Michael Landon Spent Final 24 Hours with Kids near His Bed: His Son Cared for Him like a Child

• "Little House on the Prairie" star Michael Landon left for his final abode at only 54.
• He had been diagnosed with pancreatic cancer—which claimed his life in just three months.
• Landon spent his last moments surrounded by the comforting presence of his wife and nine children.

Michael Landon was an acclaimed American actor and filmmaker. Born on October 31, 1936, in Forest Hills, Queens, New York, he gained fame for portraying memorable characters, like Little Joe Cartwright in "Bonanza," Charles Ingalls in "Little House on the Prairie," and Jonathan Smith in "Highway to Heaven."

He achieved an extraordinary milestone in his career by gracing the cover of TV Guide an impressive 22 times, a remarkable accomplishment that placed him second only to Lucille Ball.

In addition to his successful career, Landon experienced several significant events in his personal life. He was married three times and had a total of nine children.

Despite his deteriorating condition, he found solace in those precious moments.

His first marriage was to Dodie Levy Fraser in 1956, resulting in the birth of two children. After their divorce, Landon entered into a second marriage with Lynn Noe in 1963, with whom he had four more children: Leslie Ann, Michael Jr., Shawna Leigh, and Christopher Beau.

Unfortunately, Landon's second marriage faced difficulties and ended after 19 years. During this period, he became involved in an affair with Cindy Clerico, who later became his third wife.

Despite facing scrutiny due to their significant age difference, Landon and Clerico chose to embark on a new chapter together.

Throughout his relationship with Clerico, Landon welcomed two more children into his family. Jennifer Rachel Landon was born in 1983, followed by their son Matthew three years later. However, tragedy struck when Landon received devastating news on April 5, 1991—he was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer.

This diagnosis deeply impacted his family, particularly his youngest daughter Jennifer, who was just eight years old at the time. The Landon family faced the challenging journey of his illness, but sadly, Landon succumbed to the disease three months later, passing away at the age of 54.

Despite his personal challenges, the "Love Is Forever" alum's contributions to the entertainment industry and the enduring impact of his performances continue to be remembered and celebrated.

Michael Landon's Health Ordeal & Support from Family

Amid his battle with cancer, Landon explored various avenues to combat the disease. Known for his resilient spirit, he underwent experimental chemotherapy and embraced a "natural" approach that included a predominantly vegetarian diet and acupuncture.

Throughout his illness, he maintained an optimistic front, assuring his loved ones that everything was fine whenever they inquired about his well-being. However, the devastating news soon arrived that the tumor in his pancreas had doubled in size within a month, with the cancer having already spread to his liver.

The signs of Landon's declining health became evident on Father's Day, June 16, 1991, when he struggled to ascend the stairs with the aid of a portable oxygen tank. His son Chris vividly recalled the transformation in their relationship as he took on a caretaking role, helping his father up the stairs.

Overwhelmed by the realization that he had never expressed his sorrow for his father's impending loss, Chris tearfully admitted his regrets in an interview, where his sister Leslie consoled him, assuring him that it was okay.

As the weeks passed, there was a poignant shift in the dynamics between Landon and his family. A sense of longing filled his eyes as he watched his loved ones, even anticipating the arrival of future generations.

The "Sam's Son" actor was said to have placed his hand on his daughter-in-law's pregnant belly, closing his eyes and radiating love towards the unborn baby. Despite his deteriorating condition, he found solace in those precious moments.

Landon and his third wife, Clerico, sought to prepare their children, Jennifer and Sean, for his eventual passing. They read a children's book titled "Butterflies," using the analogy of a butterfly emerging from a cocoon to explain the concept of death.

The TV icon even reassured his children about heaven, making Jennifer smile by telling her she could indulge in as many marshmallows as she desired in the afterlife.

In late June 1991, a visiting nurse delivered a somber prognosis, stating that Landon had at most a day left to live. Soon after the heart-shattering news, Clerico summoned the children back to the ranch to say their final goodbyes.

They gathered in their father's bedroom, knowing the inevitable was imminent. Encouraging their dad to let go, they expressed their unswerving love and support. In a subsequent interview, a devastated Chris reflected that no matter how many goodbyes they said, it would never be enough.

That night, the older children camped out on the sofas while Sean, in the early hours of the morning, shared a heartfelt desire for his father to return to them. He imagined his dad as a crab, able to cut through the clouds and reunite with his family.

Eventually, the dreadful moment arrived. Clerico remained by her husband's side as he took his last breath on Monday, July 1, 1991, in the early afternoon. His final words to her were a simple yet profound declaration of his feelings: "I love you."

Having witnessed the entire process, Clerico managed to maintain a remarkable sense of calmness, believing that her experience had prepared her for that moment.

The night following Landon's passing, both Clerico and Jennifer found solace in sleeping with an article of his clothing, cherishing the tangible connection to their beloved husband and father.

How Michael Landon's Son Handled His Death & His Life Afterward

After the passing of Landon, his son Chris faced the profound loss of his father. Over time, he found solace in believing they would be reunited again one day.

In 1997, Chris had a significant personal journey when he came out as gay. He had previously dated women but realized he needed to explore his feelings and embrace his sexuality. Coming out was a sudden realization for him, and he decided to be honest about his identity.

Chris' family, including his stepmother, were supportive and understanding throughout the process. They did not perceive Landon as a homophobe, and his public image did not align with any close-minded beliefs.

Chris' stepmother even mentioned that his father had an intuition about Chris' sexuality before he officially came out. The family embraced Chris' truth and provided love and acceptance during this crucial time in his life.

Today, Chris has a family of his own. He frequently shares heartwarming posts on social media to express his joy and gratitude for his loved ones.

On Valentine's Day, he expressed his love and appreciation for his spouse, emphasizing their significant role in his life. He also dedicated a birthday post to his son, showering him affectionately and celebrating their special bond.

In 2021, Chris faced another challenge when he was diagnosed with kidney cancer. He underwent emergency surgery to remove part of his kidney, and fortunately, the cancer was caught early and had not spread.

Chris highlighted the importance of being proactive about one's health and encouraged others to prioritize regular check-ups and screenings. He was grateful for the support of his medical team, his husband, and his family and friends as he navigated his battle with cancer.

Chris continues to raise awareness about important health issues and advocate for self-care, all while cherishing the love he shares with his spouse and his bond with his son.