Michael Landon
Trivia: Landon is buried about 50 yards from his Bonanza co-star, Lorne Greene.
More: I saw a talk show a while back, featuring one of Landon's daughters. She claimed that Michael talks to her from the beyond, and tells her what to do with his money. Charitable contributions, etc. Though I don't necessarily disbelieve these stories, the impression I got was that she should invest in long term accommodation at the HooHoo Hotel.
MORE, sent in 19 April, 2001 by Findadeath.com friend Dan Carlin:
Michael Landon was born and raised in Collingswood, New Jersey, and attended Collingswood high school there. He was the spokesperson for W.A.R., Women Against Rape, which is based there. Joan McKenna is the head of this national group. There is a memorial set up in a local park to honor him, near the home where he grew up.
UPDATE December 2004, from Findadeath friend Don:
Thanks for the info, Don!
UPDATE February 2005, from Findadeath friend Carmen:
When I was in LA 87-91, I had a client whose husband was best friends with Landon. Their children had guest appearances all the time on the "Prairie" show to boost their income, so naturally it behooved her to say he was an angel. Anyhoo - she said Landon was a fantastic friend, and helped a lot of people out who were not as wealthy as he was, but I became to know the other more money grubbing side which I'll get to.
I also knew Melissa Sue in '90 when she was a make-up artist at the Lancome' counter at Topanga Canyon Mall. She and another cast member clued me in on the fact that the crew had A LOT of medical problems that were believed to be caused by the land that they filmed on, which Landon bought very cheap because it was right next to Rocketdyne in Simi Valley, (LA'ers call it "Slimy Valley), which produced lots of weaponry that has always been toxic. Anyway, if you can get the scoop on the demise of the cast most likely they are all on their last leg. Melissa was very nice and I knew her boyfriend, a rocker at that time, and I felt sorry for all those people who worked on such dangerous property which Landon knew full well the details. Yes, he could have been a drinker and smoker, but he sure was young to have all those tumors. I am pretty sure the remaining cast members have serious health issues today. Thanks and I LOVE your site!
Thanks for the info, Carmen!
Also February 2005, from Findadeath friend Tim:
I was one of those in vigil at Michael Landon's
gate. I deeply regret it now, but at the time I wanted to
test it, and see if prolonged and intense prayer
would help to heal this man who brought so much good
into the world through entertainment. I was doing
"a good thing" to bring help down from God for him.
I was there all day at his gate and slept in my car
three days or so. I never spoke or intruded in any
other way, but prayed there by the gate. I thought
it was worth a try. I'd never done anything like
that before. Michael's kids and friends and actors
on the shows were nice to me and one waved to me on
the coast highway.
As fate had it, my car broke down the day I was
leaving, and his wife Cindy Landon was driving by
and stopped and called me by name, and was very very
nice to me. She acted as though she was glad I was
there, but she might have just been polite. She
gave me a lift in her Mercedes and offered to repair
my car, and I declined the offer, not wanting to be
any burden to her life. I found alternate help and
had the car towed, but before I left, Cindy sent out
a box of lunch for me and a $50 bill that her
servant said would go bad for me to turn down.
That's a pretty class act.
Thanks for the info, Tim!