Melissa Gilbert Pens Loving Tribute To Michael Landon 34 Years After His Death
Michael Landon died on July 1, 1991. His "Little House on the Prairie" co-star, Melissa Gilbert, shared a tribute to him on the anniversary of his death. (Photo Credits: Gary Null / NBCU Photo Bank / NBCUniversal via Getty Images & NBCU Photo Bank / NBCUniversal via Getty Images)
Michael Landon Died 34 Years Ago On July 1, 1991
July 1 marked the 34th anniversary of Michael Landon‘s death, and he received a heartfelt tribute from his Little House on the Prairie co-star, Melissa Gilbert.
Melissa was only 10 years old when Little House on the Prairie premiered in 1974. She played Laura Ingalls (eventually Wilder), while Michael played her father, Charles “Pa” Ingalls.
Melissa and Michael developed a close bond, with Gilbert once telling PEOPLE:
“Michael Landon was like a father figure to many of us, obviously, and a very, very important influence in my life.” She added, “My own father passed away when I was 11. And I had been working with Michael for two years at that point, and he really sort of stepped in and kind of watched over me in a much more paternal way.”
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Michael received a pancreatic cancer diagnosis in April 1991, eight years after Little House on the Prairie ended. He died in Malibu, California, just three months later, on July 1, 1991. He was only 54 years old.
Michael was laid to rest in a private mausoleum at the Hillside Memorial Park Cemetery in Culver City, California. A message on his headstone reads, “He seized life with joy. He gave to life generously. He leaves a legacy of love and laughter.”
Melissa Gilbert Remembers Michael Landon, Says It’s “Hard To Believe” He’s Been Gone For 34 Years
Melissa shared an emotional tribute to Michael on the 34th anniversary of his death. She expressed her disbelief that so many years have passed, writing, “Wow. 34. Hard to believe.”
The actress ended her post by sending her love to Michael’s family and children on the difficult day.
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Michael had nine kids, many of whom followed in his footsteps by pursuing careers in entertainment. Yellowstone fans are familiar with his youngest daughter, Jennifer, who played Teeter from Season 3 through Season 5.
Gilbert’s tribute contained a repost from the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network, which recognized Landon’s death anniversary by sharing messages from his children.
“Pancreatic cancer is still underfunded… We need to keep fighting and there is no better organization to do that with than PanCAN,” said Jennifer Landon.
Michael’s son, Chris Landon, said, “Professionally, I try to bring the same passion and compassion Dad was so widely known for. His sets were a welcoming place for all and his cast and crew were his other family. Emulating that kind of environment is my first priority, and I learned that from watching him at work.”
“It is pretty amazing that there are still so many people out there that love and miss him, and I am always grateful when I get to see pictures or old TV clips I have never seen before. My father truly does have some of the best fans on the planet,” said Michael’s son, Sean.
Those wishing to honor Michael’s legacy can donate to the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network in his name.Â
