Inside Michael Landon’s marriages: His life with Dodie Levy-Fraser, Marjorie Lynn Noe, and Cindy Clerico

Michael Landon was one of America's most widely beloved actors. Although many would most recognize him from Bonanza, Little House on the Prairie, and Highway to Heaven, he was a husband and father, and was married three times, each with triumphs, complications, and evolution in their lives past the actors' careers.

Michael Landon's first marriage to Dodie Levy-Fraser (1956-1962)

Michael Landon and Dodie Levy-Fraser were married in 1956, before the Hollywood star became famous and while Dodie was a legal secretary. The couple had Dodie’s son from her previous marriage, Mark, who was adopted by Landon. In 1962, the couple separated, and they later divorced. Dodie had custody of the children, later remarried, and lived in California until she passed on.

Michael Landon's second marriage to Marjorie Lynn Noe (1963-1982)

After his first divorce, Michael Landon met Marjorie Lynn Noe, who is better known as Lynn Noe. They met when she was an extra in Bonanza and got married in 1963. Lynn Noe also had a daughter, Cheryl, from a previous relationship. Landon adopted Cheryl when they married. Together, they had four children: Leslie, Michael Jr., Shawna, and Christopher.

They stayed married for nearly twenty years. During their marriage, Landon insisted that Lynn travel with him a lot. He wanted her and their family near, especially because of his work on long-running TV shows. In 1982, they divorced, and Landon had begun a relationship with Cindy Clerico around that time. Lynn Noe later commented on losing part of herself in trying to be what Landon appeared to want. Following their separation, she started a boutique and later became part of a coalition that sent welcome kits to women with serious divorce settlements.

Michael Landon's final marriage to Cindy Clerico (1983-1991)

Michael Landon divorced his second wife and married Cindy Clerico in 1983. Cindy got jobs doing some organizing, and doing small job stunts and make-up on Little House on the Prairie. Michael married Cindy on February 14, 1983. The couple had their first child together, daughter Jennifer, born in 1983, followed by son Sean, born in 1986.

The house was Spanish-style, on ten acres, and built in Malibu, California. In April 1991, Landon was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer, and he died on July 1, 1991, at the age of 54.

Cindy Clerico was eventually able to move past Landon’s passing. She focused on her work as a producer on documentaries such as Sanctuary and Whaledreamers. Their children, Jennifer and Sean, were young when Landon died. Jennifer has shared about him as a dad and his impact on the way her life has been shaped.

Michael Landon’s family and legacy

Michael Landon had nine children in total. Some were adopted, and some were born in his later marriages. He often talked about family and tried to keep them close despite his schedule. Many of his kids pursued acting, production, or storytelling. Jennifer Landon was an actress, and others kept it more private.

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Landon’s marriages had times of joy and times of strain. He worked hard. He loved performing, and he also cared about being a husband and a father. In his last years, he faced illness but was surrounded by family.

Even in death, people don't just remember him for his shows; he will be remembered for his life with his wives and children. He has a story that indicates that even people visible in public have challenging decisions in life, love, family, and work.

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