Understanding Michael Landon's View on Charles Ingalls

For many viewers of 'Little House on the Prairie', Michael Landon's role as Charles Ingalls is nothing short of an iconic portrayal. However, behind the scenes, Landon had a more nuanced perspective on his character. He did not dislike Charles Ingalls, but he was keen to highlight that his character was far removed from the 'perfect' image often associated with television characters.

Charles Ingalls: More Than Just a Family Man

While on the surface, Charles Ingalls seemed to embody all the virtues of a caring and devoted family man, Landon made it clear that this was not the case. Unlike his character, Landon acknowledged that he had his 'errors', 'misjudgments', and was far from an 'angelic' person. Landon's own life, separate and apart from his on-screen persona, demonstrated the complexities of his character.

The Reality Behind the Character

Privately, Landon was candid about his past, including his marriages, drinking, smoking, and even his relationship with a teenage co-star. Karen Grassle, a co-star of the show, recalled an incident where Landon, then married to Lynn, arrived jubilant at the makeup table, boasting about the benefits of bee pollen. This was just one of the many instances that revealed the man behind the character.

The Infamous Infidelity and Aftermath

Despite his popularity as 'America's favorite dad', Landon's private life was marred by a scandal. He began an affair with 18-year-old teen actress, Cindy Clerico, who was working as a stand-in for Melissa Francis Cassandra Cooper Ingalls. This relationship ultimately led to his third marriage. The affair caused significant tension on the set and with his wife Lynn. Lynn followed Landon and Clerico to their 'love nest', leading to an incident where Lynn threw a bottle of vodka at Clerico. This event only added fuel to the public's interest in Landon's private life.

Landon's Proprietary Nature

Days after being married to Clerico, despite his infidelity, Landon continued to stress his loyalty to the show and his character. He even featured Clerico in a 1984 TV movie, which was designed to conclude the series. However, other cast members, including Katherine 'Scottie' MacGregor, found the affair so unpleasant that they refused to participate in the event. MacGregor later noted that the early 1980s' affair created an atmosphere of tension and discomfort on the set.

Conclusion: A Complex Figure

Michael Landon's portrayal of Charles Ingalls is a testament to his acting prowess, but it also highlights the complexity of the man. While Charles Ingalls may have been a beloved family man, Landon himself was a man with his own flaws. His experience with Clerico and the tension it caused on the set underscored the differences between his on-screen and off-screen persona. 'Bright Lights, Prairie Dust: Life, Loss and Love from Little House’s Ma', by Karen Grassle, provides a detailed account of Landon's life and his relationship with the show.