Although Michael Landon died on July 1, 1991, he lives on in his shows that continue to air daily in many cities throughout the U.S. and around the world. He left us a legacy of 30 years of entertaining and meaningful television work first as Little Joe Cartwright on Bonanza, then as Charles Ingalls on Little House on the Prairie, and finally as Jonathan Smith on Highway to Heaven. I watched them all. But Michael Landon became more than just an actor and I watched as he progressed as a writer, director and producer. He was obviously blessed with many gifts; however, I think his greatest gift was probably the natural ability he had to get his audience to feel emotion, something that is truly lacking in television.
I believe that Michael Landon’s perspective on life is personified by the words to a poem he wrote for an episode of Little House on the Prairie:
Remember me with smiles and laughter,
for that is how I will remember you all.
If you can only remember with tears,
then don't remember me at all.
J.T. O’Neill
Illinois
I can't remember a time when I didn't love Michael. I grew up watching him on Bonanza, and then Little House on the Prairie, and then Highway to Heaven. I always saw every appearance and guest starring role he had on TV and saw every movie he made. He was and is my favorite actor. I always wanted to meet him. I know when I get to heaven I will. He was such a wonderful actor, performer, director, and human being. His talent and his contributions to this world will always be remembered. And he changed the course of television to good, family viewing. I think, although he is still with us, if he was still here on earth, TV would be more toward family togetherness today rather than the direction it has taken. The day that he passed away, when we heard it on TV, I cried so much. I felt like I lost something inside that was very special. I know how close you all were to your dad and in 2005 I lost my own dad to diabetes. I am still grieving, although time does make it easier. I thank the lord that Michael will live on through us, and in his shows. I just wanted you to know how special he was to me.
Take care and God bless.
Trish O.
Cedar Falls, Iowa
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