Michael Landon and Cindy Clerico: Relationship Timeline

Michael Landon, renowned actor and creator of iconic TV shows like "Little House on the Prairie," married his third wife, Cindy Clerico, in 1983. Their relationship began amid significant personal turmoil for Landon.

Meeting and Affair

• 1981: Landon met Cindy Clerico, a makeup artist on the set of "Little House on the Prairie" and later "Highway to Heaven".
• Extramarital Relationship: At the time of meeting, Landon was married to his second wife, Lynn Noe (married 1963). A romantic relationship developed between Landon and Clerico during this marriage.
• Separation: Landon separated from Lynn Noe in 1980, but they were still legally married when his relationship with Clerico became public.

Marriage and Family

• January 31, 1983: Landon finalized his divorce from Lynn Noe.
• February 14, 1983: Landon married Cindy Clerico just two weeks later in a secret ceremony in Leucadia, California.
• Children: Cindy gave birth to their two children: son Sean Landon (1984) and daughter Jennifer Landon (1983). Jennifer followed in her father's footsteps and became an actress.
• Stepchildren: Cindy became stepmother to Landon's five children from his first two marriages: Mark, Josh, Jason, Cheryl, and Leslie Landon.

Landon's Illness and Cindy's Caregiving

In April 1991, Michael Landon was diagnosed with inoperable pancreatic cancer. Cindy Landon became his primary caregiver during his illness.

• Public Announcement: Michael Landon publicly announced his diagnosis on May 9, 1991, in an emotional televised interview with Johnny Carson.
• Vigil: Cindy remained by his side throughout his aggressive treatment regimen and the decline of his health.
• Death: Michael Landon passed away on July 1, 1991, at the age of 54, at his home in Malibu, California, with Cindy at his side.

Life After Landon

Cindy Landon did not remarry after Michael's death. She primarily focused on raising their children and preserving Michael Landon's legacy. She occasionally participates in projects related to his work and philanthropy.

Key Points:

• Cindy Clerico was Landon's third and final wife.
• Their relationship began as an affair while Landon was married to his second wife.
• They married quickly after Landon's divorce was finalized.
• They had two children together, Sean and Jennifer Landon.
• Cindy Landon was Michael's steadfast caregiver during his battle with pancreatic cancer until his death in 1991.