The beloved Western TV series “Bonanza” remains iconic in television history. It gave us a rich narrative set in the Old West, centered around the Cartwright family, and introduced the world to timeless characters like Ben, Adam, Hoss, and Little Joe Cartwright. But even the most dedicated fans may not know the fascinating stories behind the scenes of the series. Here’s a closer look at the intriguing facts about the show and its legendary cast.
Introduction
Premiering in 1959 and running for 14 successful seasons until 1973, Bonanza became one of the longest-running Westerns in television history, nearly rivaling Gunsmoke. The show centered on the Cartwright family, led by patriarch Ben Cartwright and his three sons, each from different marriages. What set Bonanza apart from its contemporaries was its character-driven storytelling, allowing stars Lorne Greene, Michael Landon, and Dan Blocker to shine in their iconic roles as the Cartwrights on the sprawling Ponderosa Ranch.
Lorne Greene as Ben Cartwright: The Patriarch
Lorne Greene, a talented Canadian actor and musician, took on the role of Ben Cartwright, the wise and beloved patriarch of the Cartwright family. Greene’s portrayal of Ben as a strong, wise, and just father won him fans worldwide. TV Guide even named him one of the most beloved TV dads in history! His performance in “Bonanza” catapulted him into stardom, turning him into a household name. Sadly, Greene passed away in 1987 at the age of 72 due to pneumonia.
Not Your Typical TV Dad
TV dads of the 1950s and 1960s were often portrayed as bumbling or controlled by their wives. But “Bonanza” wanted to break the mold. Producer David Dortort envisioned Ben Cartwright as a father who was bright, capable, and respected—a different kind of role model for viewers. This departure from the norm helped elevate the character of Ben, making him a central and respected figure in the show.
The Cartwrights Never Changed Clothes
Die-hard fans may have noticed something peculiar about “Bonanza”—the characters rarely changed clothes. Throughout the show’s entire 400-plus episode run, the Cartwright family wore the same outfits! This was a conscious decision by the production team to cut costs. By keeping the same wardrobe, they could reuse stock footage from earlier episodes, saving on production costs while maintaining continuity.
Michael Landon’s Breakthrough as Little Joe
Michael Landon’s portrayal of Little Joe, the youngest and most fiery of the Cartwright brothers, was a breakout role for the actor. Before joining “Bonanza,” Landon had struggled to land major parts, but the success of the series made him a household name. His career flourished, with Landon later starring in “Little House on the Prairie” and “Highway to Heaven.” Tragically, Landon passed away in 1991 at the age of 54 after battling cancer.
Michael Landon’s Real Name: Eugene Maurice Orowitz
Michael Landon, famous for portraying the youngest Cartwright son, Little Joe, wasn’t born with that name. Like many actors entering The Screen Actors Guild, Landon had to choose a new stage name because his real name, Eugene Maurice Orowitz, didn’t seem to fit the Hollywood mold. Initially, he wanted to use the name Michael Lane, but it was already taken. In a stroke of inspiration, he flipped through a phone book, found the name Alf Landon, and thus, Michael Landon was born.
A Cast of Talented Singers
In addition to their acting prowess, the cast of “Bonanza” proved to be musically talented as well. The actors recorded a Christmas album in 1964 titled “Christmas at the Ponderosa”. Lorne Greene also had solo success with his hit single “Ringo”, which became popular in both the United States and Canada.
Pernell Roberts as Adam Cartwright
Pernell Roberts played Adam, the eldest Cartwright son, for six seasons. Despite his popularity, Roberts left “Bonanza” in 1965 to pursue other opportunities, a move that surprised fans since the show was at the height of its success. After leaving, Roberts continued to enjoy a successful career, appearing in over 60 TV shows and theater productions. Roberts passed away in 2010 at the age of 81 from cancer.
Pernell Roberts Wasn’t A Fan Of The Show
Pernell Roberts had a troubled relationship with “Bonanza” from the start. He felt that the writing didn’t meet his standards and often clashed with producers over the show’s direction. Political and creative differences eventually drove him to leave the show after six seasons, despite the fact that “Bonanza” was one of the top-rated programs on television at the time. He was known to criticize the show publicly, but he remained proud of his decision to move on for his personal and professional growth.
The Bonanza Restaurant Chains
Dan Blocker, who played Hoss Cartwright, saw a unique business opportunity in his “Bonanza” fame. In 1965, Blocker founded Bonanza Steakhouse, a buffet-style restaurant chain that would later merge with Ponderosa Steakhouse. Blocker’s business venture was a success, and his restaurant chain continues to operate in various locations even today. The name “Bonanza” proved to be as much a hit in the restaurant world as it was on television!
