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The Three Lives Of Michael Landon: A Deep Dive Into His Wives, From Dodie To Cindy (Updated 2025)

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Michael Landon, the beloved star of *Little House on the Prairie* and *Bonanza*, was a figure whose personal life was as dramatic and compelling as his on-screen roles. The late actor, director, and producer was married three times, with each union marking a distinct chapter in his life, often mirroring his rise in Hollywood fame. As of December 2025, the legacy of his relationships continues through his nine children and his surviving widow, Cindy Landon, who has forged a notable career as a producer and philanthropist since his passing in 1991. This article provides an in-depth, up-to-date look at the three women who shared Michael Landon's life: Dodie Levy-Fraser, Marjorie Lynn Noe, and Cindy Clerico, detailing their individual stories and the lasting impact of their marriages.

The Complete Biography of Michael Landon's Three Wives

Michael Landon’s personal journey was one of constant evolution, reflected by the three women he married. The timeline of his relationships spans over three decades, from his early years as an aspiring actor to his final, celebrated years as one of television’s most powerful figures.

Dodie Levy-Fraser: The First Chapter (1956–1962)

Dodie Levy-Fraser was Michael Landon’s first wife, whom he married in 1956. Their relationship predates his rise to superstardom on the show *Bonanza*. * Full Name: Dodie Levy-Fraser * Marriage Date: March 11, 1956 * Divorce Date: 1962 * Children Together: Landon adopted Dodie's son, Mark Landon (born 1948, died 2009), from a previous marriage, and they adopted a second son, Josh Landon. * Life Details: Dodie was a legal secretary when she met Landon. Their marriage was relatively short-lived, concluding just as Landon’s career was taking off with his role as Little Joe Cartwright on *Bonanza*. * Death: Dodie Levy-Fraser passed away on July 5, 1994, at the age of 61.

Marjorie Lynn Noe (Lynn Noe): The Longest Union (1963–1982)

Marjorie Lynn Noe, known professionally as Lynn Noe, was a background actress when she met Michael Landon. Their marriage spanned nearly two decades and included the entirety of his *Bonanza* and *Little House on the Prairie* eras. * Full Name: Marjorie Lynn Noe * Marriage Date: January 12, 1963 * Divorce Date: 1982 * Children Together: They had four biological children: Leslie Landon (actress, now a therapist), Michael Landon Jr. (director/producer), Shawna Landon, and Christopher Landon (screenwriter/director). Landon also adopted Lynn's daughter, Cheryl Lynn Landon (from her previous marriage to an attorney). * Life Details: Lynn was a devoted wife and mother, supporting Landon through his most successful television projects. Their divorce in 1982 was a major tabloid story, as it was fueled by Landon’s public affair with a *Little House on the Prairie* crew member. * Death: Lynn Noe passed away in 2015.

Cindy Clerico (Cindy Landon): The Final Love (1983–1991)

Cindy Clerico was the third and final wife of Michael Landon. Their relationship began controversially but proved to be his final, enduring partnership until his death. * Full Name: Cindy Clerico (now Cindy Landon) * Marriage Date: February 14, 1983 * End of Marriage: July 1, 1991 (Michael Landon's death) * Children Together: They had two biological children: Jennifer Landon (Emmy-winning actress) and Sean Landon. * Life Details: Cindy was a makeup artist and stand-in on the set of *Little House on the Prairie*. She was 20 years younger than Landon, and the revelation of their relationship led to the highly publicized divorce from Lynn Noe. Cindy remained by Landon's side through his final years, including his public battle with pancreatic cancer. * Current Status: Cindy Landon is a successful producer and philanthropist living in Malibu.

The Controversial Shift: The Little House on the Prairie Scandal

The end of Michael Landon's second marriage to Lynn Noe and the beginning of his relationship with Cindy Clerico remains one of the most talked-about events of his life. For many fans, Landon's image as the wholesome, moral family man Charles Ingalls from *Little House on the Prairie* clashed with the reality of his personal choices. The affair between Landon and Cindy Clerico, a young makeup artist on the set, began while he was still married to Lynn Noe. The divorce was acrimonious and drew significant media attention. Landon defended his new relationship, famously stating that he could not help who he fell in love with. The scandal, however, did not significantly derail his career; he went on to star in and produce the highly successful series *Highway to Heaven*. The controversy highlights a complex truth about the television icon: the man behind the camera was a passionate, sometimes turbulent figure driven by his emotions, a stark contrast to the stable patriarchs he often portrayed on screen.

Cindy Landon's Life Today: Philanthropy and Production (2025 Update)

Unlike Michael Landon’s first two wives, Cindy Clerico has maintained a public profile and built a significant career in the decades since her husband’s death. Her current work focuses on two main areas: film production and philanthropy, particularly in environmental and animal rights causes.

A Career as a Documentary Producer

Cindy Landon has established herself as a respected documentary film producer, focusing on impactful, socially conscious projects. Her credits demonstrate a commitment to global issues, including: * *Whaledreamers* (2006): A documentary about the importance of whales to the indigenous people of Australia, which she co-produced. * *After Kony: Staging Hope* (2011): A film exploring the aftermath of the Lord's Resistance Army conflict in Uganda. * *The Game Changers* (2018): She served as an executive producer on this popular documentary that advocates for a plant-based diet, featuring athletes and scientific research.

Philanthropy and Activism

Cindy Landon is a dedicated philanthropist, often using her platform to support causes related to animal welfare and environmental sustainability. She is a strong advocate for a vegan lifestyle and has actively supported businesses and organizations in this space. This includes her involvement with vegan ventures like Plant Food + Wine restaurants and the vegan snack company Outstanding Foods. Her charitable work, including support for organizations like Mercy For Animals, showcases a deep commitment to ethical living and social change, cementing her legacy as a businesswoman and activist in her own right, separate from her late husband's fame.

The Landon Children: A Lasting Legacy

The most significant and enduring legacy of Michael Landon’s three marriages is his large family of nine children. Several of them have followed in their father’s footsteps, becoming established entities in the entertainment industry. * Michael Landon Jr.: A successful director, writer, and producer, known for his work on Christian-themed films and television. * Christopher Landon: An accomplished screenwriter and director, particularly known for his work in the horror and comedy genres, including films like *Happy Death Day* and *Freaky*. * Jennifer Landon: An Emmy-winning actress, known for her roles in daytime soap operas and the hit series *Yellowstone*. * Leslie Landon: After a brief acting career, she became a licensed marriage and family therapist, focusing on helping others navigate complex family dynamics. The collective professional achievements of the Landon children—including Mark Landon's acting career before his passing—highlight the influence of their famous father and the diverse talents that emerged from his three marriages. The family remains a powerful and enduring force in Hollywood.
michael landon wife
michael landon wife

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