Here's Who Inherited Michael Landon's Money After He Died

Even though the illness came on quickly, Michael Landon had time to prepare financially for his death, according to People Magazine. He arranged to leave each of his nine children between $8 million and $10 million, and preemptively discouraged fighting among them. With the aid of staff, Landon recorded a videotape of himself explaining: Any heir who contested the will would forfeit his or her portion of it. As Landon’s widow, Cindy Landon, told People Magazine in 1992, “the kids respect his decision.”

Michael Landon’s nine children are from three marriages, and some are adopted. About his two adopted sons, People Magazine quoted him in 1991: “They’re my sons, period. Not my ‘adopted sons.’ They’re my sons and I’m their father until they die — or I die.” A third adopted son had previously been given up by Michael Landon’s first wife, Dodie Fraser, after the couple divorced in 1962, according to People. Though the one-time adopted son, Jason Smith, came forward after Landon’s death, the family did not contact him.

ncG1vNJzZmhqZGy7psPSmqmorZ6Zwamx1qippZxemLyue82erqxnmJq%2Fpr%2BMsJ%2BoZZmjtaa%2ByK2cnWWdnrCprcSlZKWZnpm8r7%2BMpqannalirqfAxKtkoZ1dmbamsI4%3D