• Michael Landon was a famous actor
  • He starred in shows like 'Bonanza'
  • Learn more about his cause of death at the age of 54

Michael Landon (†54) was an integral part of television since the 1950s. The actor had great success with "Bonanza" and Little House on the Prairie. Alongside Melissa Gilbert, he was one of the most popular actors in Little House on the Prairie. In 1991, the actor died from cancer.

Only a few months before his death Michael Landon had made his illness public. Since April 1991 Landon knew that he was suffering from pancreatic cancer. Later, at a press conference, Landon stated that he would fight the cancer, but unfortunately, no surgery was possible.

Michael Landon succumbed to cancer

In May 1991 Michael Landon had his last appearance on television at the Tonight Show. At that time the cancer was already very advanced. The actor was confident and combative towards presenter Johnny Carson (†79), but even then the cancer was in the process of attacking his liver.

A little later, on 1 July 1991, Michael Landon lost the fight and died in the presence of his family. His death was a shock for his fans, the actor had remained optimistic in public until the end.

Michael Landon was a television legend

Michael Landon had his big breakthrough with the role of "Joe Cartwright" in the series Bonanza which was produced from 1959 to 1973. Only one year later he took over the role of the family father "Charles Ingalls" in Little House on the Prairie. After the end of the show he played in the series Highway to Heaven.

Privately Michael Landon was married three times, he was with his last wife Cindy until his death. Altogether, Landon had nine children.

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