Michael Landon’s Holiday Legacy of Love

During my formative years, Michael Landon seemed to be everywhere. And he always seemed to be such a force for good. I first noticed Michael in the role of Little Joe on Bonanza. Little Joe wasn’t my favorite character on the show; that honor will forever go to Dan Blocker, who played Hoss. Still, Little Joe was a close second.

After Bonanza, Landon starred in NBC’s version of the beloved Little House on the Prairie books. It was there that I first got an inkling that Michael might be one of those people who, like me, really got into the holiday season — and used it as a time to truly spread love and joy to all of those around him.