This boy lost his famous dad at 16 – today he’s a proud gay man and loving father

When Hollywood legend Michael Landon passed away at just 54, the world mourned the loss of one of television’s most beloved stars — known for his roles in Bonanza, Little House on the Prairie, and Highway to Heaven.

Behind the fame and success, Landon was first and foremost a devoted family man. A father of nine, he cherished the time spent with his children and even had the joy of meeting several of his grandchildren before his untimely passing.

After being diagnosed with pancreatic cancer, Landon faced his illness with courage and determination. He pursued various treatments, adopted a healthier diet, and continued to fight with hope until the very end. Sadly, just three months after his diagnosis, he lost the battle.

By Father’s Day in 1990, it was clear that his condition had taken a severe turn. That day, Landon confided in his wife, Cindy, that his time was coming to an end. Relying on an oxygen tank to move around the house, he still tried to stay strong for his family. As his final moments drew near, Cindy gathered all his children so they could say their goodbyes.

One of them, Christopher, was only sixteen. Losing his father at such a young age was devastating. He later recalled that on the day he learned of his father’s diagnosis, he had just come home cheerful after doing well on an English exam — only for his sisters to deliver the heartbreaking news. “I could feel every nerve in my body light up,” he remembered.

Months after Michael’s passing, Christopher began to talk openly about his grief and regrets — especially wishing he had the chance to apologize to his father for the challenges he caused during his teenage years. His dad’s final words to his mother, “I love you,” would forever stay with him.

The experience changed how Christopher viewed life and death. “Before, I used to think, ‘I never want to die!’” he said. “But now, the worst thing that could happen is I’ll get to see Dad again.”

Determined to live authentically, Christopher made a promise to himself to embrace who he truly was. At 24, he came out as gay — a step that required tremendous courage, especially as the son of a beloved American icon.

During his high school years, he had struggled deeply with his identity, fearing ridicule and the possible stain on his father’s wholesome image. “For a while, I was terrified there’d be an article titled ‘Little House on the Fairy’ or ‘Highway to Hell,’” he once admitted.

Coming out to his family wasn’t easy, particularly to his mother, whose strong Christian faith made her initial reaction painful. She cried, questioned herself, and worried she had done something wrong. But over time, her love overcame her fear — and she accepted him completely.

Later, Christopher learned that his father had probably known all along. Cindy shared that Michael once told her, “I think he’s gay — but he’ll come to that realization on his own.”

Today, Christopher Landon has honored both his father’s memory and his own truth. He’s a proud dad to two boys, Beau and August, living a full and open life surrounded by love and acceptance. Despite the struggles, he’s found peace — and continues to make his father proud in the best way possible: by being unapologetically himself.