Michael Landon

Michael Landon, born October 31, 1936, was an actor, director, and producer. As the star of long-running TV series like Bonanza and Little House on the Prairie, Landon became one of the most iconic television stars of the 20th century.

Early Life

Michael Landon was born in Forest Hills, New York, and grew up in Collingswood, New Jersey. His mother, Peggy Orowitz, struggled with mental health issues and attempted suicide when Landon was a child, which left him with emotional trauma. Landon was a star athlete on his high school track and field team, earning a scholarship to the University of Southern California. However, a torn ligament ended his athletic career.

Acting Career and Rise to Fame

Landon switched gears to acting, and at 22, landed a star-making role as Little Joe Cartwright on the western series Bonanza. The show was a massive hit and remains one of the longest-running American TV series in history, with 14 seasons. Landon was the breakout star and even got to write and direct some episodes. He stayed with the show for its entire run, which ended in 1973.

Little House on the Prairie

After Bonanza, Landon quickly landed another massively successful series: Little House on the Prairie. Landon’s performance as patriarch Charles Ingalls further cemented his status as a television icon and one of TV’s most famous dads. He left the series before its ninth and final season.

Highway to Heaven

After leaving Little House, Landon created the western drama Father Murphy, starring former co-star Merlin Olsen, which ran for two seasons on NBC. Landon also created and starred in the fantasy drama Highway to Heaven, playing an angel sent to Earth to help people in need. The series was a success and ran for five seasons.

Affair and Scandal

While Little House cemented Landon as a wholesome father figure, his image took a hit when his affair with series makeup artist Cindy Clerico came to light. Landon was married to his second wife, Lynn Noe, at the time, and the couple had four children, so the affair caused a significant scandal. It also led to a long-standing rift between Landon and his Little House cast members, especially Melissa Gilbert, although they later reconciled. Landon and Clerico married and were together until Landon’s death.

Illness and Death

In 1991, Landon was diagnosed with inoperable and terminal pancreatic cancer. Landon was open about his diagnosis, using the opportunity to raise awareness about cancer. He made a final appearance on The Tonight Show shortly before his death. He died on July 1, 1991, and was buried on July 5. Over 500 guests attended the funeral service, including former U.S. President Ronald Reagan and First Lady Nancy Reagan.