Remembering Dan Blocker, Hoss From TV’s ‘Bonanza’
Bonanza is a beloved TV series that captivated audiences for an impressive 14 seasons, airing on NBC from 1959 to 1973, and Dan Blocker, who brought Hoss Cartright to life, was a fan favorite. Running for a total of 431 episodes, Bonanza was set in the 1860s and centered on the wealthy Cartwright family, who resided near Virginia City, Nevada, bordering Lake Tahoe. The original cast featured Lorne Greene, Pernell Roberts, Dan Blocker and Michael Landon.
For many who grew up in the 1960s, Bonanza was more than just a TV show; it was a cultural phenomenon. Merchandising tie-ins were abundant, ranging from comic books to lunchboxes. While I had the comic books, my most cherished piece of memorabilia was my Big Little Book. These compact, illustrated books were a childhood delight. I can still recall purchasing my copy of “The Bubblegum Kid” for a mere 25 cents. What a bargain!
Whether it was the Big Little Book, the comic books or the TV show itself, Hoss was undeniably my favorite character. How could he not be? He was big, strong and friendly, exactly the kind of person any kid would want by their side. He was that trustworthy, loyal, courteous and kind friend who would always have your back.
Everett Collection
So, with all that said, let’s take a step back from Bonanza and delve into the life of the remarkable man who brought Hoss to life: Dan Blocker. As one might expect of a man of Dan’s stature, he was a standout athlete in high school. After graduation, Dan began pursuing an entertainment career, initially working as a rodeo performer while studying drama. He also took on evening shifts as a bouncer, which certainly makes sense given his imposing presence.
While Blocker was known for his easygoing personality, he was also incredibly determined. Nothing would stand in the way of his goals — that is, except for being drafted by the U.S. Army to serve during the Korean War. After completing his basic training at Fort Polk, Louisiana, Blocker was deployed to Korea in December 1951, serving until August 1952. During his time there, Blocker served his country nobly, earning the Purple Heart, the National Defense Service Medal and the Korean Service Medal with two bronze campaign stars.
Following his military service, Blocker worked tirelessly to achieve his aspirations. He got married to a beautiful young lady named Dolphia and, together, they began working on their dream of having a big family.
Carl Frith/TV Guide/courtesy Everett Collection
Additionally, Dan recognized the importance of education. He went on to complete his master’s degree — yes, you read that right, a master’s degree! For the next few years, he put that education to good use, teaching high school English and drama in Sonora, Texas. As he moved further west to pursue his acting dreams, Blocker also taught in New Mexico and eventually in California.
One of Blocker’s first acting roles was in a Three Stooges short film titled Outer Space Jitters. The short was, of course, silly and fun, and, true to his nature, Blocker gave his absolute all to the small role. After that, he began finding steady work in television, predominantly in Westerns. Shows like Gunsmoke, The Restless Gun, and Cimarron City seemed to be leading him directly to Bonanza and the role of Hoss, Ben Cartwright’s son, a man not only large in stature but also possessing an enormous heart. It was meant to be, as just like the character he was destined to play, Dan Blocker was a true gentle giant himself.
Family was important to Dan, and he prioritized them above everything else, even his entertainment career. This was a man who loved his family immensely, and they, in turn, loved him back equally with all their hearts. Little did they know that their time with him would be so limited.
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Sadly, at just 43 years old, Dan Blocker passed away on May 13, 1972, from complications due to gallbladder surgery; specifically, a pulmonary embolism, a blood clot in the lung. These days, such post-surgical tragedies are far less common. Medical teams now prioritize getting patients moving as quickly as possible to prevent complications like these. However, this occurred half a century ago, when medical practices were simply different.
Talking to journalist Cecil Smith of the Los Angeles Times, Lorne Greene said that when he heard about Dan’s death, he told his wife, “That’s the end of Bonanza.”
However, after a period of mourning among the cast and crew, it was decided that Hoss’ character would be killed in an accident within an episode. This marked one of the first times in television history that a show acknowledged the death of one of its major characters.
The ratings for that 14th season were, unfortunately, not good. While one could argue the show had simply run its course, I prefer to believe that no one truly wanted to watch Bonanza without Hoss.
Remind 
TV Westerns of the 50's & 60's
September 2021
’50s and ’60s TV Westerns roundup, celebrating the shows and stars of their golden age.
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