Danica McKellar’s seemingly led a charmed life.
McKellar’s had her share of hardship, too.
While her career transitions might look easy in hindsight, they were fraught in the moment.
In April 2022, McKellar posted a throwback photo from the end of “The Wonder Years.”
“There will be challenges and heartache in life.”
During McKellar’s first year at UCLA, she was constantly being identified by her portrayal of Winnie Cooper.
Rather than seeming like a compliment, it impacted McKellar’s self-esteem.
Where does my value come from?'"
While the couple worked together to get through the legal process, there was a lot of emotional upheaval.
“I’ve heard that the pain is second only to an actual death in the family.”
McKellar depended on her close relationship with her mom to help her get through the challenging experience.
From the start, they put Draco’s needs first.
This attitude proved a successful way for McKellar and Verta to navigate divorce and co-parent their son.
They even split the responsibilities for homeschooling Draco.
“His dad is a fantastic father,” McKellar informedCloserin 2019.
“We get along great, much better than we did before.”
In 2013, McKellar met Scott Sveslosky.
“I was just focusing on being a good mom .
and here comes along this dream man,” McKellar explained toRoute Magazine.
Like McKellar, Sveslosky had been married before and had a son.
Her split with Verta also gave McKellar a different mindset when she and Sveslosky married.
“We moved to Los Angeles and only saw him two weekends a month,” McKellar explained onFacebook.
The actor noted that she went through a rough patch in the years that followed.
Looking back, McKellar longed to be able to comfort her young self.
“I was taught family is more important than fame,” McKellar explained toCloser.
“Feel God’s love and energy,” shewrote.
“That love and comfort is *for you.
*” Then the actor revealed a heartbreaking personal detail.
“It’s been a super rough time over here with a sudden and unexpected death in the family .
but we are hanging in there.”
McKellar didn’t disclose the person’s name or what happened.
However, she did reveal the range of emotions she experienced while dealing with grief.
McKellar also explained how her religious beliefs were helping her with this loss.
After attending church with her friend and fellow actor, McKellar’s outlook on religion shifted.
This particular service included a passion play, and the presentation really resonated with McKellar.
“I don’t know what happened,” she remarked toFox News Digital.
McKellar’s father had also discovered faith later in adulthood.
When the actor the situation over with her dad, they bonded over their similar experiences.
She let fans know that her grandmother Elsie had died a month after celebrating her 101st birthday.
McKellar’s other grandmother, Emily Tello, had already passed away some years earlier.
In September 2024, McKellar commemorated the 114th anniversary of Tello’s birth.
Both of McKellar’s grandmas had long lives, with Tello dying just shy of her 100th birthday.
The actor honored her grandma with a slideshow of photos throughout her life.
She noted that Tello’s favorite activity was spending time with her relatives.
McKellar’s grandmothers and their teachings about family and faith have had a lasting influence on her.
“We premiered on @abcnetwork immediately following the Superbowl, and my life would be forever changed.
I’m so grateful for the incredible memories,” she remarked onInstagram.
“I cannot imagine how difficult this is for their entire family,” McKellar wrote onInstagram.
“kindly take a moment to send prayers and love to Alley and their family.”
“So great to be with my Wonder Years family this weekend!”
she enthused onInstagram, noting that they’ve stayed in touch during the decades since the show ended.
