Michael Landon Was 'Larger-Than-Life Surrogate Father' for Melissa Gilbert Yet They Had Rift before His Death

Michael Landon was the parent Melissa Gilbert never had. He showed her the ropes during her early years as an actress, and away from the camera, he was inspiring — becoming her larger-than-life surrogate father. Somehow their relationship became strained. However, Gilbert returned the same care by becoming his caregiver before his death.

Melissa Gilbert has accomplished quite an incredible feat throughout her personal life and career. The 58-year-old is an actress, TV director, producer, politician, and author.

Amid the many hats on her head, first-time lovers of the iconic TV drama "Little House on the Prairie" would forever remember her as the little Laura Ingalls, who played the daughter of Charles Ingalls (Michael Landon).

Gilbert's life on-screen was happy; she had a father to lean on, but away from the cameras, she lived a more complicated life. While speaking about her roots, in an interview, she explained, "I do not have a family tree, I have a family shrub." This was her honest reality.

Twenty-four hours after her birth, she was adopted by Barbara Crane and Paul Gilbert. They were actors, raising their daughter lovingly while they hid a secret from her until she was over 40.

At age 11, her adoptive parents claimed that her biological dad had died of a stroke, but more than three decades later, at age 45, she discovered that he had taken his life.

She was blessed to have a father figure in Landon during her childhood. The duo co-starred as father and daughter on the big screens, but simultaneously, in reality, their bond was solid.

Out of the hundreds of children who auditioned for the "Little House on the Prairie," Gilbert was shortlisted for the role. But despite the excitement, she had trouble remembering her lines while on set.

Surprisingly, Landon, an actor and a director in the series, stepped in, patiently teaching her how to memorize the lines. According to Gilbert:

"Just burst into tears, 'cause I was busted. And he said, 'Just calm down. We're gonna do this. You're gonna learn your lines.' And we did it and we did it and we did it. And I finally got it. And I was ready. And I said, 'Thank you so much.' And I hugged him. And he said, 'You're so welcome.'"

After the episode, Landon tried to boost her confidence. Finally, he stirred her to affirm that she would never lose her lines. Eventually, Gilbert promised, and it never happened again.

But this was merely the beginning of a great relationship between the on-screen father and daughter. Behind the scenes, Gilbert trusted Landon as much as she did on TV.

The actor reciprocated the emotions by giving her support and a shoulder to lean on. Finally, Gilbert could show her true self with Landon, and she began to wish he was her father. In her words:

"I wanted him to be my father substitute. I loved that man and I loved the way I always felt safe, crying with him…it was on film. But generally, I was crying about what was going on with me for real when I was with him."

As a child -star, Gilbert was always excited to be on set, as it allowed her to meet with Landon and other cast members, enjoy the outdoor scenery, and play with horses and cows. But, For her, "work was a fantasy," with her "larger-than-life-surrogate father in Michael Landon."

But as with relationships, sometimes, things happen that can cause strain. Gilbert and Landon were no exception. Despite their great start, the father-daughter duo was estranged for a few years.

Gilbert Decided to Pick a Side, Thereby Straining Her Relationship with Landon

Gilbert was hit with the news that her on-screen dad was divorcing his wife, whom she referred to as Aunty Lynn. The actress has become close to Landon, his wife, and their kids, which made this a devastating blow to her.

Eventually, the actress became his caregiver until his death on July 1, 1991. Landon was surrounded by his family, loved ones, and friends.

The "Little House on the Prairie" star had an affair with Cindy, a stand-in makeup artist for the show. Gilbert's adoptive mom explained that they needed to stay strong for the family—everyone excluding her larger-than-life surrogate father.

While she felt sorry for his kids, who had become her close friends, she was angry at their father, with whom she continued working on the TV series. The actress mentioned:

"At a certain point, I thought…what about me? I have to work with Mike. I can't take sides. Yet he's done something that's turned my world into angry, opposing sides. So I was put in a horribly uncomfortable position."

But this was only the beginning of their rift. Following Landon's divorce from his second wife, Lynn, the iconic show, "Little House on the Prairie," which brought smiles to the faces of its audience and actors, was canceled. Following the discontinuation of the show, Gilbert refrained from speaking to Landon.

Gilbert Reached Out to Landon Before His Untimely Death

Although Gilbert refrained from keeping in touch with her TV father for many years, she appreciated his efforts and showed compassion when it was necessary.

Landon was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in April 1991, and a few months later, he shared his health battle on "The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson."

The interview tugged at the audience's hearts, who showed concern for his health. After watching him on air, Gilbert reluctantly phoned and scheduled a meeting at his home. Eventually, the actress became his caregiver until his death on July 1, 1991. Landon was surrounded by his family, loved ones, and friends.

Landon lived an inspiring life despite his affair and second divorce. He was a respected man dedicated to acting and bringing out the best in people.

The actor invested time in relationships, as he did with Gilbert, and many years after his demise, the memories they shared continue to reverberate.

If you or someone you know is considering suicide, please contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255), text "help" to the Crisis Text Line at 741-741, or go to suicidepreventionlifeline.org.