The Untold Story Of Michael Landon's First Wife: 7 Fascinating Facts About Dodie Levy-Fraser

Dodie Levy-Fraser, the first wife of legendary television star Michael Landon, remains one of the most private and intriguing figures in the actor’s storied personal life. While Michael Landon became a household name through iconic roles in *Bonanza*, *Little House on the Prairie*, and *Highway to Heaven*, Dodie’s life largely receded from the public eye following their 1962 divorce. As of late 2025, renewed interest continues to spotlight her quiet dignity and the significant role she played in the early, formative years of the beloved star's career. Their six-year marriage, which began in 1956, laid the foundation for Michael Landon's journey into fatherhood, a role he cherished throughout his life. Dodie, a widowed legal secretary when they met, provided a stable, grounding presence before the whirlwind of Hollywood fame fully consumed their relationship. This article delves into the little-known details of her life, her children, and her enduring legacy far from the glare of the spotlight.

Dodie Levy-Fraser: A Biographical Profile and Early Life

Dodie Levy-Fraser, born Dorothy Levy, maintained a highly private life, making her story one of quiet resilience. She was not a Hollywood actress or a public figure, which explains the scarcity of personal details outside of her association with Michael Landon.

• Full Name: Dorothy "Dodie" Levy Fraser
• Date of Birth: March 16, 1933
• Place of Birth: New York, USA
• Occupation: Legal Secretary (prior to marriage)
• First Marriage: Widowed prior to meeting Michael Landon
• Marriage to Michael Landon: March 11, 1956 – December 1, 1962 (Divorced)
• Children with Michael Landon (Adopted): Mark Fraser Landon and Josh Fraser Landon
• Third Marriage: Dr. Peter Lake (m. 1971 – d. 1994)
• Date of Death: July 5, 1994
• Age at Death: 61

1. She Was a Widowed Mother Before Meeting Michael Landon

When Dodie met Michael Landon (then known as Eugene Orowitz), she was already a young widow and a mother. Her son from her previous marriage, Mark Fraser (born in 1948), was adopted by Landon upon their marriage in 1956, becoming Mark Fraser Landon. This act demonstrated the commitment Landon had to Dodie and her family at the beginning of their relationship. Mark's presence in their lives immediately established Landon as a father figure, a role that would define much of his public persona later on.

2. The Marriage Coincided with Landon's Career Breakthrough

The six years Dodie and Michael were married spanned a pivotal time in his career. They married in 1956, just as Landon was landing his breakout role in the film *I Was a Teenage Werewolf* (1957). More significantly, their marriage was still intact when Landon secured the role that would make him a star: Little Joe Cartwright on the Western series *Bonanza* in 1959. Dodie was a steady, grounding force during this transition from a struggling young actor to a television sensation, a period of immense pressure and change.

3. They Adopted a Second Son, Josh Fraser Landon

During their marriage, Dodie and Michael Landon expanded their family through a second adoption. Their son, Josh Fraser Landon, was born in 1960 and adopted by the couple shortly thereafter. The adoption of two children, Mark and Josh, cemented the family unit before their eventual divorce. The decision to adopt, especially in the early years of a celebrity's career, shows a dedication to family life that often gets overshadowed by the drama of Hollywood marriages.

4. The Divorce Was Attributed to 'Growing Differences' and Fame

Dodie and Michael Landon divorced in December 1962. While celebrity marriages often end for complex reasons, their split was officially attributed to "growing differences" and the increasing demands of Landon's burgeoning career. The pressures of fame from *Bonanza* and the inevitable temptations that came with it put a strain on their relationship. Landon would soon marry his second wife, Marjorie Lynn Noe (Lynn Noe), in 1963, whom he had met on the set of *Bonanza*.

5. Dodie Found Lasting Stability with Dr. Peter Lake

In stark contrast to the high-profile nature of her ex-husband's subsequent marriages, Dodie Levy-Fraser chose a quiet, stable life. In 1971, she married Dr. Peter Lake, a union that proved to be her most enduring. Dodie and Dr. Lake remained married until her death in 1994, a period of over two decades. This third marriage highlights Dodie’s preference for privacy and domestic tranquility over the public spectacle of Hollywood life. The details of her life with Dr. Lake are scarce, suggesting a successful retreat from the media spotlight.

6. Her Son, Mark Fraser Landon, Also Had a Career in Hollywood

Of the two sons Dodie and Michael Landon adopted, Mark Fraser Landon followed in his father's footsteps, albeit to a lesser degree. Mark had a career as an actor, appearing in films such as *Us* (1991), *Shadows in the Storm* (1988), and *Double-Edge* (1986). Mark's death in 2009 at the age of 60 was a tragic event that brought Dodie's family back into the news, reminding the public of the children from Michael Landon's first marriage.

7. Dodie Levy-Fraser Passed Away Quietly in 1994

Dodie Levy-Fraser passed away on July 5, 1994, at the age of 61, just three years after her ex-husband, Michael Landon, died of pancreatic cancer in 1991. Her death was quiet and private, much like her life after the divorce. She spent her final years cherishing her role as a mother and grandmother, far removed from the entertainment industry that had briefly defined her public identity. Dodie’s ability to move on and find happiness outside of the celebrity world is a testament to her strength and her desire for a genuinely private, meaningful life.

The Enduring Legacy of Michael Landon’s First Family

Dodie Levy-Fraser's story is a powerful reminder that not everyone associated with Hollywood fame seeks the spotlight. She was the anchor for Michael Landon during his crucial early years, providing a home and two sons who would carry the Landon name. Entities like Mark Fraser Landon and Josh Fraser Landon are key parts of the overall Michael Landon family tree, which includes nine children from his three marriages (Dodie Levy-Fraser, Lynn Noe, and Cindy Clerico). Her life, especially her long and stable marriage to Dr. Peter Lake, illustrates a successful transition away from the chaos of celebrity life. Dodie’s legacy is not defined by scandal or fame, but by the quiet, enduring love she had for her children and the peaceful life she built for herself after her divorce from one of television's biggest stars.