Bonaanza Best

07/13/2025

07/13/2025

07/13/2025

Dan Blocker took his family on a summer vacation by car from Sonora, TX, to Hollywood and was discovered while making phone calls in a sidewalk phone booth and dressed in western garb, wearing heeled cowboy boots with spurs, a gaudy western shirt and a big straw cowboy hat. His wife and kids were sitting in the station wagon parked at the curb when he was noticed by an agent.

07/12/2025

Weighing in at 14 lbs. at birth, Dan was the largest baby ever born in Bowie County, Texas.

07/12/2025

Dan Blocker started and owned the Ponderosa Steakhouse and Bonanza Steakhouse restaurant chains.

07/12/2025

Three legends, one moment of calm—Pernell Roberts, Michael Landon, and Dan Blocker sharing a quiet break between scenes on the Bonanza set. A timeless snapshot of friendship, hard work, and the magic behind the classic western.

07/12/2025

Michael Landon, Lorne Greene, and Dan Blocker shared a strong brotherly bond on and off Bonanza, supporting each other like family throughout the series.

07/11/2025

Dan Blocker's first TV role was in The Restless Gun (1957)

07/11/2025

Did you know? Victor Sen Yung, famous for his role as Hop Sing on Bonanza, experienced a frightening event in 1972 when the plane he was on was hijacked. During the incident, law enforcement intervened to safely resolve the situation. Victor was injured but thankfully recovered. His courage and resilience off-screen are as inspiring as his memorable performances!

07/11/2025

07/11/2025

This touching moment from the set of Bonanza shows Michael Landon, in costume as Little Joe Cartwright, kneeling down to connect with a young fan who uses crutches and wears a cowboy hat. Landon’s gentle gesture—placing his hand on the child’s shoulder—reflects his genuine warmth and kindness, both on and off screen. Such interactions were common for Landon, who was known for his compassion and for making young fans feel special, especially those facing challenges. This scene captures the spirit of Bonanza's cast, who often went out of their way to inspire and encourage their audience, making the show beloved by generations.

07/10/2025

Together, the Cartwrights forged a timeless legacy of family, honor, and adventure—heroes of the Old West who captured our hearts and inspired generations with every ride across the Ponderosa.