Tami Sanders

I would venture to guess that when the America's Jr. Miss state winners were announced (back in 1976), their FIRST thought was, "Oh my God...I WON!" And their SECOND thought? "Michael Landon is going to be there!" I know that was exactly what I was thinking! Where most girls had a crush on one of The Beatles back then, I had a crush on Little Joe.

We were only 17 or 18 at the time, spending two awesome weeks in Mobile. The last week Mr. Landon showed up bigger than life. (He was surprisingly shorter than I anticipated, but absolutely gorgeous.)

What was amazing to me at the time, was how warm and friendly and gracious he was. Plus, that laugh of his was absolutely contagious. He knew how nervous we were, and put us to ease right away.

Yes, we all got our 'official' picture taken with him, which was great...but being the bold one - it wasn't enough for me. His dressing room was right down the hall from ours. Kodak armed us with cameras and all the free film we could possibly use! On the night before the broadcast, I was ready early and wandering around taking pictures. "Hmmm....Michael Landon's dressing room door is cracked open....hmmmm!" So I knocked on it...he said "Come in!" So I did - and took a picture of him in his underwear! Now how many people can say that?

From that point on every time I saw him on one of his shows or being interviewed by Johnny Carson, I would smile to myself! To this day that is still a special memory.  What a great man!

Photos courtesy of Tami Sanders, May 1976