Melissa Gilbert Wishes for a 'Dose' of Michael Landon's Perspective on 35th Anniversary of “Little House on the Prairie” Costar's Death

Angela AndaloroWed, July 1, 2026 at 8:13 PM UTC

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Melissa Gilbert and Michael Landon in "Little House on the Prairie" in 1974 (left) and 1983Credit: NBCU Photo Bank; Frank Carroll/NBCU Photo Bank -

Melissa Gilbert played Laura Ingalls on Little House on the Prairie and its spinoffs from 1974 to 1984

Gilbert, 62, shared a close bond with her on-screen father, Michael Landon, who also served as her mentor

The actress took time to remember Landon and celebrate his legacy on the 35th anniversary of his death

Melissa Gilbert is paying tribute to her on-screen father and dear friend.

The actress, 62, began Wednesday, July 1 by honoring her Little House on the Prairie costar, Michael Landon, on the 35th anniversary of his death. Sharing photos of the two together throughout the years on Instagram, Gilbert remembered Landon as "a creative powerhouse."

"Michael Landon was one of the most successful actor-writer-director-producers in the history of television. Every show he was a part of ran for years. His TV shows remain a part of many people's lives to this very day. But more than that, Mike was my friend, collaborator and mentor."

"I've always felt like the luckiest girl in the world because he chose me to be his 'Halfpint.' Working with him was more than formative. I learned most of what I know about our industry from him. I learned so much more, too," she continued, praising Landon for how "He loved his family fiercely."

Gilbert recalled spending vacations together and seeing how Landon would "shower his kids with love and attention," adding, "When I was there, he'd fold me right in."

"I can't begin to tell you how many times over the last 35 years, I've thought, 'What would Mike do?' I miss him. I miss his giggle. I miss his warmth. Mostly, I miss the fact that he is not with us these days to make more of his art for all of us. We sure could use a dose of his perspective on things."

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Gilbert concluded by sending love to Landon's children — mentioning Michael Landon Jr., Shawna Landon and Chris Landon, as well as the rest of the Landon family — adding, "Boy, I loved your dad... and I love you all so much."

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Melissa Gilbert and Michael Landon on "Little House on the Prairie"Credit: NBCU Photo Bank/NBCUniversal via Getty

Based on Laura Ingalls Wilder's beloved books of the same name, Little House on the Prairie documented the lives of people in the American Midwest in the late 1800s. The series ran for nine seasons and three TV movies from 1974 to 1984.

In a May 2026 Instagram post, Gilbert revealed a fun connection she learned of that bridged her birth family with her TV family. The actress was adopted at a young age. While her birth mom died before she was able to meet her, the actress did get in contact with her birth father.

"I was today years old when I found out my birth father, David Darlington's middle name was ..... MANLY!" she began. "Manly" was also the nickname Laura Ingalls, whom Gilbert portrayed in Little House on the Prairie, gave to her husband, Almanzo Wilder.

"Thank you to my fifth cousin, @harleesco for being such a stalwart researcher. I also learned that my birth mother, Frances Catherineanne Wood (Cathy), was born on April 26, 1935. My mother, Barbara Gilbert-Cowan was born on April 26, 1936!!!!!!" Gilbert added in the caption.

Gilbert famously began playing Laura Ingalls at just 9 years old and starred on the show for its entire run, with her performance earning her a Golden Globe nomination in 1981.

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Source: “AOL Entertainment”