Gilbert said Landon would wake up at “3 a.m.” to announce the Rose Parade and would use his payment for the gig to get his costars “amazing” gifts.
Melissa Gilbert shares fond memories of her Little House on the Prairie co-star, Michael Landon, who went above and beyond to spread joy among the cast.
At the Little House on the Prairie 50th Anniversary Cast Reunion and Festival, Gilbert, 59, reminisced about Landon’s holiday tradition. She revealed, “Every year for NBC, Michael announced the Rose Parade. Instead of keeping his payment, he used that money to buy Christmas presents for the cast and crew.”
She continued, “So he sacrificed his New Year’s Eves, waking up at 3 a.m. for the parade, just so he could give us all really amazing Christmas presents.”
Remembering Michael Landon, Gilbert described him as much more than just a co-star. “He was like a father figure to many of us,” she said. Especially for her, as her own father passed away when she was just 11, and Landon stepped in to offer paternal support. “Working with him for two years at that point, he really watched over me in a much more paternal way,” she shared.
She attributes much of the show’s success to Landon’s dedication and talent. “This show, which was loosely based on Laura Ingalls Wilder’s iconic Little House book series and aired over 200 episodes, wouldn’t have been possible without him,” Gilbert said. “He wrote, directed, and produced it. I know he would be incredibly proud to see this,” she added, emphasizing, “This is his legacy. A hundred percent.”
Cast as Laura Ingalls at just 9 years old, Gilbert recently spoke about her poignant return to Big Sky Ranch, where she filmed nine seasons of the series. “It’s overwhelming, actually,” she admitted on Good Morning America. “I’m remembering so much of my childhood and so many wonderful and emotional experiences.”
Reflecting on her time on the show, Gilbert said at the anniversary event, “Every once in a while, at an event like this, I’m reminded that I was part of something truly impactful to many people. It’s an honor, and I feel blessed to have been cast.”
