Childhood and Education Journey of Michael Landon in Timeline

How education and upbringing influenced the life of Michael Landon. A timeline of key moments.

Michael Landon was a prominent American actor and filmmaker, widely recognized for his roles in popular television series. He gained fame as Little Joe Cartwright in "Bonanza," embodying a charismatic cowboy. Subsequently, he starred as Charles Ingalls in "Little House on the Prairie," portraying a loving father and pioneer. Later, he took on the role of Jonathan Smith in "Highway to Heaven," an angel sent to help people. Landon's frequent appearances on the cover of TV Guide highlighted his popularity and impact on television culture.

Sections (3)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements

1933: Birth of Evelyn Orowitz

In 1933, Evelyn Orowitz, Michael Landon's sister, was born three years before him.

1935: Publication of Little House on the Prairie Book

In 1935, Laura Ingalls Wilder wrote the book that became the basis for the television series "Little House on the Prairie".

October 31, 1936: Michael Landon Born

On October 31, 1936, Michael Landon, born Eugene Maurice Orowitz, was born. He was an American actor and filmmaker known for his roles in "Bonanza", "Little House on the Prairie", and "Highway to Heaven".

1941: Orowitz Family Move

In 1941, when Landon was four years old, his family moved to Collingswood, New Jersey.

1954: Record Javelin Throw

In 1954, Michael Landon made the longest throw (193 ft 4 in) by a high schooler in the United States, earning him an athletic scholarship.

February 1959: Death of Landon's Father

In February 1959, Michael Landon's father died from a heart attack.

1962: Motel Room Incident

In 1962, Michael Landon allegedly damaged a motel room wall during a stay while headlining the local county fair in Neligh, Nebraska. The room, now called the Michael Landon Suite, was preserved with a plaque commemorating the incident.

1973: Car Accident Involving Eldest Daughter

In 1973, Michael Landon's eldest daughter, Cheryl, was the sole survivor of a serious car collision in Tucson, Arizona. She was hospitalized with serious injuries and remained in a coma for days.

1977: John Everingham's Rescue in Laos

In 1977, Australian photojournalist John Everingham successfully attempted to scuba dive under the Mekong to rescue his lover from communist-ruled Laos.

March 1981: Death of Michael Landon's Mother

In March 1981, Michael Landon's mother, Peggy, died.

1985: People Profile

A 1985 profile in People described Michael Landon as a conservative close to Ronald Reagan.

1990: Hosting America's Missing Children

During the 1990-91 season, Michael Landon appeared as host of the CBS special "America's Missing Children", which explored cases of missing children. He also supported a proenvironmentalist proposition in California

1990: Support for Pro-Environmentalist Proposition

In 1990, Michael Landon supported a pro-environmentalist proposition in California.

1991: Final Tonight Show Appearance

In 1991, during Michael Landon's final Tonight Show appearance, Johnny Carson recounted a prank Landon played on him at a restaurant.

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1991: Criticism of Political Polarization

In a 1991 interview, Michael Landon criticized political polarization and political correctness in America.

May 2009: Death of Landon's Adopted Son

In May 2009, Michael Landon's adopted son Mark died.

2011: Plaque Removal from Knight Park

In 2011, the plaque commemorating "Little Treehouse on the Prairie" in Knight Park, Collingswood, was removed during a fall cleanup and was later given to a local newspaper by an unnamed person.

2021: Karen Grassle Publishes Memoir

In 2021, Karen Grassle, Landon's "Little House" co-star, released her memoir, "Bright Lights, Prairie Dust: Reflections on Life, Loss, and Love by House's Ma," detailing her troubled relationship with Landon and derogatory remarks he made about her on set.