Michael Landon, the beloved star of "Little House on the Prairie," paid a heavy price for his disregard for his health. His daughter, Leslie Landon Matthews, reveals the shocking truth about his stubborn refusal to prioritize check-ups, the consequences of his decision, and the lessons we can learn from his story.
Michael Landon, the iconic star of "Little House on the Prairie" and other beloved television shows, left behind a legacy not just of entertainment but also of regret and cautionary lessons. His daughter, Leslie Landon Matthews, has spoken candidly about the late actor's battle with pancreatic cancer, a disease that claimed his life within three months of his diagnosis.
Matthews recalls that her father's personality was marked by a stubborn streak, especially when it came to prioritizing his health. "Staying on top of his health was not a priority," she explained. "I think he put it aside." Despite her mother's persistent efforts to encourage him to attend check-ups, Landon often dismissed them.
The consequences of Landon's neglect became apparent during a vacation with his stepmom and younger sibling. Unbearable stomach pain forced him to cut his trip short and return home for a doctor's appointment. At 54 years old, he was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer.
Landon Matthews believes her father would deeply regret his decision to ignore his health if he were alive today. "He would say, ‘Boy, I blew it,’" she said. Landon Matthews emphasizes the importance of making health a priority and scheduling regular check-ups.
In addition to his stubbornness, Landon's busy schedule as a caretaker and entertainer may have contributed to his delayed diagnosis. However, Matthews stresses that it is essential to put health first and not allow distractions to push it aside.
Pancreatic cancer is a notoriously deadly disease with a dismal five-year survival rate of 13%. There is no standard early detection test, and treatment options remain limited. However, Landon Matthews remains determined to raise awareness of the disease through her involvement in Pancreatic Cancer Action Network's (PanCAN) PurpleStride fundraiser.
Landon Matthews urges family members of those with a history of pancreatic cancer to take proactive steps. She recommends pre-screening tests and regular medical check-ups. "You need to be proactive about your health and not put it off," she said.
During Landon's final months, he continued to prioritize his family, drawing strength from their presence. Matthews remembers her father's unwavering optimism, even as he faced the grim reality of his illness. "He really held onto the hope," she said.
The family rallied around Landon, creating a "goodbye book" filled with messages of love and support. They wanted to convey their unwavering support and ensure he understood that his legacy would live on.
Despite the heartbreaking media scrutiny that surrounded Landon's illness, Matthews remembers her childhood as "a magical one." Landon was already a household name when she was born, having starred in "Bonanza." His love for his family remained a constant, even through the difficult divorce her parents went through.
At age 11, Matthews even worked alongside her father in an episode of "Little House." She recalls his emotional reaction to the scene where she played a child dying from the plague. "He needed to pull back the emotions a bit," she said.
Landon Matthews' faith in God and the enduring love of her family provide solace in her father's absence. She believes the lessons learned from his experience can help others prioritize their health and cherish the time they have with loved ones.
At the recent 50th anniversary celebration of "Little House," Matthews felt her father's presence. "You can't help but feel overwhelmed in your heart and just have such an overwhelming respect for what my dad did during his life," she said. Landon Matthews continues to honor her father's legacy through her advocacy for pancreatic cancer awareness and her unwavering commitment to family.
