Michael Landon - Actor Profile

Michael Landon

Acting
Freshness: Jan 19, 2026
34Total Films
10.0 Highest Rated
Born: Oct 31, 1936
Birth Place: Forest Hills, Queens, New York City, New York, USA

About Michael Landon

Michael Landon (born Eugene Maurice Orowitz; October 31, 1936 – July 1, 1991) was an American actor, writer, director, and producer. He is known for his roles as Little Joe Cartwright in Bonanza (1959–1973), Charles Ingalls in Little House on the Prairie (1974–1983), and Jonathan Smith in Highway to Heaven (1984–1989). Landon appeared on the cover of TV Guide 22 times, second only to Lucille Ball.

Career Statistics & Market Influence

Analyzing the cinematic journey of Michael Landon reveals a career defined by diverse artistic exploration. With a total of 34 major appearances, the actor has established a significant footprint in global cinema.

Genre Dominance: Drama

The majority of Michael Landon's filmography leans towards the Drama genre. Audience data suggests that viewers respond most favorably to this persona, though their versatility has allowed for successful crossovers into other categories.

The "Box Office" Signature

With a 35% Success Ratio (movies rated above 6.5), Michael Landon remains a reliable draw for studios. Their peak performance was recorded in Doug Henning's World of Magic, which continues to be the benchmark for their career rating-wise.

Best Michael Landon Movies Ranked

Must-watch hits from Michael Landon's career based on audience ratings.

Complete Filmography & Success Status

Tracking the career evolution and box office verdicts of Michael Landon.

YearMovieCharacterSuccessMore
2014 Little House on the Prairie: A Merry Ingalls Christmas Charles Ingalls Super Hit Similar →
1998 The Best of the Dean Martin Celebrity Roasts Self - Roastee (archive footage) Flop Similar →
1998 A Bing Crosby Christmas Self (archive footage) Flop Similar →
1991 Us Jeff Hayes Flop Similar →
1990 Where Pigeons Go to Die Adult Hugh Baudoum Hit Similar →
1988 Happy Birthday, Bob: 50 Stars Salute Your 50 Years with NBC Self Average Similar →
1987 Creepy Classics Tony Rivers - (archive footage) Average Similar →
1985 Hollywood's Funniest All-Star Bloopers Self (archive footage) Flop Similar →
1984 The Dean Martin Celebrity Roast: Michael Landon Self Flop Similar →
1984 Sam's Son Gene Orman Average Similar →
1984 Little House: The Last Farewell Charles Ingalls Hit Similar →
1983 Little House: Bless All the Dear Children Charles Ingalls (voice) (uncredited) Flop Similar →
1983 Little House: Look Back to Yesterday Charles Ingalls Hit Similar →
1983 Love Is Forever John Everingham Flop Similar →
1981 Walt Disney: One Man's Dream Self Flop Similar →
1979 The Little House Years Charles Ingalls Hit Similar →
1979 A Walking Tour of Sesame Street Little Joe (archive footage) Flop Similar →
1976 The Loneliest Runner John Curtis Hit Similar →
1976 Doug Henning's World of Magic - Super Hit Similar →
1975 Mitzi & 100 Guys Self Flop Similar →
1974 Little House on the Prairie Charles Ingalls Super Hit Similar →
1973 Bing Crosby's Sun Valley Christmas Show - Super Hit Similar →
1972 The Special London Bridge Special Tennis Player Flop Similar →
1970 Swing Out, Sweet Land Peter Minut Average Similar →
1968 The Dean Martin Christmas Show Self (uncredited) Super Hit Similar →
1968 Rowan & Martin at the Movies Self Flop Similar →
1966 Bonanza: Ride the Wind Joseph 'Little Joe' Cartwright Hit Similar →
1959 The Legend of Tom Dooley Tom Dooley Super Hit Similar →
1958 God's Little Acre Dave Dawson Average Similar →
1958 High School Confidential! Steve Bentley Flop Similar →
1958 Maracaibo Lago Orlando Flop Similar →
1957 I Was a Teenage Werewolf Tony Rivers Flop Similar →
1957 Fight for the Title Lombard Flop Similar →
1956 These Wilder Years Boy in Poolhall (uncredited) Average Similar →

Michael Landon - Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best movie of Michael Landon?

According to audience ratings, the best movie starring Michael Landon is "Doug Henning's World of Magic" with a rating of 10.0/10.

How many movies has Michael Landon acted in?

Michael Landon has been featured in at least 34 major films throughout their career.

What are some other popular movies by Michael Landon?

Other notable films include "Little House on the Prairie: A Merry Ingalls Christmas", "Bing Crosby's Sun Valley Christmas Show", and "Little House on the Prairie".