Michael Landon born Eugene Maurice Orowitz; was an American actor, writer, director, and producer. He is known for his roles as Little Joe Cartwright in Bonanza 1959–1973, Charles Ingalls in Little House on the Prairie 1974–1983, and Jonathan Smith in Highway to Heaven 1984–1989. Landon appeared on the cover of TV Guide 22 times, second only to Lucille Ball.