According to recent news report by Entertainment Weekly, Little House On The Prarie star Melissa Gilbert paid tribute to her late co-star Micheal Landon by posting throwback photographs on her social media.
Melissa played the character of Laura Ingalls for nine seasons of the series from 1974 to 1983. She paid tribute to her father on the show, on Wednesday, on the occasion of his 1991 anniversary.
Gilbert wrote on Instagram, “Thirty-five years ago today, the world lost a creative powerhouse,” as the caption for a group of pictures featuring her and Landon together both on and off the set.
“One of the most prosperous actors, writers, directors, and producers in television history was Michael Landon. He was a part of several shows that ran for years. Many people’s lives are still influenced by his television programs today.”
Landon was widely known to audiences for his depiction of “Little Joe” Cartwright on ’60s Western Bonanza. In the 1980s, he portrayed the angel Jonathan Smith in Highway to Heaven.More than that, though, Mike was my mentor, friend, and partner,” Gilbert wrote.
He picked me to be his Halfpint, which has always made me feel like the luckiest girl alive.” It was more than just formative to work with him. He taught me the majority of what I know about our sector. I also gained a lot more knowledge.
Landon’s precocious daughter Laura, whom he most frequently referred to by her nickname, had a particular bond with him as Charles.
He had an intense passion for his family, Gilbert stated. “I would spend the night with @lesliematthews1 and my family would vacation with his every spring break and I would get the chance to watch him lavish his kids with love and attention. He would immediately fold me in while I was there.
“I can’t even begin to count how many times over the past 35 years I’ve wondered, ‘What would Mike do?’ I miss him,” she went on. His laugh is something I miss. I long for his coziness. Mostly, I regret that he is no longer with us to create more art for us all.
Melissa Gilbert’s encouraging remarks were made roughly six weeks after she started using Instagram again. After actor Timothy Busfield, her spouse since 2013, was charged with child sex assault, she canceled her account in January.
Between November 2022 and spring 2024, he allegedly groped the young twin boys he worked with on Fox’s The Cleaning Lady, a crime drama in which he executive produced, directed, and acted.
Busfield, who starred on popular television shows like Thirty something and The West Wing, refuted the accusations against him and entered a not guilty plea. May is when his trial is scheduled. Gilbert has backed him.
About Melissa Gilbert
Melissa Ellen Gilbert is an American actress, director of television, producer, politician, and the former president of the Screen Actors Guild.
Melissa Gilbert began her career as a young actress in the late 1960s, taking part in many commercials and guest roles on television. From 1974 to 1983, she portrayed Laura Ingalls Wilder, the second eldest daughter of Charles Ingalls (played by Michael Landon) on NBC’s Little House on the Prairie. While Little House was airing, Gilbert also featured in several made-for-TV movies, such as The Diary of Anne Frank and The Miracle Worker.
Edited by Saumeya Mehrotra