Melissa Gilbert Remembers Unique Relationship With Michael Landon 50 Years After “Little House On The Prairie”

Little House On The Prairie was an American television drama that took the world by storm. Loosely based on the Little House children’s books, this series was one of the most popular TV shows of all time. Now, the show is celebrating its 50th anniversary, and Melissa Gilbert is sharing her memories of Michael Landon.

Fond Memories Of The Relationship Between Melissa Gilbert and Michael Landon

Melissa Gilbert played Laura Ingalls Wilder, the second oldest daughter of Charles Ingalls in the show. Charles Ingalls was played by Michael Landon. PEOPLE shared that during a recent interview, Melissa discussed her experience with working with Michael.

Although he played her father on the show, off-screen, the two shared a special friendship. Melissa stated, “Michale was the quarterback right? So he set the tone of what we were doing.” She shared that she was the only cast member who regularly socialized with him and his family

Melissa Gilbert continued on, sharing more details about the closeness of their bond. “We all vacationed together during spring break to Hawaii — the same hotel every year.” She even mentioned the bond that she had with Mike’s children. She stated, “Mike’s kids went to the same school I went to. I slept over at their house all of the time. They slept over at my house.”

A Special Friendship

Besides being close with one another’s family, Michael Landon also knew how to make work on set more enjoyable. Melissa Gilbert admitted that she still photography makes her feel awkward. So Michael would help make those moments more comfortable for her.

She shared, ” He would do everything in his power to make me laugh while we were shooting pictures…I’m laughing, and it’s because he had just taken one of my pigtails and shoved it up my nose.” Michael’s kindness did not just stop with Melissa. He extended it to the rest of the cast of Little House O n The Prairie .

Melissa Gilbert shared, “Every year for NBC, he would announce the Rose Parade, and instead of taking a payment for that, he would use that money to buy the cast and crew Christmas presents every year.” Unfortunately, Michale Landon passed away in 1991 after being diagnosed with pancreatic cancer, but he lives on through his loving actions and the memories of those whose lives he impacted.

This story’s featured image is by Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images.

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