‘Friend of the Family’: Jan Broberg Starred in a Beloved WB TV Drama As She Recovered From Her Traumatic Childhood
A Friend of the Family is a dramatization of Broberg’s childhood experience. Her story was previously told in the 2019 Netflix documentary Abducted in Plain Sight and in Broberg’s memoir, Stolen Innocence: The Jan Broberg Story.
When Broberg was nearly 12 years old, her parents’ friend, Robert “B” Berchtold, brainwashed her and the Broberg family to the point where they trusted him blindly. He then abducted the young girl from under her parents’ noses and sexually abused her without anyone noticing.
The Peacock series stars McKenna Grace, Jake Lacy, Colin Hanks, and Anna Paquin. It was produced by Broberg and her mother, Mary Ann.
Jan Broberg went on to become an actor
Following her assault, Broberg pursued a career as an actor. She started in 1992 and earned small roles in several films, including In the Line of Duty: Siege at Marion, Deliver Them from Evil: The Taking of Alta View, Slaughter of the Innocents, and The Poof Point. She also appeared on episodes of TV shows like Touched By An Angel and Cover Me: Based on the True Life of an FBI Family.
In 2002, Broberg landed a recurring role as Nurse Louise in the WB TV drama, Everwood. She appeared on the show until its final season aired in 2006. The Greg Berlanti series also starred Chris Pratt, Emily VanCamp, Treat Williams, Gregory Smith, Debra Mooney, John Beasley, and Vivien Cardone.