The Quiet Life And Legacy Of Dodie Levy Fraser: 7 Facts About Michael Landon's First Wife

Dodie Levy Fraser, best known to the public as the first wife of legendary television actor Michael Landon, lived a life of remarkable transitions, moving from the theater stage to the demanding world of a legal secretary. While her name is often mentioned in the context of her famous ex-husband, Dodie established a diverse and full career of her own, embracing roles as an actress, author, director, and dedicated mother. Her story is a quiet counterpoint to the Hollywood spotlight, one marked by family, resilience, and a successful second marriage that lasted until her passing. As of December 2025, discussions about her life continue to resurface, offering a fresh perspective on the woman who supported Landon before his rise to fame on shows like *Bonanza* and *Little House on the Prairie*.

Dodie Levy Fraser: A Complete Biography and Profile

Dodie Levy Fraser's life spanned six decades, marked by a varied professional career and two significant marriages.

• Full Name: Dodie G. Levy Fraser (also known as Dodie Levy-Fraser)
• Date of Birth: 1933
• Place of Birth: New York City, New York, USA
• Parents: Nissim Levy and Victoria "Dora" Samarel Levy
• Siblings: Sister, Mary Lexy Ruggraffe
• First Spouse: Michael Landon (Married: 1956; Divorced: 1962)
• Second Spouse: Dr. Peter Lake (Married: 1971; Remained married until her death)
• Children: Two adopted sons with Michael Landon: Mark Fraser Landon (Adopted, born 1948, died 2009) and Josh Fraser Landon (Adopted, born 1960).
• Education: Graduated high school and ventured into professional acting.
• Career: Theatre Actress, Producer, Author, Director, and Legal Secretary.
• Date of Death: July 5, 1994
• Age at Death: 61
• Place of Death: Palm Springs, Riverside County, California, USA
• Cause of Death: Natural causes.
• Net Worth (Alleged at Death): Approximately $500,000.

The Early Years: From New York Theatre to Hollywood Marriage

Born in New York City in 1933 to Nissim and Victoria Levy, Dodie’s early life was rooted in the arts. She showed a passion for performance from a young age, participating in theater productions throughout her primary and secondary school years. After graduation, she transitioned into professional acting, setting the stage for her future connections in the entertainment industry.

Her life took a significant turn when she met Michael Landon, an aspiring actor who would later become one of the biggest stars on television. At the time of their marriage in 1956, Dodie already had a son, Mark Fraser, from a previous relationship. Michael Landon adopted Mark, and the boy's name was changed to Mark Fraser Landon. The couple later adopted a second son, Josh Fraser Landon, born in 1960.

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This period saw Landon's career begin its massive ascent, particularly with his role as Little Joe Cartwright on the iconic Western series *Bonanza*. Dodie was a foundational partner during these formative years, supporting Landon before he achieved global superstardom.

Despite the promise of Hollywood success, the marriage between Dodie and Michael Landon ended in divorce in 1962, after six years. The separation was a pivotal moment for both, though Dodie would largely step away from the glare of the public eye in the years that followed.

Life After Landon: A Career Shift and Lasting Love

Following her divorce from Michael Landon, Dodie Levy Fraser made a decisive move away from the unpredictable nature of show business. While she had been credited with roles as an actress, producer, author, and director, she began to focus her professional energy on a more stable career path: becoming a legal secretary. This shift highlights a desire for privacy and a commitment to a non-celebrity lifestyle, a choice that proved to be a defining characteristic of her later years.

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Her personal life also found a new, enduring chapter. In 1971, nearly a decade after her divorce from Landon, Dodie married Dr. Peter Lake. This second marriage was a quiet and long-lasting partnership. Dodie and Dr. Lake remained married until her death in 1994, a period of over two decades. This enduring union in a town often synonymous with fleeting relationships speaks volumes about her desire for a stable, private family life.

Dodie’s commitment to her children remained paramount. Both Mark and Josh Fraser Landon grew up largely outside of the intense media scrutiny that followed their famous father. Tragically, her eldest son, Mark Fraser Landon, who also pursued some acting roles, passed away in 2009 at the age of 61.

The Legacy of Dodie Levy Fraser: A Woman of Many Roles

When assessing the life of Dodie Levy Fraser, it is clear that her identity was far more complex than just being the "first wife" of a celebrity. Her professional versatility—from a theatre actress in New York to a legal secretary in California—demonstrates a woman capable of reinvention and success in diverse fields. The fact that she was also an author, producer, and director, as noted in various biographical accounts, suggests a deep-seated creative drive that she pursued both within and outside the public eye.

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Dodie Levy Fraser passed away on July 5, 1994, in Palm Springs, California, at the age of 61, due to natural causes. While her passing was quiet, her legacy endures through her two sons and the historical record of her life. She represents the often-overlooked figures who provide essential support and stability to those who go on to achieve monumental fame. Her story is a testament to finding happiness and success on one's own terms, away from the intense scrutiny of the Hollywood machine. Her life with Dr. Peter Lake, her dedication to her sons, and her successful career shifts all paint a picture of a resilient and grounded individual.

In the narrative of Michael Landon's life, Dodie Levy Fraser is the crucial first chapter—the woman who helped lay the groundwork for the icon he would become. Entities like *Bonanza*, *Little House on the Prairie*, and *Highway to Heaven* are forever linked to her ex-husband, but Dodie’s contribution to his early stability and family life is an integral part of that story.

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