Victor Sen Yung as Hop Sing
Victor Sen Yung, the actor who portrayed Hop Sing, the Cartwright family’s cook, was also a skilled chef in real life. After Bonanza, Yung supported himself through his culinary talents, making appearances on cooking shows and even writing “The Great Wok Cookbook” in 1974. His portrayal of Hop Sing added an important cultural dimension to the show, though he often found himself typecast in roles due to Hollywood’s limited perspective on Asian-American actors at the time.
An American King Arthur
The concept of Bonanza was initially based on a Western interpretation of the King Arthur legend. In David Dortort’s original vision, Ben Cartwright was meant to symbolize King Arthur, and his sons were to act as his knights. The Ponderosa Ranch was intended to be their “Camelot.” While this direct connection didn’t come through as clearly in the final series, the family dynamics of loyalty, honor, and leadership remained at the core of the show.
Dan Blocker as Hoss Cartwright
Dan Blocker, who played the lovable middle son Hoss Cartwright, was a beloved figure both on and off-screen. In real life, Blocker was intelligent, well-educated (he held a master’s degree), and known for his warm personality. His gentle giant persona was a perfect fit for Hoss, a character who was big-hearted and simple-minded, but incredibly loyal to his family. Unfortunately, Blocker passed away unexpectedly in 1972 at the age of 43 due to complications from surgery, which marked a somber turning point in the show’s final season.
Dan Blocker: The Big Baby
Dan Blocker made history from the moment he was born in 1928, weighing in at 14 pounds—the largest baby ever born in Texas at that time. As he grew up, his impressive size continued to define him. By first grade, he weighed over 100 pounds, and as an adult, he stood 6’4” tall and weighed more than 300 pounds. His imposing stature made him an ideal choice for roles that required a strong, dominant presence.
From Survival to Success
Bonanza had a rocky start in its first season, largely due to its Saturday night time slot, which didn’t attract many viewers. At one point, the show was nearly canceled. However, NBC decided to give the series a second chance by moving it to Sunday nights. This change proved to be a success, and by 1965, Bonanza had risen to the number one spot in national ratings.
David Canary as Candy Canaday
When Pernell Roberts left Bonanza, the show needed a new character to fill the gap. That’s when David Canary stepped in as Candy Canaday, a ranch hand who became part of the Cartwright family. Canary was originally up for the role of Mr. Spock in Star Trek, but he ultimately found his home on Bonanza. After his time on the show, Canary enjoyed a highly successful career in daytime television, earning five Emmy Awards for his role in All My Children.
Stock Footage Saved The Budget
Despite its reputation as one of the most expensive shows on television, Bonanza found clever ways to keep costs down. The production team frequently used stock footage in various episodes to avoid filming extra scenes. This saved thousands of dollars per episode. Since the characters always wore the same clothes, stock footage blended seamlessly with new footage, making it a smart and cost-effective tactic.
A Very Expensive Show
With a budget of $100,000 to $150,000 per episode, Bonanza was one of the most expensive TV shows to produce during its time. NBC justified these high costs because the show consistently delivered strong ratings. Even with a hefty budget, Bonanza became known for its efficient use of resources, including stock footage and consistent costumes, to maintain quality without breaking the bank.
Adam Cartwright Could Have Been Played By Zorro
Before Pernell Roberts was cast as Adam Cartwright, the role was originally offered to Guy Williams, famous for portraying Zorro. However, Williams turned down the part, opting instead to continue his work as the masked hero. Although Williams didn’t become Adam Cartwright, he did guest-star on Bonanza in the role of Will Cartwright, a character written as a potential replacement for Roberts when he eventually left the show.
Hoss Was A Nickname
Hoss Cartwright’s real name wasn’t Hoss—it was Eric Haas Cartwright. The nickname Hoss was a term of endearment based on his size and his gentle, friendly nature. In the series, his brothers give him the nickname in a flashback, explaining that it refers to his large stature, but kind disposition. Dan Blocker’s portrayal of Hoss made him a fan favorite, and the character’s nickname became synonymous with lovable strength.
The Cartwright Curse
One of the long-running jokes on Bonanza was the so-called “Cartwright curse.” Every time one of the Cartwright men fell in love, the woman would either die, leave, or disappear under mysterious circumstances. This meant that none of the Cartwright sons ever found lasting love on the show, leading fans to speculate that they were cursed when it came to romance. This plot point added to the emotional depth of the show, emphasizing the family’s reliance on one another.
