The late actor, Michael Landon, born Eugene Maurice Orowitz, is perhaps best known for his role of Charles Ingalls on the long running television series Little House on the Prairie, alongside actress Melissa Gilbert. Landon was born on October 31, 1936, in Queens, New York, into a family of entertainers. His father, Eli Orowitz, was an actor, and his mother, Peggy O’Neill, was a dancer.  He had one sister named Evelyn. On July 1, 1991, Landon succumbed to pancreatic cancer at 54 years old. He is survived by his wife of eight years, former makeup artist Cindy Clerico, as well as his eight children and one stepdaughter.

After guest starring on a number of television shows, Landon landed his first major role on the classic television western, Bonanza.

His 14 year long role of Little Joe Cartwright, from 1959 to 1973, gave way to future major roles, including Little House on the Prairie and Highway to Heaven. Besides acting, Landon was  a director and producer. He directed and produced several episodes of  Little House on the Prairie as well as episodes of  Father Murphy and Highway to Heaven. He also directed several episodes of Bonanza as well as the 1984 film titled Sam’s Son.

Landon’s hard work and dedication throughout the years earned him a Golden Globe nomination, a Western Heritage Award, a Bambi Award as well as a Golden Boot Award. He was also honored with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. Though Landon is no longer with us, his incredible talent and fighting spirit lives on in our memories forever. His life is remembered in the books Michael Landon: His Triumph and Tragedy, written by Aileen Joyce, as well as I Promised My Dad: An Intimate Portrait of Michael Landon, written by his daughter, Cheryl Landon Wilson.