Who is Natalia Grace?
Natalia Grace Barnett is a woman from Ukraine who was adopted by an Indiana couple, Kristine and Michael Barnett, in 2010. When they first brought her into their home, they believed she was about 6 or 7 years old.
Natalia was diagnosed with a rare genetic condition called spondyloepiphyseal dysplasia congenita, which affects the bones and spine. This condition makes people shorter than average and can cause other bone problems.
Soon after adopting her, the Barnetts claimed that Natalia wasn’t the age listed on her birth certificate. They said she had pubic hair, a menstrual cycle, and mental health issues, suggesting that she was actually much older. They also accused Natalia of being violent and of pretending to be younger, which they said put them at risk.
Doctors, genetic experts, and even a woman from Ukraine claiming to be Natalia’s biological mother were involved in trying to figure out her real age. In 2012, a judge in Marion County changed Natalia’s birth records to say she was 22 years old, even though medical reports and other evidence said she was still a child.
The Barnetts later moved to Canada and left Natalia behind in an apartment in Lafayette, Indiana, in 2013. They signed her up for public assistance, but she was evicted from the apartment a year later. The Barnetts were accused of abandoning her and neglecting her, but they denied these accusations, and the charges against them were eventually dismissed.
What is ‘Good American Family’ about?
The recently dropped trailer for Good American Family has generated a lot of buzz, and fans can’t wait for the gripping drama to hit Hulu. The series is based on the real-life story of Natalia Grace, a Ukrainian-born American woman with dwarfism. Born on September 4, 2003, Natalia was adopted at the age of 7 by an American family.
However, things took a dark turn when, just a year later, the family abandoned her, claiming she was an adult. To back up their claims, they even went to court in 2011 and legally changed her birth year from 2003 to 1989. But in a shocking twist, a DNA test in 2023 revealed that Natalia was around 22 years old, which meant she was only 8 when her adoptive parents left her in an apartment. Her birth year was later corrected to 2003.
Along with Good American Family, Natalia’s story has been featured in other TV series, including The Curious Case of Natalia Grace.
The star-studded cast of Good American Family includes Ellen Pompeo, Mark Duplass, Imogen Faith Reid, Dulé Hill, Christina Hendricks, Sarayu Blue, and Jenny O’Hara. Faith Reid will play Natalia Grace in the series. The trailer shows Pompeo’s character saying, “I’ve always considered myself blessed. I’ve known I was put on this Earth to build a world where all kids can feel safe.” But as the story unfolds, the family’s perspective shifts dramatically as unsettling accusations surface.
Good American Family will premiere on Wednesday March 19, 2025 on Hulu, promising to be an emotional and intense watch.
Where is Natalia Grace Now?
Natalia is either about 21 or 34 years old, depending on which records are used. In a recent interview with People magazine, Natalia talked about her escape from her second set of adoptive parents, her new life, and her plans for the future. She said, “It’s a blessing to be alive today because looking back at my 7-year-old self, I should have been dead.”
Natalia is currently working on getting her GED and hopes to become a teacher one day. She’s also learning to drive, listens to music by Taylor Swift and Miley Cyrus, and is planning surgeries for her disabilities. She has found love with her boyfriend, Neil.
“I love learning how to live with my dwarfism. It’s been a great experience,” she shared. “I feel free. Of course, I miss my siblings, but I love my life now.”