Not Their Real Hair
While Michael Landon’s hair was real, many of his co-stars wore toupees throughout the series. Lorne Greene, Dan Blocker, and Pernell Roberts all used hairpieces at different points in the show, especially as they began to age. The use of toupees was not uncommon for male actors during that time, especially in long-running series where continuity was key.
Screen Time For All
Unlike many shows where one or two characters dominate the screen, Bonanza maintained a unique balance between its main characters. The show’s writers made sure that all four Cartwright men—Ben, Adam, Hoss, and Little Joe—received equal screen time and development. This contributed to the show’s success, as it allowed each character to become fully realized in their own right.
“Bonanza” is a Slang Word
The term “bonanza” originally referred to a large mineral deposit, particularly silver or gold, found in a mine. The word came to be used more broadly to mean something that brings a sudden increase in wealth or fortune. The title of the show alludes to the Ponderosa Ranch being a metaphorical bonanza for the Cartwright family, symbolizing prosperity and success.
The Show Was Nearly Canceled After Season One
Bonanza struggled during its first season, primarily because of its Saturday night time slot. Low ratings nearly led to its cancellation. However, NBC saw potential in the series and decided to move it to Sunday nights at 9 p.m., a prime viewing time. This decision turned out to be a turning point for the show, as it quickly became a top-rated program.
Michael Landon’s Obsession With ‘Bonanza’
Michael Landon loved his time on Bonanza and appeared in 402 of the show’s 416 episodes. Landon’s passion for the show extended beyond acting—he also began writing and directing episodes during the later seasons. His dedication to the show and to the character of Little Joe was unmatched, and it helped launch his career into new heights as both an actor and a creator.
Landon Wasn’t Easy To Work With
Though Michael Landon was passionate about Bonanza, his growing influence on the show caused friction behind the scenes. As he began directing and writing episodes, Landon became more controlling over the direction of the show. Some cast and crew members found him difficult to work with, as he had a very specific vision for Bonanza. Despite this, Landon’s contributions helped shape the series into the success it became.
M*A*S*H Almost Cast Dan Blocker
Robert Altman, the director of M*A*S*H (the film), had wanted Dan Blocker to star in the movie. However, the producers vetoed Altman’s choice, and Blocker didn’t end up taking the role. Interestingly, Blocker’s son, Dirk Blocker, would later appear in the M*A*S*H TV series, making a family connection to the project even without Dan’s involvement.
Dan Blocker’s Death Made TV History
In 1972, Dan Blocker died suddenly from a pulmonary embolism following gallbladder surgery. The tragedy sent shockwaves through the cast and fans alike. Bonanza made TV history by directly addressing Blocker’s death on the show—the first time a major character’s real-life death was acknowledged in a scripted TV series. Blocker’s absence marked the beginning of the end for Bonanza, which would go off the air just two years later.
Guest Stars Were Better Paid Than The Show’s Regular Cast
During the early seasons of Bonanza, guest stars were often paid more than the regular cast members. This was because the show’s stars were relatively unknown at the time, and producers believed that bringing in famous guest actors would help boost the show’s ratings. By the second season, however, the main cast members of Bonanza had become stars in their own right, and the show no longer needed to rely on guest appearances for its popularity.
There Were Lyrics In The Theme Song
The catchy theme song of Bonanza is recognizable to millions, but did you know it originally had lyrics? The theme was written by Jay Livingston and Ray Evans, and for the pilot episode, Lorne Greene, Dan Blocker, and Michael Landon sang the lyrics. However, the producers decided to scrap the lyrics before the show aired and used only the instrumental version. Despite this, the theme song became one of the most iconic in television history.
A Pioneer In Color TV
Bonanza was one of the first Western TV shows to be filmed in color, making it a pioneer in television history. NBC, owned by RCA at the time, used the show as a way to promote the sale of color TVs. The vivid colors of the show, from the sweeping landscapes to the iconic costumes, helped drive the adoption of color television in American households.
A Long And Successful Run
With over 400 episodes spanning 14 seasons, Bonanza was one of the longest-running Western series on television. Only Gunsmoke surpassed it in terms of longevity. Bonanza’s success can be attributed to its blend of compelling characters, moral storytelling, and groundbreaking use of color, all of which made it a lasting favorite among fans.
The Cartwrights Welcomed Visitors
During the first season of Bonanza, the Cartwright family was portrayed as somewhat hostile to outsiders. This was soon changed when it became clear that the Cartwrights’ success in the community depended on being more approachable and welcoming. Lorne Greene, as Ben Cartwright, became a pillar of the community, and the Ponderosa Ranch became a place where people could gather and do business.
