Melissa Gilbert Reflects On Her ‘Little House On The Prairie’ Co-Star’s Ordeal With Cancer

Over three decades after Michael Landon’s passing, his TV daughter Melissa Gilbert is reflecting on their time together on Little House On The Prairie and his ordeal with cancer. The actor died three months after announcing his diagnosis in 1991, leaving his loved ones and fans devastated.

Melissa told PEOPLE that Landon’s kind of cancer felt like a tornado to her as it came with no warning and little to no survival rate. Landon reportedly avoided the doctor until he experienced unbearable pain in his stomach, which led him to go for a full checkup.

What kind of cancer did Michael Landon have?

At 54, Landon announced that he had pancreatic cancer, which Melissa described as a brutal and pernicious disease. He was on vacation with his third wife, Cindy, when he went in early for his doctor’s appointment in Utah and received the saddening news.

The late actor, who played Charles Ingalls in the series, had suffered other illnesses before his cancer diagnosis. Melissa recalled how he braved meningitis, fractures and other conditions, however, his final ordeal took him down in July 1991.

Michael Landon’s legacy

Landon was addicted to smoking and admitted the habit may have contributed to his cancer. Following his demise, the community building at Bluffs Park, Malibu, was named after him, and his son, Michael Jr., made a couple of productions in his honor.

Melissa is currently working with the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network (PanCAN) to raise money for research and support for those affected by the disease and their caregivers. Ahead of November, which is also Pancreatic Cancer Awareness month, the 60-year-old is paying tribute to Landon with a special purple collection from her lifestyle brand, Modern Prairie.