11 Rare Photos of a Young Michael Landon in His Dishiest Roles

Michael Landon was an actor for the ages, starring in some of the pivotal TV series like Bonanza and Little House on the Prairie while also taking on major roles from his early 20s until the untimely end of his life. 

While the actor’s career took off with his role as Little Joe Cartwright on Bonanza, Landon had been acting since the mid-1950s. See these 11 rare photos of Michael Landon from his early acting days and remember exactly why you fell in love with him all those years ago.

1. Michael Landon stars on Bonanza

The 23-year-old actor began starring in Bonanza in 1959 and it was the project that allowed his career to take off. Although he’d previously drawn attention after starring in I Was a Teenage Werewolf (1957), it was this role that was pivotal for his career. 

In the photo above, likely taken prior to the first season of Bonanza, Landon is seen in character leaning against a tree in his costume, which includes his cowboy hat.

2. Landon in a cowboy hat (again)

Obviously, his usual Bonanza attire included that trusty cowboy hat, because in almost all of the photos from that time, the actor is wearing it. Landon is seen in this black-and-white photo, sitting and leaning on a desk, smirking at the camera and sporting his usual head attire.

3. Landon with a pug 

If you didn’t already love a young Michael Landon enough, you might love him even more after seeing this rare photo of the actor holding a pug. Landon is shown in this 1960 photo wearing a bright pink shirt and white pants, holding a puppy, likely his own, in his arms.

4. Pumping iron

In 1960, Landon had to keep up his buff look for his role in the series. In the photo above, the 24-year-old actor is seen lifting weights outside.

5. Fridge hunting

It seems that Landon could do almost anything and make it look good. The actor is seen in this image examining contents from the refrigerator while he looks for a drink and something to eat. The photo was taken in 1960.  

6. Landon in action

Throughout his 14-year run on Bonanza, Landon famously portrayed his beloved character of Little Joe Cartwright. Here, the actor is seen in action as the character in 1965.

7. Michael Landon flashing a smile

Michael Landon is seen flashing a smile at the camera in this 1965 photo, showing us exactly why he was so charming in just one simple photo.

8. Another charming picture

It seems impossible to find a bad photo of Michael Landon, as the one above proves. The actor is seen showing off his charming personality. At the time of the picture, in 1966, Landon was still starring on Bonanza.

9. Shooting some pool

Landon is seen above in a 1970 scene from Bonanza, getting ready to shoot pool as Little Joe Cartwright. The actor is wearing a brown shirt and grey trousers in the scene.

10. Michael Landon’s headshot

Still during his Bonanza era (it was 14 years after all), a headshot of the actor is shown, where he has slightly longer hair, which eventually becomes his well-known look for Little House on the Prairie.

11. Landon joins the ‘Little House’ family

Charles Ingalls is one of Landon’s most memorable roles, one that he held for 9 years. Above, Landon is seen starring as Charles “Pa” Ingalls in the early years of Little House on the Prairie. The photo is from 1974, which was the first year of the show.

Keep reading for more entertainment!

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