Michael Landon is one of the most famous television stars of all times. He endeared himself to many people around the world primarily on the strength of his roles as Little Joe on Bonanza and then as Charles Ingalls on Little House On The Prairie. Both have gone down as well loved family friendly television shows that many people continue to love to this day. But here are five things you may not have known about Michael Landon.

Michael Landon appeared on Bonanza for 14 seasons, Little House On The Prairie for 8 seasons, and then Highway to Heaven for 6 seasons. Highly unusual that with 28 seasons of popular TV shows under his belt he never won an Emmy Award.

Michael Landon was 25 years old when he contributed his first script to Bonanza, six years later at the age of 31 he would direct an episode of the long running western.

Melissa Gilbert (who played Laura Ingalls on Little House On The Prairie) named her son Michael after Michael Landon.

Michael Landon’s given name at birth was: Eugene Maurice Orowitz

Michael Landon had nine children during his three marriages.

Michael Landon will forever be remembered as one of the most loved performers in the world of television. His family friendly roles, writing, and television series’ continue to make him one of the best remembered Hollywood personalities.