Anyone that knows Little House on The Prairie knows how important Michael Landon is. Sure, he's the main patriarch of the show so he's an integral figure. However, everyone he ever worked with lauded him as a foundational part of their lives too. One such person is Melissa Gilbert, who plays the second oldest daughter to Landon's Charles Ingalls character. She always looked towards him as a father figure in real life, in addition to the show. Now, 34 years after he's passed from pancreatic cancer, she reflects on his impact on her.
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Recently, Melissa reposted a set of pictures of Michael Landon from the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network. Their post reads, "He was the first public figure to announce that he was diagnosed with #pancreaticcancer, and in doing so, brought much awareness to the disease. But he wasn't just a Hollywood icon — he was a father, a storyteller, a dreamer. And on the anniversary of his passing, his family shares with us how they keep his legacy alive."
Gilber then posts her own thoughts, captured by PEOPLE. She writes, "Wow. 34. Hard to believe." Additionally, she sends her love to all nine of the late Landon's children.
Melissa Gilbert Shows Love to Michael Landon 34 Years After His Passing
The closeness is evident in her personal life too. She names her child Michael Boxleitner in Landon's honor when he was born in 1995. In some sense, a part of Landon always remains with Gilbert.
Similar to Melissa and her experience, Jason Bateman lauds Michael Landon as someone incredibly easy to be around. He notes the way he led in his life was something he looked up to in his own life as he got older. ""His ease with people, with the process, with the business, with Just Joe on the street. Women are crazy about him. Guys wanna be his buddy," Bateman says. "Watching him juggle all those balls and be this leader and presence on a set and be kind with people, but also be kind of a stern boss if he needs to, that was pretty inspirational."
