You may know Michael Landon from Little House on the Prairie or Bonanza. He was one of the biggest TV stars of his time. But before the fame, before the bright lights, there was someone standing beside him.
Her name was Dodie Levy-Fraser.
Many people still ask, What happened to Michael Landon’s first wife? Who was she? What was her life like before and after the divorce? In this article, we will explore the real story of Dodie Levy-Fraser. We will talk about her childhood, her career, her marriage, and her role as a mother.
By the end, you will see that Dodie Levy-Fraser was more than just Michael Landon’s ex-wife. She had a full life of her own.
Dodie Levy-Fraser Quick Bio
| Full Name | Dodie Levy-Fraser |
| Birth Date | March 16, 1933 |
| Birth Place | New York City, USA |
| Death Date | July 5, 1994 |
| Age at Death | 61 years old |
| Nationality | American |
| Parents | Nissim Levy, Victoria Dora Samarel |
| Siblings | Solomon Levy, Mary Levy Ruggraffe |
| Marriages | 3 (incl. Michael Landon, Dr. Peter Lake) |
| Children | Mark Fraser Landon, Josh Fraser Landon |
| Profession | Actress, Legal Secretary |
| Known For | Michael Landon’s first wife |
| Final Residence | Palm Springs, California |
| Burial Place | Hillside Memorial Park, California |
Who Was Dodie Levy-Fraser?
Dodie Levy-Fraser was born on March 16, 1933, in New York City, United States. Her full name was Dorothy Levy-Fraser, but most people called her Dodie. She grew up in a normal home, long before Hollywood ever became part of her story.
She was known for being calm and gentle. Friends described her as kind and thoughtful. She did not chase attention. She liked simple things. Family mattered a lot to her.
When people talk about Dodie Levy-Fraser today, they often link her name to Michael Landon. But she had her own dreams long before she met him. She was not just someone’s wife. She was a woman with goals, talent, and heart.
Dodie Levy-Fraser’s Childhood and Family
Dodie grew up in a close Jewish family in New York. Her father was Nissim Levy, and her mother was Victoria Dora Samarel Levy. Her parents worked hard and raised their children with strong values.
She had two siblings. Her brother was Solomon Isaac Levy, and her sister was Mary Levy Ruggraffe. The family stayed close over the years. They supported each other through happy and hard times.
As a young girl, Dodie showed interest in the arts. She liked performing in school plays. She enjoyed stories and creative work. Have you ever met someone who is quiet but full of ideas? That was Dodie. She may not have been loud, but she carried strong dreams inside her.
Life Before Michael Landon
Before becoming Michael Landon’s first wife, Dodie Levy-Fraser had already lived a full life. She was not new to adult life when they met. In fact, she had already been married once before.
From that first marriage, she had a son named Mark Fraser, born in 1948. Being a mother shaped her deeply. She cared deeply for her son and worked hard to give him a stable life.
At this time, Dodie also explored theatre. She performed in stage plays and small projects. Some sources say she also tried writing and light production work. Still, she later chose a more steady job. She trained and worked as a legal secretary, which gave her reliable income and structure.
Life was not perfect, but she handled it with strength.
How Dodie Levy-Fraser Met Michael Landon
In the mid-1950s, Dodie met a young man trying to break into Hollywood. His name was Michael Landon. At that time, he was not yet famous. He was still finding his way.
They met through friends. The connection was quick. Dodie was a bit older and had more life experience. Michael was full of big dreams. They balanced each other in a simple way.
Can you imagine meeting someone before the world knows their name? That’s what happened here. Dodie saw Michael before he became a star. She knew him during his early struggles. That bond meant something special at the time.
The Wedding of Dodie Levy-Fraser and Michael Landon
On March 11, 1956, Dodie Levy-Fraser married Michael Landon. The wedding was small and private. It was not a flashy Hollywood event. It was just close friends and family.
At that time, Michael’s career had only just started. He had not yet become the face of Bonanza. Dodie stood beside him during the early years. When he faced rejection and long days, she gave him support.
Their marriage lasted six years. During that time, they built a family. Michael adopted Dodie’s son Mark, welcoming him as his own. Later, in 1960, they adopted a baby boy named Josh Fraser Landon.
Dodie was not only a wife. She was the heart of the home. She managed the house, raised the boys, and tried to build stability while Michael worked hard in his acting career.
Dodie Levy-Fraser as a Mother
Motherhood meant everything to Dodie Levy-Fraser.
Mark was her first son. When Michael adopted him, it created a united family. Mark later became an actor himself, but as a child, he simply saw Dodie as his safe place.
In 1960, Dodie and Michael adopted baby Josh. Bringing Josh into their home showed their wish to grow their family. Dodie worked hard to give both boys love and order in a life that was starting to change.
As Michael’s fame grew, home life became harder. More work. More travel. More pressure. Dodie often carried the emotional load at home. She stayed strong for her children.
Sometimes people forget that behind every rising star, someone is holding things together at home. For a time, that person was Dodie Levy-Fraser.
