Did you know that Michael Landon penned the scripts for 20 episodes of Bonanza and that he went on to help create and write for two other beloved TV series, Little House on the Prairie and Highway to Heaven? In this compelling exploration of Hollywood history, we dive deep into the life and career of Michael Landon, one of television's most revered actors who played "Little Joe" Cartwright on the hit Western series, "Bonanza." However, there was more to Landon than his on-screen persona. Beyond his acting prowess, Landon ventured into the realm of screenwriting, a journey that was not without its struggles and doubts.
▬Contents of this video▬ 00:00 - Intro 00:21 - More Than Just A ‘Pretty Face’ 02:47 - Michael Hated His First Script 03:41 - He Drew Heavily From His Childhood 04:51 - Landon Continued To Grow 06:50 - Michael’s Legacy Lives On 07:48 - Outro
Born Eugene Maurice Orowitz, Landon came from a complex family background and had to overcome various personal challenges in his early life. Nevertheless, he emerged as a promising actor, landing the part of Little Joe on Bonanza when he was just 22. As we delve into his early career, we examine the transition from actor to writer and the hurdles that Landon had to overcome on this path.
Known for his pivotal role on "Bonanza," a television show that still holds a firm place in America's cultural memory, Landon's aspirations extended beyond his acting career. His journey into screenwriting was not initially welcomed, with his first script being significantly shorter than the industry standard and filled with spelling and grammatical errors. However, with perseverance and under the guidance of Bonanza's producer David Dortort, Landon improved his craft.
Despite this rocky start, Landon not only managed to establish himself as a credible writer for "Bonanza" but also went on to pen scripts for other acclaimed TV shows, including "Little House on the Prairie." Yet, his initial foray into writing for Bonanza, an episode titled "The Gamble," left Landon dissatisfied and disheartened. He disliked it so much that it ended up fueling his drive for improvement and originality in his later works.
Join Facts Verse s as we peel back the layers of Michael Landon's professional journey, exploring the little-known facts about his foray into screenwriting and how his dissatisfaction with his inaugural script led to a transformative career path. This video is a must-watch for fans of classic television, aspiring writers, and anyone interested in the complex history of Hollywood's golden era.
Michael Landon Hated His Bonanza Episode So Much
By: Facts Verse Title: Michael Landon Hated His Bonanza Episode So Much Sourced From: www.youtube.com/watch?v=NKloec-4vrs
