National Adoption Month: 10 Famous Adopted TV Characters

Not only is November known for Thanksgiving and for raising awareness about prostate cancer with Movember, but the autumn month is also known for being dubbed “National Adoption Month.” Throughout November, activities and celebrations are held to help raise adoption awareness. So, in honor of National Adoption Month and the adoption process, here is a list of a few favorite TV characters that are not only popular for being on the small screen, but that are also recognized for being adopted.

1. Henry Mills from 'Once Upon a Time'

Despite being a child on ABC’s hit fairytale series, Henry Mills has one complicated life for a little boy. Not only is he the adopted son of Regina Mills aka the Evil Queen, but he’s also the biological son of Emma Swan (the daughter of Snow White and Prince Charming) and Neal/Baelfire (the son of Rumplestiltskin). So, who does he call mom? Actually, Henry calls both Regina and Emma mom. Henry is one lucky little boy to have two moms who love him immensely, even if the one wants to destroy his grandmother.

2. Elena Gilbert from 'The Vampire Diaries'

Elena Gilbert leads a complicated supernatural life. You would think falling in love with two vampires (that are brothers), being turned into a vampire and burying basically every family member you ever had would be all you had to deal with in a lifetime. Not for Elena. What’s tougher than finding out that your deceased parents aren’t your biological mom and dad? How about learning that your uncle is your dad, and that your mom had your current vampire boyfriend turn her into a vamp?

3. Victor Graham from 'Parenthood'

‘Parenthood’ is all about family, and last year Victor was welcomed into the Braverman clan. For Victor, it wasn’t an easy transition to be brought into a home a few hours after your biological mother was incarcerated. At any moment, he could have been taken away from Joel and Julia, but it all worked out in the end. Eventually, and after several rough moments, Victor officially became Joel and Julia’s son when they adopted him at the end of Season 4.

4. Abby Sciuto from 'NCIS'

Known for her goth attire, loud music, badass forensic skills, kind heart and being Gibbs’ favorite, Abby Sciuto quickly had her life turned upside down during Season 9 when she learned that she was adopted. For years, ‘NCIS’ viewers heard about Abby’s bond with her mother, Gloria, her father (who were both deaf and taught her sign language) and her brother, Luca. Well, she soon learned that she had another brother (who just happened to be played by Pauley Perrette’s ex-boyfriend). We still have yet to learn about Abby’s biological parents.

5. Clark Kent from 'Smallville'

Clark Kent is probably one of the most famous TV characters known for his adoption by parents Jonathan and Martha Kent. Clark wasn’t adopted in the traditional sense aka his parents found him after his spaceship crashed onto their farm. Despite strange circumstances, Jonathan and Martha welcomed Clark with open arms. The three had a strong bond, and no matter the situation (Clark being a superhero), Jonathan and Martha ensured Clark was loved and cared for. That’s what Superman’s parents are supposed to be about, right?

6. Lily Tucker-Pritchett from 'Modern Family'

Who remembers Cam’s ‘Lion King’ moment in the very first episode of ‘Modern Family’? There’s no doubt that Cam and Mitchell are proud of their daughter Lily. Like most of her family members, Lily is a funny little lady. I guess she gets her sense of humor from her dads, right? Sooner or later, Cam and Mitchell will most likely adopt again, which means Lily can hand off her sarcasm and words of wisdom to her baby brother or sister.

7. Christopher Ewing from 'Dallas'

Like ‘Dallas,’ Christopher Ewing’s life has been like a soap opera. Yes, Bobby Ewing is his dad, but the story of how he came into Bobby’s life is quite complicated. Christopher’s biological mom, Kristin (you know, the one who shot J.R.?), who also happens to be Sue Ellen’s younger sister, gave birth to Christopher under dire situations. In short, after Kristin’s death, Bobby and his former wife Pam adopted Christopher. From that moment on, Christopher became part of the Ewing empire. I told you his life was like a soap opera.

8. Maura Isles from 'Rizzoli & Isles'

At first, Maura Isles might seem like an intelligent woman whose life is without flaws. Yes, that’s true, but when it comes to Maura’s family, it’s no picnic. After giving birth, Maura’s biological mom gave her up for adoption, but later on in the TNT series, fans learned not only the identity of Maura’s mom, but also that her biological father was Paddy Doyle aka an Irish crime lord. No wonder Maura spends a lot of her time investigating crimes and hanging out with dead bodies.

9. Dexter Morgan from 'Dexter'

Let’s talk about everybody’s favorite TV serial killer. Before being adopted by Harry Morgan, Dexter grew up with his mother, Laura (a police informant “ratting” on drug dealers), and a brother, Brian (who was a more villainous killer than his brother). You could say Harry was Dexter’s saving grace, especially after he witnessed his own mother’s murder and spent a few days chilling in a pool of her blood.

10. Paige Matthews from 'Charmed'

Last, but not least, we have Paige from ‘Charmed.’ It’s tough enough learning that you’re a witch, but coming to terms that you have three half-sisters, and one of them just died, is quite the life-changing moment. Paige quickly became a beloved Halliwell, witch and whitelighter. Not only did she immediately bond with her sisters, Phoebe and Piper, but she also made a name for herself as an educator of magic and one tough Charmed One.

These are just a few TV characters that are known for being adopted. Feel free to mention others and your favorites in the comments!