authenticity in Hollywood. From portraying a tough, relatable teen on Roseanne to creating a platform like The Talk for open conversations, she’s influenced how women and LGBTQ+ individuals are seen on TV. Her impact extends to fans who appreciate her honesty about personal struggles, inspiring younger generations to embrace their true selves. In an industry full of ups and downs, Sara’s legacy is one of quiet strength, proving that talent and heart can lead to lasting success.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Sara Gilbert’s net worth?
Sara Gilbert’s net worth is estimated at $30 million, primarily from her acting, producing, and hosting careers.
How did Sara Gilbert become famous?
She rose to fame playing Darlene Conner on Roseanne starting in 1988, a role that defined her early career and led to Emmy nominations.
What are Sara Gilbert’s biggest achievements?
Her standout achievements include two Emmy nominations for Roseanne, a Daytime Emmy win for The Talk, and starring in over 300 episodes across Roseanne and The Conners.
Is Sara Gilbert married?
Sara was married to Linda Perry from 2014 to 2019, when they separated. She was previously in a long-term relationship with Ali Adler.
Where is Sara Gilbert now?
As of 2026, Sara has wrapped The Conners and is focusing on production work through her company Sara+Tom, while raising her three children.
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