Michael Landon:
"The Cowboy Who Cared"

    Michael Landon was larger than life.  Although not the tallest in the saddle, he mounted and rode with an armor of ruggedness and strength that made him an ideal "Man of the West".  He gave his all in every facet of his life, especially in his humanitarian efforts, which made him one of our greatest heroes, on or off the screen.

        Landon was a man of many talents.  He was a superb athlete and excelled in track and field in college.  Embarking on a career in show business, the charismatic greenhorn sang and danced on Dean Martin's variety show.  Upon listening to his near-acapella rendition of "Shenandoah" from a rare 1960s LP album, one may ponder, had Landon been professionally trained as a singer, how far he might have gone in that endeavor.

    Such was not his destiny.  He instead chose to pursue a career in the acting profession.  Yet, no sooner did he become world-famous as the dashing and fun-loving Cartwright boy, Joe, he branched out to do what seems humanly impossible---producing, directing, writing, and still, acting--simultaneously! (and with an apparent ease and unquestionable competency.)

    Throughout his years on Bonanza, Landon used his athletic ability, physical agility, and positive mental attitude in full measure, as he would leap over card tables, hurl backward over chairs, burst through windows and head butt his rivals.  By doing these harrowing stunts, Landon was in essence, instilling his own realism into his part.  Regardless of his being a southpaw, this fascinating cowboy.........................