Actress Melissa Gilbert is paying tribute to her late “Little House on the Prairie” co-star Michael Landon 34 years after his death.
The 61-year-old took to Instagram to repost a series of photos of the actor on July 1, marking the anniversary of his passing, before extending her thoughts and love to his nine children.
“Wow. 34. Hard to believe,” she wrote.
Gilbert, who portrayed Landon’s daughter, Laura Ingalls, on the beloved TV show, reposted the original tribute from the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network (PanCan).
“[Landon] was the first public figure to announce that he was diagnosed with #pancreaticcancer, and in doing so, brought much awareness to the disease,” read the caption.
PanCan, the first nationwide nonprofit dedicated to fighting pancreatic cancer, offers patient services, community support, advocacy and funding for research and treatment in hopes of finding a cure.
Landon, who portrayed Charles Ingalls on “Little House,” was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in 1991 and died at 54 just a few months after coming forward with the diagnosis.
According to the Mayo Clinic, pancreatic cancer typically starts in the ducts of the pancreas and is often detected late, which leads to poor prognosis and rapid spread of the disease.
“He wasn’t just a Hollywood icon—he was a father, a storyteller, a dreamer. And on the anniversary of his passing, his family shares with us how they keep his legacy alive,” wrote PanCan.
Landon was also a writer, producer and filmmaker, even directing a number of episodes of “Little House” during the show’s run from 1974 to 1983.
In addition to 186 episodes of “Little House,” Landon also starred in 430 episodes of “Bonanza” and 111 episodes of “Highway to Heaven,” with 57 total acting credits throughout his career.
Landon received eight total award accolades and six nominations, which included the Golden Globe nomination for
Meanwhile, Gilbert has previously partnered with PanCan in honor of Landon through her brand “Modern Prairie,” bringing awareness to the cause and raising funds.
During Pancreatic Cancer Awareness Month last year, Gilbert curated a limited edition lifestyle and clothing collection with 100 percent of proceeds going to the organization.
“I was raised not to hate. I was raised to love and accept all, but I am telling you I hate pancreatic cancer with a passion that is volcanic. I want to wipe this disease out completely. I want it obliterated, globally,” she wrote on her website.
“Obviously, this is not a fight I can take on myself and that is why I am so grateful for PanCAN. I can take my anger and use it to support this extraordinary organization.”
