What Ever Happened to the Cast of “Bonanza?”
- - - What Ever Happened to the Cast of "Bonanza?"
Tereza ShkurtajJune 29, 2025 at 5:00 PM
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'Bonanza' cast.
When Bonanza first hit TV screens in 1959, it didn't just ride into the Western genre – it helped define it.
The show galloped through 14 successful seasons on NBC, captivating audiences with the adventures of the Cartwright family on their sprawling Ponderosa Ranch.
Known for its heartfelt storytelling, colorful characters, and being one of the first shows broadcast in color, Bonanza became a trailblazer of its time. It earned critical acclaim, including multiple Emmy nominations, and remains a cultural touchstone in classic television.
After wrapping up in 1973 with over 400 episodes, its legacy still looms. But what became of the stars who brought this frontier family to life?
Lorne Greene as Ben Cartwright
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Lorne Greene as Ben Cartwright.
Lorne Greene played Ben Cartwright, the patriarch of the Cartwright family who raised three very different sons on Ponderosa.
Before Bonanza, he was known as the "Voice of Canada" for his work as a CBC radio broadcaster. Greene also starred in the sci-fi series Battlestar Galactica as Commander Adama. He was deeply admired for his commanding presence and baritone voice.
Greene was first married to Rita Hands (1938–1960), with whom he had twins. He then wed Nancy Deale (1961–1987), with whom he also shared a child.
In his later years, he remained active in television and public service. However, Greene passed away in 1987 at the age of 72 from pneumonia following surgery.
Pernell Roberts as Adam Cartwright
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Pernell Roberts as Adam Cartwright.
Pernell Roberts played Adam Cartwright, the eldest and most intellectual of the Cartwright brothers.
He left Bonanza after six seasons and later found success starring in the medical drama Trapper John, M.D. during the 1980s.
Roberts stepped away from acting in his later years. He was married four times and had one son, who sadly died in a motorcycle accident.
He died in 2010 of pancreatic cancer at the age of 81.
Dan Blocker as Eric "Hoss" Cartwright
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Dan Blocker as Hoss Cartwright.
Dan Blocker won over hearts with his role as Hoss Cartwright, the gentle giant middle brother.
Prior to Bonanza, he was a Korean War veteran and had a few parts in other various Western shows like The Restless Gun.
He married Dolphia Parker in 1952, and they had four children, including actor Dirk Blocker.
Dan's sudden death in 1972 from a pulmonary embolism following gallbladder surgery shocked fans and castmates alike.
He was only 43 at the time, and his passing was written into the show.
Michael Landon as Little Joe Cartwright
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Michael Landon as Little Joe Cartwright.
Michael Landon played the charming and impulsive Little Joe, the youngest Cartwright son.
After Bonanza, he became a household name again through Little House on the Prairie and later Highway to Heaven.
Landon was married three times: first to Dodie Levy-Fraser (1956–1962), then to Lynn Noe (1963–1982), and lastly to Cindy Landon (1983–1991). In total, the actor had nine children, some of whom followed him into show business.
Despite his fame, Michael remained grounded and was beloved by costars and fans alike. Unfortunately, he was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in 1991 and died later that year at just 54.
David Canary as "Candy" Canaday
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David Canary as "Candy" Canaday.
David Canary joined Bonanza in the later seasons as Candy Canaday, a loyal ranch hand who became like family to the Cartwrights.
He was also known for his iconic role as Adam Chandler on All My Children, for which he won five Daytime Emmys.
Canary was married to actress Maureen Maloney, and they had two children together: a son named Christopher and a daughter named Kathryn.
He continued acting until his retirement in 2010. Canary died from natural causes on Nov. 16, 2015. He was 77.
Tim Matheson as Griff King
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Tim Matheson as Griff King.
Tim Matheson played Griff King, a former convict who earns a second chance working on Ponderosa during the show's final season.
Though his time on Bonanza was brief, Matheson went on to have a long and active career in film and television. He is best known for playing Otter in Animal House and Vice President Hoynes in The West Wing.
As of now, he remains active in Hollywood and continues to take on both acting and directing roles. He's also had roles in the TV shows Virgin River and Hart of Dixie and worked behind the camera on popular series like Psych and Burn Notice.
Matheson has been married twice and has three children. His career has spanned over five decades with no signs of slowing down.
Mitch Vogel as Jamie Hunter Cartwright
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Mitch Vogel as Jamie Hunter Cartwright.
Mitch Vogel played Jamie Hunter, the teenage orphan who was adopted by Ben Cartwright in the final seasons.
Before Bonanza, he had roles in films like 1968's Yours, Mine and Ours and The Reivers, earning praise as a child actor.
Vogel stepped away from acting in his 20s. He married his wife, Christine Gilles, in the 1980s. They have two children together.
Today, he lives a quiet life away from the spotlight.
Guy Williams as Will Cartwright
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Guy Williams as Will Cartwright.
Guy Williams briefly joined Bonanza as Will Cartwright, a cousin brought in as a potential replacement for Adam. His stint was short-lived, as fans strongly preferred the original Cartwright trio.
Williams is better remembered for his iconic role as the titular character in the 1950s Disney series Zorro and as Professor John Robinson in Lost in Space.
He was married to Janice Cooper, and they had two children, one of whom also pursued acting. Later in life, Williams largely stepped back from the spotlight.
He moved to Argentina, where he was enormously popular and lived out his days semi-retired until he died in 1989. He was 65.
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