The Landon Legacy: Where Are Michael Landon's 9 Children Today (2025 Updates)?

Few television stars have left a legacy as profound as Michael Landon, the beloved patriarch of classics like Little House on the Prairie and Bonanza. Beyond his iconic on-screen roles, Landon was a father to a sprawling family of nine children from his three marriages, a complex and fascinating group whose lives continue to unfold decades after his passing in 1991. As of late 2024 and early 2025, the Landon children are making headlines in Hollywood, real estate, and philanthropy, proving that the creative spark and determination of their famous father runs deep.

The lives of Michael Landon’s children—a mix of adopted and biological offspring—are a testament to the enduring influence of one of television's most powerful figures. From Emmy-winning actors and blockbuster film directors to successful real estate agents and dedicated charity workers, their individual journeys are unique yet all carry a piece of the Landon name. This article provides the most current, in-depth look at where all nine of Michael Landon’s children are now.

The Nine Children of Michael Landon: A Complete Family Profile

Michael Landon, born Eugene Maurice Orowitz, was married three times: to Dodie Levy-Fraser (1956–1962), Marjorie Lynn Noe (1963–1982), and Cindy Clerico (1983–1991). This resulted in a family of nine children, each with their own unique story.

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• Mark Fraser Landon: (Adopted Son from First Marriage) Born October 1, 1948 – Died May 11, 2009.
• Josh Fraser Landon: (Adopted Son from First Marriage) Born February 11, 1960.
• Cheryl Ann Pontrelli (Cheryl Landon): (Adopted Daughter from Second Marriage) Born 1953.
• Leslie Ann Landon (Leslie Landon Matthews): (Daughter from Second Marriage) Born October 11, 1962.
• Michael Graham Landon Jr.: (Son from Second Marriage) Born June 20, 1964.
• Shawna Leigh Landon: (Daughter from Second Marriage) Born 1971.
• Christopher Beau Landon: (Son from Second Marriage) Born February 27, 1975.
• Jennifer Rachel Landon: (Daughter from Third Marriage) Born August 29, 1983.
• Sean Matthew Landon: (Son from Third Marriage) Born 1986.

The Hollywood Directors and Emmy Winners: Michael Jr., Christopher, and Jennifer

Three of Landon’s children have followed most closely in his footsteps, achieving notable success as actors, directors, and writers in the entertainment industry.

Michael Landon Jr. (Director, Producer, Writer)

Michael Jr., now 61, has carved out a successful career primarily focused on faith-based and family-oriented films, a genre that echoes the wholesome themes of his father’s most famous works.

His impressive filmography includes directing and writing projects such as The Last Sin Eater and the Love Comes Softly series.

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Current Update (2025): Michael Landon Jr. is actively involved in new projects, including the upcoming television series Home To Harmony, which is currently in pre-production.

Christopher Beau Landon (Filmmaker)

Christopher Landon has emerged as one of the most commercially successful horror-comedy filmmakers in Hollywood.

He is known for writing the screenplays for four films in the Paranormal Activity franchise and for directing hits like Happy Death Day and Freaky.

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Current Update (2025): Christopher is highly active, with two major projects slated for release. He is directing the mystery thriller Drop, which is scheduled for an April 2025 release, and is also involved in the upcoming film Heart Eyes.

Jennifer Rachel Landon (Emmy-Winning Actress)

Jennifer Landon is arguably the most recognizable of the siblings to a new generation of TV viewers, thanks to her breakout role as the fan-favorite ranch hand Teeter on the Paramount Network series Yellowstone.

She is a highly respected actress, having won three Daytime Emmy Awards for her roles on daytime soap operas like As the World Turns and The Young and the Restless.

Current Update (2024–2025): Her role on Yellowstone concluded with the final episodes of Season 5. Fans are eagerly anticipating her next move, with a potential reunion with a co-star in a new project being discussed in the industry.

The Business and Philanthropic Pillars of the Landon Family

Not all of Michael Landon's children chose the spotlight. Several have built successful careers in high-end real estate or dedicated their lives to honoring their father's memory through advocacy and charity.

Leslie Landon Matthews (Psychologist and PanCAN Advocate)

Leslie Landon Matthews, who appeared on Little House on the Prairie as a child, went on to earn a Master’s degree in psychology and establish a career as a therapist.

Her primary public focus today is her work with the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network (PanCAN). Michael Landon died from pancreatic cancer, and Leslie, alongside her siblings, is a dedicated advocate for the cause.

Current Update (2025): Leslie, along with her daughter Catherine, is a key figure in PanCAN's annual PurpleStride event, actively encouraging fans to support "Team Little House" in 2024 and looking ahead to the 2025 event to honor her father’s legacy.

Shawna Leigh Landon (Luxury Real Estate Agent)

Shawna Landon is a successful luxury real estate agent based in Los Angeles. She and her brother Sean have a shared background in the high-end property market.

She often shares her life as a mother and professional, having successfully navigated a career outside of show business.

Sean Matthew Landon (Residential Real Estate Expert)

Sean Landon, the youngest of the nine children, is also a prominent figure in Los Angeles real estate. He specializes in residential properties in the Malibu area, where he was born and raised.

He is known for his extensive knowledge of the local community, leveraging his deep familial ties to the beachside enclave.

The Private and Enduring Legacies

The remaining Landon children, while generally leading more private lives, each hold a significant place in the family's narrative and continue to honor their father's memory in their own ways.

Cheryl Ann Pontrelli (Author and Speaker)

Cheryl Landon, Michael's eldest daughter, was adopted during his second marriage. She is an author, having penned the book Michael Landon's Legacy, which offers a personal and intimate look at life with the TV star.

In recent years, Cheryl has shared personal stories about her father and his influence, demonstrating her dedication to fulfilling a promise she made to him.

Josh Fraser Landon (Private Life)

Josh Fraser Landon was adopted by Michael Landon and his first wife, Dodie Levy-Fraser. He is known to have lived a largely private life outside of the entertainment industry.

His decision to avoid the public eye is a contrast to his siblings, but he remains an integral part of the sprawling Landon family.

Mark Fraser Landon (In Memoriam)

Mark Landon, the eldest adopted son, pursued a career in acting, appearing in his father's final TV movie, Us.

Tragically, Mark passed away on May 11, 2009, at the age of 60, in West Hollywood, a loss that profoundly affected the Landon family.

The Enduring Power of the Landon Name

The collective careers and personal journeys of Michael Landon’s nine children—Mark, Josh, Cheryl, Leslie, Michael Jr., Shawna, Christopher, Jennifer, and Sean—demonstrate a powerful and diverse legacy. While some have continued the family's tradition in Hollywood, others have excelled in fields like psychology, real estate, and charitable advocacy. Their continued efforts, particularly in raising awareness for pancreatic cancer through PanCAN, ensure that the values of family, hard work, and giving back—themes central to Michael Landon's most famous shows like Highway to Heaven—remain a vibrant part of their lives today. The Landon name is not just a footnote in television history; it is a current and active force across multiple industries in 2025.