- Content: 
By Mallory Mattingly
Actress Melissa Francis’ time on LITTLE HOUSE ON THE PRAIRIE changed her life, thanks to creator and star Michael Landon.
“He was like a perfect kindergarten teacher who makes all the kids believe they are the special favorite, but inspires just enough fear to keep even the worst children from eating all the crayons before lunch,” Francis said of Landon, per Country Living, in her new book. Not very many bosses operate this effectively. Anyone who witnessed the LITTLE HOUSE team would agree: that set just hummed.”
Her book Lessons from the Prairie: highlights many of the things she learned while working on the enduring show.
Related: LITTLE HOUSE ON THE PRAIRIE Almost Explored This Storyline
“Melissa Francis was only 8 years old when she won the role of a lifetime: playing Cassandra Cooper Ingalls on the world’s most famous prime-time soap opera, LITTLE HOUSE ON THE PRAIRIE,” a summary of the book reads. “Now in Lessons from the Prairie, she shares behind-the-scenes stories from the set, and lessons learned from the show’s dynamic creator, Michael Landon, that have echoed throughout Melissa’s adult life. With novel insights on hard work, making mistakes, and even spirituality, Francis shares inspirational and practical life lessons that will appeal both to her current TV fans, and fans of one of the most adored TV shows of all time.”
One of Francis’ most beloved memories of Landon was how he celebrated the Christmas season on set.
“Every year, he gave each and every member of the cast and crew a rockin’ gift that blew our minds,” she said. “My mother told me he didn’t pick up the huge tab for the over-the-top extravagance; he built a clause into his network contract obligating NBC Productions to underwrite the whole scene—more financial genius. But he picked the gift and dealt the boxes, playing Santa just the same.
“Michael’s message was crystal clear: you are all equally important to me. All of your contributions are essential. Monday nights at eight o’clock on NBC wouldn’t happen without YOU. Thank you. And Merry Christmas from Santa/God/Me,” Francis recalled.
“If the actors thought we were better than the key grip or the best boy because they stood in front of the camera and the others stood way, way behind the lens, they could guess again. Christmas was the day Michael showed us we were a team of equals,” she emphasized.
Other cast members felt the same way about Landon. Melissa Gilbert, who played Laura Ingalls, said of her on-screen father, “when you were around Michael, you felt safe and cared for, regardless of who you were,” calling him “a principled, honorable man who believed, first and foremost, in the power of love, tolerance, compassion and understanding.”
It’s no wonder that Landon’s kindness continues to impact his former co-stars today!
Read Next: LITTLE HOUSE ON THE PRAIRIE Reboot Casts Ingalls Family
Questions or comments? Please write to us here.
– Content: +4Share:
– Content: +4