Melissa Gilbert (62) remembered her former TV father Michael Landon (1936-1991) on the 35th anniversary of his death with an emotional message. The actor, who portrayed Charles Ingalls in the series "Unsere kleine Farm", died on July 1, 1991. At 54 years old, he lost his battle against pancreatic cancer.
"Loved Your Father"
"Thirty-five years ago today, the world lost a creative genius", Gilbert began her message in an Instagram post. Landon wasn't just a talented actor, director, screenwriter, and producer. "Mike was my friend, my colleague, and my mentor", Gilbert wrote. "I always felt like the luckiest girl in the world because he chose me as his 'Halfpint'", she added, referring to the nickname her character had and that Landon also used for her.
She learned a lot about the TV and film industry from him. "And I learned so much more. He loved his family with all his heart." Their families often traveled together. During vacations, she observed "how he showered his children with love and attention".
Over the past 35 years, Gilbert has often thought of him and wondered: "'What would Mike do?'. I miss him. I miss his giggle. I miss his warmth. But most of all, I miss that he's no longer with us today to create more of his works of art for all of us." On his death anniversary, her thoughts are with his children and the entire family. "Man, I loved your father... and I love you all so much", the actress emphasized. She shared several photos together with her message, showing her embracing her TV father, among others.
First Major Series Role in "Bonanza"
The two appeared together on camera for eight seasons. In the ninth season, Melissa Gilbert continued to play his daughter Laura Ingalls, while Michael Landon focused on his work as executive producer, director, and screenwriter.
He had already taken on his first well-known role before "Unsere kleine Farm". In the Western series "Bonanza", he portrayed "Little Joe" Cartwright, the youngest son of the Cartwright family, for 14 years.
