Who Is Still Alive From ‘Bonanza’?

BONANZA, Pernell Roberts, Michael Landon, Lorne Greene, Dan Blocker, 1959-1973 — Everett Collection

Few Westerns have the legacy that Bonanza does. The series ran for a staggering 14 seasons on NBC from 1959 to 1973, following the adventures of Ben Cartwright (Lorne Greene) and his three sons (Michael Landon, Dan Blocker and Pernell Roberts) as they went through good times and bad on their Ponderosa ranch.

While most of the core cast has sadly passed on, there are two familiar faces still with us, both of whom joined the series in its later seasons. Let’s catch up with the only two major actors from Bonanza who are still alive today, along with a look back honoring those we’ve lost.

Mitch Vogel (69)

Jamie Hunter Cartwright

Gene Trindl/TV Guide/Everett Collection; Charley Gallay/Getty Images for TCM

Vogel joined Bonanza in 1970 as Jamie Hunter Cartwright, a teenage orphan who became the youngest member of the family when Ben adopted him. Vogel had already made a splash in 1968’s Yours, Mine and Ours and continued to appear in Westerns after Bonanza, including Gunsmoke, Little House on the Prairie and The Quest. He also acted in Steve McQueen’s The Reivers and a handful of Disney TV movies before stepping away from the screen in the late ’70s.

By 1978, he had filmed his final on-screen role in the cult film Texas Detour. He eventually moved to Pittsburgh, started a rock band, raised a family and later settled in Southern California. Vogel now lives a more private life, staying connected to fans through music, his church and Bonanza reunions.

Tim Matheson (77)

Griff King

Buena Vista/Everett Collection; Emma McIntyre/Getty Images for TCM

Matheson joined Bonanza in its final season, portraying Griff King, a reformed ex-convict who found a new path as a ranch hand on the Ponderosa. At that point, Matheson was already a seasoned performer with credits in Jonny Quest, Space Ghost and The Virginian.

Unlike Vogel, Matheson never left the industry and has since enjoyed a prolific and diverse career. He’s best known for roles in Animal House, Fletch, Hart of Dixie, The West Wing and more recently, a 2023 appearance on the new Quantum Leap. He’s voiced characters in Scooby-Doo and Batman: The Animated Series, and has directed dozens of episodes of network dramas as well.

In Memoriam

BONANZA, Dan Blocker, Lorne Greene, Michael Landon, 1959-1973

Everett Collection

Lorne Greene (Ben Cartwright) died September 11, 1987 at age 72 from pneumonia after ulcer surgery.

Dan Blocker (Eric “Hoss” Cartwright) died May 13, 1972 at age 43 due to a pulmonary embolism after gallbladder surgery.

Pernell Roberts (Adam Cartwright) died January 24, 2010 at age 81 from pancreatic cancer.

Michael Landon (Joseph “Little Joe” Cartwright) died July 1, 1991 at age 54 from pancreatic cancer.

David Canary (Candy Canaday) died November 16, 2015 at age 77, reportedly from natural causes related to dementia.

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