About
Biography
Born Eugene Maurice Orowitz in New York City, Michael Landon was an American, director, producer and actor. He starred in many television series, and his career spanned thirty years.
He is best known for his roles as ‘Little Joe’ in Bonanza, ‘Pa – Charles Ingles’ in Little House on the Prairie, and as ‘Jonathan Smith’ in Highway to Heaven. He produced, wrote, and directed many of the episodes in which he appeared. He changed his name in the late 1950s and began with small parts in several productions. He landed his first big role in 1959 in the highly successful television series Bonanza. The series ran for 14 seasons. The following year he starred in Little House on the prairie which ran for a total of 9 seasons. He then went on to produce television series and a movie, but returned to acting as the star in ‘Highway to Heaven’.
He was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in 1991, shortly after beginning a new television series. The cancer spread to his liver and lymph nodes. His four pack a day smoking habit likely contributed to the cancer. He died in 1991.
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My Memory
steven griffin Jun 08, 2009
My Memory of Michael Landon
Alison Nov 10, 2008
family man. I know from all I have read of Michael that this was true in real life. I use to watch little house with my mum and twin sister and at times we would bubble. Just to look at Michael use to bring tears to my eyes because he came across as such a genuine person. To see tears in his eyes reduced me to tears every single time.
I still watch little house to this day. He was an extremley handsome man too. Although a strong looking man he had such a gentle face. A wonderful actor who chose to portray only the things that matter and that's love for each other.
My Memory
dodo Aug 29, 2008
jfclover (Jun 07, 2009)
17 yrs
Kat Jul 08, 2008