Melissa Gilbert, known for her role as Laura Ingalls in Little House on the Prairie, recently shared heartwarming stories about her late co-star Michael Landon. Gilbert reminisced about Landon’s extraordinary efforts to ensure the cast and crew had a memorable holiday season.
Gilbert fondly remembers that every year, Landon would voluntarily wake up at 3 a.m. to announce the Rose Parade for NBC. Instead of keeping the payment for himself, he used that money to buy amazing Christmas presents for everyone involved in the show. Landon’s selflessness and dedication meant sacrificing his New Year’s Eves to bring joy to his Little House family.
Not only was Landon a wonderful co-star, but Gilbert also described him as a father figure. Having lost her own father at a young age, Gilbert found solace in Landon’s paternal care. She shared that after two years of working together, he stepped in and watched over her, providing guidance and support.
“Michael wrote, directed, and produced the show,” Gilbert emphasized, explaining that Little House on the Prairie owes its success to Landon’s vision and hard work. She added that everyone gathered at the 50th Anniversary Cast Reunion and Festival owed their presence to Landon’s legacy. Gilbert believes that Landon would be incredibly proud to witness the reunion, as the show holds a special place in the hearts of many.
Reflecting on her time on set, Gilbert expressed how overwhelmed she felt returning to Big Sky Ranch for the reunion. The nine seasons they spent filming there flooded her with memories and emotions. Being part of Little House on the Prairie was a truly impactful experience for her.
As the event concluded, Gilbert couldn’t help but feel blessed to have been cast in such an iconic show. She acknowledged the honor it was to be part of something that touched the lives of so many people. For Gilbert, the reunion served as a reminder of the lasting impact their work had on audiences.
