“Little House on the Prairie” Actress Melissa Gilbert Remembers Late Co-Star Michael Landon In Touching Tribute
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Melissa Gilbert Honors Beloved Co-Star Michael Landon
Little House on the Prairie star Melissa Gilbert is honoring her television dad, Michael Landon, on what would have been his 90th birthday.
Landon first rose to fame playing Little Joe Cartwright on the hit Western series Bonanza. He later became widely recognized for portraying Charles Ingalls on Little House on the Prairie, a role that helped make him a household name.
Landon also starred in and helped create the television series Highway to Heaven, which aired from 1984 to 1989. Landon worked as a writer, director, and producer throughout his career.
He died on July 1, 1991 following a battle with pancreatic cancer. He was only 54.
Little House on the Prairie followed the Ingalls family as they navigated life on the American frontier during the late 1800s. Landon’s character, Charles, was a loving husband and father.
One of his television daughters was Gilbert, whom he shared a special bond both on and off screen. Gilbert began playing Laura in 1974, when she was just 10 years old. Her character was the second-oldest daughter of Charles and Caroline Ingalls and was often at the center of the show’s storylines.
In honor of his 90th birthday, Gilbert paid tribute to Landon with a touching social media post on Saturday, October 31.
“Ninety years. I wonder what you would think of that. I can almost hear your laugh, see that enchanting twinkle in your eyes, and feel your arms around me. I was just a little girl when you took my hand and changed my life forever,” Gilbert wrote.
Gilbert credited Landon with teaching her valuable life lessons that went far beyond her career. She said they taught her to be brave and always lead with her heart.
She also reflected on how much time has passed since those days, sharing that the little girl with braids has grown into a wife, mother, and grandmother. Despite the years that have gone by, Gilbert said a part of that little girl still lives inside her and continues to miss him dearly.
“You weren’t my father, but you did help raise me. So much of who I am began with you,” she continued.
Landon was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in April 1991 and died just three months later. The late actor was married three times and was a father to nine children.
