Michael Landon's Three Wives: The Untold Lives Of Dodie Levy-Fraser, Lynn Noe, And Cindy Landon Today
The iconic image of Michael Landon, the beloved star of classic television hits like Bonanza, Little House on the Prairie, and Highway to Heaven, often conjures a picture of wholesome, enduring family values. However, the reality of his personal life, marked by three marriages and nine children, was far more complex and dramatic.
As of December 2025, the lives and legacies of the three women who stood beside him—Dodie Levy-Fraser, Marjorie Lynn Noe, and Cindy Clerico Landon—continue to fascinate fans. This article provides the most current and in-depth look at the distinct chapters of Landon’s romantic life and the powerful, enduring impact each of his wives had on his world and the success of the Landon family dynasty.
Michael Landon: A Complete Biographical Profile
Michael Landon, born Eugene Maurice Orowitz on October 31, 1936, in Forest Hills, New York, was one of the most successful and enduring figures in American television history. His career spanned four decades, transforming him from a troubled youth into a powerhouse actor, writer, director, and producer.
- Full Name: Eugene Maurice Orowitz
- Born: October 31, 1936, in Forest Hills, New York
- Died: July 1, 1991 (aged 54) in Malibu, California
- Cause of Death: Pancreatic Cancer
- Spouses:
- Dodie Levy-Fraser (m. 1956; div. 1962)
- Marjorie Lynn Noe (m. 1963; div. 1982)
- Cindy Clerico (m. 1983; wid. 1991)
- Children: Nine (including adopted and biological: Mark, Josh, Leslie Ann, Michael Jr., Shawna, Christopher, Jennifer, and Sean)
- Major Career Highlights: Starred in three long-running NBC series: *Bonanza* (Little Joe Cartwright), *Little House on the Prairie* (Charles Ingalls/Pa), and *Highway to Heaven* (Jonathan Smith).
Chapter One: Dodie Levy-Fraser (1956–1962) and the Early Years
Michael Landon’s first marriage was to Dodie Levy-Fraser, a legal administrative assistant who was already married and a mother when she met Landon.
The couple married in 1956, marking the beginning of Landon's family life just as his career was starting to take off.
Dodie was instrumental in his early domestic life, and their relationship immediately involved children. Landon adopted Dodie’s son, Mark Landon, and later adopted a second son, Josh Landon.
The marriage lasted six years, ending in 1962. The split occurred as Landon's professional life was booming with his role on *Bonanza*.
After their divorce, Dodie Levy-Fraser went on to marry Dr. Peter Lake in 1971. She passed away in 1994, but her legacy lives on through her children and the first chapter of the Landon family story.
Chapter Two: Marjorie Lynn Noe (1963–1982) and the *Bonanza* Years
A year after his divorce from Dodie, Michael Landon married his second wife, Marjorie Lynn Noe, an actress. This was a long and significant period of his life, spanning nearly two decades.
Landon and Lynn Noe were married from 1963 to 1982, a time that covered the peak of his fame on *Bonanza* and the start of *Little House on the Prairie*.
Together, they raised a large family. Landon adopted Lynn’s daughter, Cheryl Landon, and the couple had four biological children: Leslie Ann Landon, Michael Landon Jr., Shawna Landon, and Christopher Landon.
The marriage was known for its dramatic and public end. Landon began an affair with a much younger woman, Cindy Clerico, a stand-in on the set of *Little House on the Prairie*, which led to the 1982 divorce.
Lynn Noe, whose full name was Marjorie Lynn Noe, was born in Louisville, Kentucky, in 1933. She lived a private life after the divorce and passed away on November 26, 2015, in Palos Verdes Estates, California, at the age of 82.
Chapter Three: Cindy Clerico Landon (1983–Present) and the Enduring Legacy
The final, and perhaps most controversial, chapter of Michael Landon’s romantic life began with Cindy Clerico. The couple married in 1983, a year after his divorce from Lynn Noe.
Despite the initial scandal surrounding their relationship—due to the age gap and how the relationship began—Cindy remained Landon’s devoted wife until his death from pancreatic cancer in 1991.
They had two children together: daughter Jennifer Landon and son Sean Landon.
Cindy Landon's Life After Michael: Philanthropy and Current Status
Unlike her predecessors, Cindy Landon’s life post-Landon has been highly visible, particularly in the realm of philanthropy and social work. This provides the most recent and fresh information regarding the Landon family.
Following her husband's death, Cindy devoted herself to raising their children and establishing a meaningful life of public service. She has become an influential figure in the non-profit world.
She co-founded the Fostering Futures Initiative, a significant cross-sector collaboration aimed at supporting foster youth as they transition into adulthood. Cindy also currently serves on the Board of Directors for Words Alive, a non-profit organization focused on promoting literacy and reading.
In 2016, her dedication to charitable causes was recognized when she was named a Philanthropist of the Year.
A recent update in December 2025 highlights her enduring connection to the family's history, as a dreamy Malibu beach house associated with her was recently listed, reminding fans of the opulent but sentimental life she shared with the television legend.
Cindy Landon's commitment to social causes ensures that the Landon name remains associated not just with classic television, but with impactful, real-world change. Her work continues to honor the memory of Michael Landon by focusing on giving back to the community, an ethos that mirrored the themes of his most famous shows.
The Nine Children: Michael Landon's Multi-Generational Legacy
The most enduring legacy of Michael Landon’s three marriages is his large, blended family of nine children. Many of his children have followed in his footsteps, maintaining a presence in Hollywood and the entertainment industry.
- Mark Landon (Adopted, Dodie's son)
- Josh Landon (Adopted, Dodie's son)
- Cheryl Landon (Adopted, Lynn Noe's daughter)
- Leslie Ann Landon (Daughter with Lynn Noe): A clinical psychologist who also appeared on *Little House on the Prairie*.
- Michael Landon Jr. (Son with Lynn Noe): A successful director, writer, and producer.
- Shawna Landon (Daughter with Lynn Noe)
- Christopher Landon (Son with Lynn Noe): A prominent film director and screenwriter, known for horror and comedy films.
- Jennifer Landon (Daughter with Cindy Landon): A highly successful Emmy-winning actress, known for roles in soap operas and the series *Yellowstone*.
- Sean Landon (Son with Cindy Landon)
The complicated journey of Michael Landon's three marriages—from the early days with Dodie Levy-Fraser, the long stretch with Marjorie Lynn Noe, and the final, enduring bond with Cindy Clerico—created a powerful and complex family tree. While the details of his personal life were often dramatic, the collective success and philanthropic endeavors of his wives and children ensure that the Landon name continues to resonate decades after the star's passing.
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