Chevrolet Sponsored Nearly Every Episode
Chevrolet, the car company, was the primary sponsor for Bonanza throughout its long run. Their sponsorship helped the show maintain its high production value and even influenced the type of advertising seen during the commercial breaks. Cast members from Bonanza appeared in numerous Chevrolet ads, often promoting the newest models of cars and trucks.
The Star Trek Connection
“Bonanza” had a number of actors who would later go on to appear in “Star Trek” or were known for their roles in the sci-fi classic. For instance, Leonard Nimoy (Spock) and DeForest Kelley (Dr. McCoy) both made appearances on “Bonanza” before landing their iconic roles on “Star Trek.” This crossover between two legendary series cemented “Bonanza’s” status as a landmark in television history.
Landon’s Early Writing Struggles
Michael Landon was deeply invested in Bonanza and was eager to contribute behind the scenes. However, when he first tried his hand at writing scripts, his efforts weren’t immediately embraced. Producers initially rejected some of his early scripts. But Landon was persistent, and after some time, his writing improved, and he went on to become one of the main writers for the show. His experience writing for Bonanza later helped him when he created his own series, Little House on the Prairie.
Rotating Credits for Equality
One of the interesting aspects of Bonanza was how dedicated the producers were to ensuring that all the main cast members received equal billing. In the opening credits, the order in which the actors’ names appeared was rotated frequently to give each of the four Cartwrights equal prominence. This unique decision reflected the show’s commitment to ensemble storytelling and avoided giving any one actor too much focus over the others.
“Bonanza” Released in Theaters—In Mexico
In an unusual move, two episodes of Bonanza were combined and released in Mexican theaters under the title Jinetes del Viento (“Riders of the Wind”). This was the only time Bonanza made it to the big screen. While it didn’t lead to more theatrical releases, it’s a unique part of the show’s global appeal and enduring legacy.
Michael Landon and His Lifts
Michael Landon, while a talented actor, was relatively short compared to his co-stars on Bonanza. At 5’9″, Landon had to wear lifts in his shoes to appear taller, especially next to Dan Blocker, who stood at 6’4″ and weighed over 300 pounds. The lifts helped Landon maintain a more balanced appearance with his taller co-stars, and this little-known fact became part of the behind-the-scenes lore of the show.
The Cartwright Curse: What Happened to All The Women?
Michael Landon, ever the jokester, often commented on the infamous “Cartwright curse” that plagued the family. Whenever a woman entered the life of one of the Cartwright men, she would inevitably die or mysteriously disappear after a few episodes. Fans eagerly waited for one of the Cartwright sons to get married, but it never happened. This “curse” became an inside joke among cast members and fans alike.
Global Success of “Bonanza”
While Bonanza was a massive hit in the United States, its global reach was equally impressive. The show aired in dozens of countries around the world and was even shown in Mexican movie theaters. It’s considered one of the first truly global TV shows, appealing to audiences across cultures with its universal themes of family, justice, and morality.
How “Bonanza” Launched Michael Landon’s Career
Michael Landon’s career was forever changed by Bonanza. His role as Little Joe turned him into a household name, and his work behind the camera opened new doors for him. After Bonanza, Landon became a successful producer and creator, with hit shows like Little House on the Prairie and Highway to Heaven further solidifying his status as a TV legend.
There Were Many Musicians On ‘Bonanza’
Many of the cast members on Bonanza were musically talented, and they even released a Christmas album in 1964 titled “Christmas at the Ponderosa.” Lorne Greene was particularly successful in his musical ventures, releasing a hit single titled “Ringo” that topped the charts in both the U.S. and Canada. The musical talents of the cast added an extra layer to their popularity, and they often performed songs as part of their appearances on talk shows and public events.
The Iconic Theme Song
“Bonanza’s” theme song is one of the most recognizable tunes in TV history. Written by Jay Livingston and Ray Evans, the instrumental version is the one most fans remember. However, the original theme song had lyrics that were sung by the Cartwrights themselves—Lorne Greene, Dan Blocker, and Michael Landon. While the lyrics were eventually cut from the broadcast, the instrumental version remains a timeless piece of television history.
“Bonanza” was more than just a television show—it was a cultural phenomenon that left an indelible mark on TV history. From the unique behind-the-scenes stories to the way it shaped careers like Michael Landon’s, “Bonanza” continues to be remembered fondly by fans around the world. Its themes of family, honor, and justice resonate just as much today as they did when the show first aired. Whether you’re a longtime fan or a newcomer to the world of the Ponderosa Ranch, these 45 facts offer a glimpse into what made “Bonanza” a timeless classic.