Dodie Levy-Fraser and Michael Landon’s Divorce
By 1962, things had shifted.
Michael Landon’s fame was rising fast. With fame often comes stress. Long hours. Public attention. Personal struggles. Their marriage could not keep up with the changes.
On December 1, 1962, their divorce was finalized.
It was not a loud public fight. Dodie did not give interviews. She did not attack him in the press. She moved forward quietly. That choice says a lot about her character.
After the divorce, Michael married Marjorie Lynn Noe in 1963. Dodie chose a different path. She stepped away from Hollywood life.
What Happened to Dodie Levy-Fraser After the Divorce?
After her divorce from Michael Landon in 1962, Dodie Levy-Fraser stepped away from the spotlight. While Michael went on to become a TV star, Dodie chose a quieter path. She didn’t chase fame or speak publicly. She simply focused on rebuilding her life.
In 1971, she found love again. She married Dr. Peter Lake, and this time, the relationship stayed fully private. There were no cameras. No press. Just a peaceful life with a man who made her feel calm and safe. That’s what Dodie wanted.
She never returned to the world of acting. Instead, she stayed far from Hollywood and found happiness in the simple things — home, family, and privacy.
Dodie Levy-Fraser’s Career and Life Work
Before and after her time with Michael Landon, Dodie worked hard. She had once tried acting and writing, but she later found more stability in another career.
She became a legal secretary. It may not sound exciting, but it gave her structure and peace. She was known to be smart, helpful, and kind at work.
She didn’t need the spotlight to feel important. She was proud of doing her job well. For many years, this was her life — calm, steady, and real.
That’s something special, especially in a world that often focuses only on fame.
Where Did Dodie Levy-Fraser Live in Her Final Years?
In her later years, Dodie moved to Palm Springs, California. This city is known for its warm weather, quiet streets, and beautiful views. It was the perfect place for someone who wanted peace.
She kept her life very private. She didn’t go to events or give interviews. She spent time with close friends and family. That’s how she liked it — no noise, no stress, just a simple life.
Even though she had once been part of a rising Hollywood story, she never let that define her. Dodie Levy-Fraser stayed true to herself.
Dodie Levy-Fraser’s Death and Legacy
On July 5, 1994, Dodie Levy-Fraser passed away in Palm Springs. She was 61 years old. Her death was peaceful, and the cause was never made public.
She was buried at Hillside Memorial Park Cemetery in Culver City, California. This place is known for being calm and beautiful, just like the way she lived.
Even though many people don’t know her name today, Dodie made a quiet but strong impact. She helped raise two children. She supported Michael Landon when he was still unknown. And after her marriage ended, she kept going — with grace, strength, and dignity.
Her story shows that not all heroes are loud. Some simply live good lives with love and kindness.
What Happened to Dodie Levy-Fraser’s Children?
Dodie Levy-Fraser had two sons — Mark Fraser Landon and Josh Fraser Landon.
Her first son, Mark, was born in 1948 from her earlier relationship. Michael Landon adopted him after they got married. Mark loved the world of acting just like his adoptive father. He appeared in a few movies, including Goodbye America and Double Edge.
Sadly, Mark passed away in 2009 at the age of 60. He was found in his home in West Hollywood. No foul play was found. His passing was a quiet moment, just like his mother’s.
Her second son, Josh, was adopted by Dodie and Michael as a baby in 1960. He stayed out of the spotlight and lived a private life, much like his mother. There isn’t much known about Josh, but it’s clear that Dodie gave him a loving and peaceful start.
Both sons were very important to her. They were the heart of her world.
Conclusion
Dodie Levy-Fraser may not have been a celebrity, but her life was full of meaning. She was kind. She was strong. She gave love to her children and stood beside Michael Landon during his early struggles.
After her divorce, she could have chased attention. But she didn’t. She chose peace. She chose privacy. She chose herself.
Even today, in 2026, people still ask, What happened to Michael Landon’s first wife? The answer is simple and beautiful: she lived a full life with quiet strength.
Dodie Levy-Fraser showed us that not every important story is told on a screen. Some are lived quietly — with love, with grace, and with no need for applause.
(FAQs)
How old was Dodie Levy-Fraser when she died?
Dodie was 61 years old when she died in 1994. Many people are shocked to hear she passed away so young.
Did Dodie Levy-Fraser have any children?
She had two sons. Her first son Mark was from a past relationship. Later, she and Michael Landon adopted a baby boy named Josh.
What do we know from Dodie Levy-Fraser’s obituary?
Her obituary said she died on July 5, 1994, in Palm Springs. But the cause of her death was never shared, which surprised many people.
Was Dodie Levy-Fraser really Michael Landon’s first wife?
Dodie was Michael Landon’s first wife. They got married before he became famous and had a family together.
Where did Dodie Levy-Fraser live before she died?
She lived in Palm Springs, California. She liked living a quiet and peaceful life, away from fame and the public eye.
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