- Michael Landon, star of “Little House on the Prairie” and “Bonanza,” succumbed to his illness within three months at the age of 54.
- The final promise made by his gay son after a “painful” childhood has come to light.
- Now 48 years old, the said son is a devoted father to two children who closely resemble him.
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Growing up, Christopher and his siblings led an exhilarating life—their father was a star, and they could have anything their hearts desired. However, for Christopher, material possessions held little value, as he was grappling with an internal struggle.
Michael’s son is gay, and during his time at Beverly Hills High, he found it difficult to cope. Despite his father’s fame and living between his mother’s home and his father’s grand Hollywood estate, Christopher wasn’t content. He often spent lunchtime in the school basement, sitting with other children who, like him, felt like they didn’t fit in.
Michael and Christopher Landon at the Colony Market Food Store in Malibu, California in 1984 | Source: Getty Images
In addition to fearing ridicule from his classmates about his sexuality, Christopher worried that he might tarnish his father’s wholesome Hollywood image. He confessed:
“For a while, I thought an article about me would come out with the headline ‘Little House on the Fairy’ or ‘Highway to Hell.'”
Besides his concerns about his peers and his father’s fans, Christopher was unsure how to disclose his homosexuality to his family. In fact, he didn’t even realize it until he fell in love with a boy.
As a young man, Christopher had many female friends but found it strange that he didn’t share the same feelings for them as other boys did. He considered exploring why he felt this way until he met a boy he fell for, and the pieces of the puzzle came together.
Christopher’s mother was a born-again Christian, and several other family members shared the same faith, making it challenging for him to determine how to tell them about the boy he had fallen in love with.
Christoper Landon at the 1992 Outreach Awards Dinner in Hollywood | Source: Getty Images
Christopher managed to keep the secret for only two months before finally confiding in his mother. He remembered:
“[A]s soon as I realized I was in love — about two months after I met this guy — I just came out. I went straight to my mom, and I was like, ‘Listen, this is what’s going on, and I don’t even know how I even feel about it, but I don’t want to live a double life.'”
Upon hearing the news, Christopher’s mother cried and even blamed herself, but she eventually reached a stage of acceptance. The young man expressed relief that he had challenged his mother’s beliefs, feeling that everyone needed such a challenge.
Although Christopher worried about his other relatives’ reactions to his homosexuality, he discovered that they didn’t care much and were surprised it took him so long to come out to them.
When questioned whether he thought his father knew, Christopher confirmed that he did, according to Cindy. When Christopher came out to her, she informed him that she and his father were already aware.
Christopher and Michael Landon at the 1989 Moonlight Roundup Extravaganza to Benefit Free Arts for Abused Children | Source: Getty Images
Recounting what Cindy told him, Christopher said, “Apparently, he just told her out of the blue, ‘I think he’s gay, but I’m sure he’ll come to that conclusion on his own.'”
Christopher found solace in knowing that his father was aware of his sexuality and wasn’t upset about it. He admitted to missing his father dearly but chose not to pursue acting because he had spent too much time in the spotlight and desired a break.
Christopher Landon at the premiere of “Disturbia” in Hollywood in 2007 | Source: Getty Images
Christopher’s Life with His Two Lookalike Sons in His 40s
Now, Christopher has kept his promises to his father and even welcomed two sons of his own, Beau Landon-Morris and August Kelly Landon-Morris. Although his sons bring immense joy to his life, Christopher still faces challenges. Fortunately, he has built confidence over the years and receives support from his loved ones.
Christopher acknowledged this when he posted a photo of his younger self wearing braces and neck gear. In the caption, he mentioned his shyness and fear of embracing his true identity, but he eventually learned to accept himself with the help of his family and friends.
He proudly shared that he was married to the best man and they started their own family together. Christopher encouraged fans by expressing the beauty of life when one can be true to themselves.
In April 2017, the father of two posted a photo of a newborn baby swaddled in a giraffe-patterned muslin blanket, introducing his son, Beau, who was born a week earlier.
In December 2019, Christopher once again shared a photo of a newborn baby, this time cradled by Christopher as his husband, Cody Morris, gazed at them lovingly. Christopher revealed the baby was their second son, August Kelly, affectionately called “Gus.”
While the couple received numerous warm and supportive comments on social media, they also encountered some hateful ones, as someone asked which of them had given birth to their sons and called them “sickos.”
Christopher captured the comment in a screenshot and reposted it on Instagram with a caption stating:
“Woke up to this attack on our family. A reminder of how far we have come and how much further we have to go.”
Many fans empathized with the couple and expressed disappointment that someone could not see the love and appreciation the family had for one another.
Recently, Christopher and Cody celebrated their eldest son’s 5th birthday. Christopher took to Instagram to share a series of photos of the young boy and expressed that Beau had made him a better person, and he was deeply grateful for it.
