Michael Landon was a beloved television star who captured hearts in not just one, but three iconic series. His breakout role as Little Joe in “Bonanza” made him a household name, with his character becoming the youthful, vibrant core of the top-rated show of the 1960s. Set in the 19th century, “Bonanza” resonated with Baby Boomers, who saw reflections of themselves in the spirited youngest Cartwright.
In the following decades, Landon solidified his reputation as the King of Heartwarming Television. He charmed audiences as the lead in “Little House on the Prairie” during the 1970s and continued to inspire with “Highway to Heaven” in the 1980s.
Let’s dive into some fascinating details about the life and enduring legacy of Michael Landon.
- Michael Landon was not his real name.
Eugene Maurice Orowitz, born on Halloween in Queens, New York, began his life far from the bright lights of Hollywood. As a toddler, Eugene moved with his family to Collingswood, New Jersey, a quaint town outside of Philadelphia—remember that name, as it will come up again later. After dropping out of the University of Southern California, Orowitz found himself working at a gas station near Warner Bros. studio. Fate intervened when he was discovered while pumping gas. Eager to reinvent himself, he chose the name “Michael Landon” from a phone book, marking the beginning of a legendary career.
- He was a javelin ace.
In high school and as a freshman at USC, Eugene Orowitz showcased his exceptional talent for throwing the javelin. In 1954, he set a national high school record with an impressive throw of 193 feet, 4 inches. This remarkable achievement earned him a college scholarship for his track and field prowess. Unfortunately, a severe shoulder injury cut his promising athletic career short.
3. He released a pop single.
Michael Landon’s breakthrough came on the big screen with the title role in “I Was a Teenage Werewolf.” This 1957 horror flick, paired as a double feature with “Invasion of the Saucer Men,” was a financial success. Riding the wave of his newfound fame, Landon ventured into music, releasing a 45 single titled “Gimme A Little Kiss (Will ‘Ya’ Huh).” The catchy, impatient tune was paired with the B-side “Be Patient With Me,” creating an amusing contrast. In some markets, the single was credited simply to “Teenage Werewolf,” capitalizing on his cinematic persona.
4. His first TV role was an unaired pilot with Leonard Nimoy.
In 1955, Michael Landon made his TV debut in a pilot for a Western series called *Luke and the Tenderfoot*. The pilot comprised two episodes, with Landon starring in “The Boston Kid” as a spirited young man. One memorable scene featured him boxing shirtless alongside fellow actor Leonard Nimoy, famous for his later role as Spock. Despite the intriguing pairing of Little Joe and Spock, the episode never aired, leaving fans to wonder what might have been.
5. His wedding episode of *Bonanza* was meant to be for Hoss.
As *Bonanza* progressed and Michael Landon matured, he took on a more significant creative role. By the fourteenth and final season, he had become a major writer and director for the series. Landon wrote and directed the season premiere, the two-part episode “Forever,” in which Little Joe marries Alice Harper (played by Bonnie Bedelia). Originally, the script centered around Hoss’s wedding. However, after costar Dan Blocker passed away in 1972 following the thirteenth season, Landon revised the script to focus on Little Joe instead, incorporating touching tributes to Hoss throughout the episode.
