Michael Landon Jr., son of legendary television and film icon Michael Landon, has made a significant mark in the film industry over the past 30 years. He was educated at the University of Southern California and a Directing Fellow at the American Film Institute.
Landon's acclaimed film, Love Comes Softly, starring Katherine Heigl, won numerous awards and became the highest-rated movie in Hallmark Channel history, outperforming previous ratings by 40%. It also achieved over 2 million DVD sales through Fox Home Video. The sequel, Love’s Enduring Promise, starring Heigl and January Jones, outperformed its predecessor, solidifying Landon's position as the creator of the channel's top two highest-rated movies.
Landon has written, directed, and produced over two dozen films including Heaven Sent, The Last Sin Eater, based on Francine Rivers’ best-selling novel, and Saving Sarah Cain, inspired by Beverly Lewis's novel. The Velveteen Rabbit, based on Margery Williams' beloved children's classic, was released theatrically in February 2009. Landon also co-wrote, directed, and produced Jamaa, with his partner, Brian Bird. A true-life African adventure film created for the relief organization World Vision, which has helped tens of thousands of children find sponsors.
Landon's credits also include When Calls the Heart, a movie he wrote, directed, and produced featuring talented stars like Maggie Grace, Stephen Amell, Jean Smart, and Lori Loughlin. It became the backdoor pilot for the beloved television series, now in its 12th season, making it the longest-running series in Hallmark Channel history. Alongside his partner Brian Bird, Landon served as the showrunner for Season One.
They continue as Executive Producers for all twelve seasons, including the spin-off series When Hope Calls, which is currently in production for GAF. In addition to his work in television, Landon has co-authored four published novels, with his fifth, Literary Chaos, scheduled for release in Spring 2025. He is also currently working on a documentary titled The Dream King, which explores themes of reconciliation and forgiveness.
