Height: 6' 1 1/2"
Hair: Silver Grey
Eyes: Brown
Character Age: 50 in 1859
Distinuishing Characteristics: Deep, booming voice especially when calling "Joseph!", occasionally likes to smoke a pipe, wise and paternal

Ben Cartwright (played by Lorne Greene) was the head of Bonanza's all-male family.  Widowed three times, he had a son by each of his much-loved wives.  'Pa' was a loving and devoted father, valuing his sons more than any material wealth he may have acquired. 

Ben was a former seaman, having courted and married his first wife while acting as a first mate on her father's ship. Moving west and creating the Ponderosa was the fulfillment of Ben's long-held dream, second only to his desire to raise his sons as fine, responsible, upstanding young men.
 

• Click here to read more about the character of Ben Cartwright in "Ben's Study", the Ben Cartwright discussion forum on the Bonanza World Discussion Board

Lorne Greene 

Born: February 12,1915 in Ottawa, Ontario
Education:  Queen's University, Ontario
Died:September 11,1987 in Santa Monica, California
Age when series began: 44
Personal statistics:  Married twice: 1) Rita Hands (1940, divorced 1960), 2) Nancy Deale (1961); children: 3 (Belinda, Charles, Gillian)
Awards:  NBC Radio Award, 1942; Canadian Man of the Year, 1965; Order of Canada, 1969; Outstanding Service Award, International Fund for Animal Welfare, 1983; star on Hollywood Boulevard

Canadian-born Lorne Greene began his broadcast career as the chief radio announcer for CBC radio from 1939 to 1942 during the dark days of World War II, becoming known as the "Voice of Doom".  Although his distincitive voice had propelled him into newcasting, he had earlier shown an interest in acting during his studies at Queen's University in Kingston, Ontario.  Ending a stint in the military in 1945, Lorne co-founded the Acadmy of Radio Arts in Canada as well as the Jupiter Theatre.

In 1953 he moved to the U.S. to pursue his acting career, making numerous appearances on various telecasts before landing the role of Ben Cartwright on Bonanza in 1959, a role he would continue to play for the next 14 years.  After Bonanza's cancellation in 1973, Lorne Greene went on to star in 1978's Battlestar Galatica and then in the 1980s he hosted the television series, Lorne Greene's New Wilderness.  He died in 1987 at age 72. 
 

• Click here for a more complete biography on Lorne Greene posted on the Bonanza World Discussion Board

Height: 6' 1"
Hair: Dark Brown
Eyes: Brown or Dark Hazel
Character Age: 29 in 1859
Distinguishing characteristics: propensity to 'lean', fine baritone singing voice, guitar-playing, all-black clothing, a 'haul and kiss' technique with women, likes Shakespeare, poetry and architecture

Adam Cartwright (played by Pernell Roberts) was Ben's eldest son.  A responsible man with high intelligence and keen sense of right and wrong, Adam presumably also had the most challenging childhood of the three brothers, spending much of his early years on the trail west and witnessing the death of his stepmother Inger.  Twelve years older than Little Joe he was also likely a guiding force in Joe's early years, perhaps assuming some quasi-parental role.  The only one of the Cartwrights to attain higher education Adam earned a degree in architecture at some mysterious eastern college before returning to the Ponderosa.

Responsible, serious and prone to keep a tight rein on his emotions, Adam nevertheless allows himself to fall prey to his brothers' impractical schemes, resulting in some of Bonanza's most enjoyable comedic episodes.  Sometimes appearing aloof, Adam's protectiveness displays a fierce love and loyalty towards his family.
 

• Click here to read more about the character of Adam Cartwright in "Adam's Academy", the Adam Cartwright discussion forum on the Bonanza World Discussion Board

Pernell Roberts

Full Name: Pernell Elven Roberts, Jr.
Born: May 18, 1928 in Waycross, Georgia
Died: January 24, 2010 (Malibu, CA)
Education: Georgia Technological Institute, University of Maryland (did not graduate)
Age when series began: 31
Personal statistics: Married 4 times: 1) Dr. Vera Mowry, 1951 (divorced), 2) Judith Le Brecque, 1962 (divorced), 3) Kara Knack, 1972 (1996, divorced), 4) Eleanor Criswell, 2001 to 2010 (his death); children: 1 son Jonathan Christopher with Vera Mowry (son deceased in 1989)

His previous occupations listed as marine, butcher, forest ranger, headstone maker, and welder, Pernell Roberts came to his role as Adam Cartwright with some theatre experience behind him.  His interest in acting began with theatre productions in college and broadened to include work in summer stock and in off-Broadway productions.  By 1955 he was appearing on Broadway with the likes of Joanne Woodward and in 1957 appeared in his first film, Desire Under the Elms.

Cast as Adam Cartwright in 1959, Pernell Roberts left the show at the conclusion of his contract in 1965, no longer happy with the show or his role.  Returning to the theatre, he appeared in numerous productions and in 1979 he starred as the lead character in Trapper John, MD, a television series that ran for seven years.  Pernell Roberts died January 24, 2010 at his home in Malibu after a 2.5 year battle with pancreatic cancer.
 

• Click here for a more complete biography on Pernell Roberts posted on the Bonanza World Discussion Board

Height: 6' 4"
Hair: Sandy Brown
Eyes: Blue
Character Age: 23 in 1859
Distinguishing characteristics: expressions like dadburnit and dangumit, dislikes cheese, likes vinegar on his flapjacks, good with animals, gentle giant, shy with women, ten gallon hat

Hoss Cartwright (played by Dan Blocker) was Ben's middle son.  A big man with a big heart, Hoss was the friendliest Cartwright although perhaps not always the smartest.  A deep appreciation for the simpler things in life, Hoss loved nature, animals, people and good homecooking. 

Often drawn into unwise schemes devised by his youngest brother, Little Joe, Hoss lent the show more than just his comical facial expressions, his unique verbal expressions or his commanding presence.  It was his tender heart that won viewers and earned him the appellation of "gentle giant".  Although so named, Hoss could still exude an intimidating ferocity when a loved one or even a downtrodden stranger was threatened.  Often called the "heart" or "spirit" of the Ponderosa the show could not survive the loss of Hoss with Dan Blocker's death in 1972.  An epiosde that was to have featured Hoss as a bridegroom was recast with Michael Landon's Little Joe as the new husband (soon to be widower) but Bonanza's ratings continued to fall and the show was cancelled in early 1973.
 

• Click here to read more about the character of Hoss Cartwright in "Hoss Heaven", the Hoss Cartwright discussion forum on the Bonanza World Discussion Board

Dan Blocker

Born: December 10, 1928 in O'Donnell, Texas
Education: Texas Military Institute, Sul Ross State College (graduated with Masters)
Died: May 13, 1972
Age when series began: 30
Personal statistics:  Married Dolphia Parker (1952), 4 children (twin girls Danna and Debra and sons David and Dirk) 

Weighing 14 pounds at birth, it is not surprising Dan Blocker grew up to be a football-player-sized man.  In fact, he did play football in college and was even offered a pro football contract at one time but he turned it down to pursue his interest in acting instead.   He was first bitten by the performance bug in college where he lent his assistance to a production of Arsenic and Old Lace, his physical size an asset in carrying away the "dead" bodies.  After completing a stint in the Korean War he married his college sweetheart, Dolphia Parker, and worked briefly as a schoolteacher until his interest in acting led him to early roles in "Gunsmoke" and "The Restless Gun".  Cast as Hoss Cartwright in 1959, Dan Blocker died unexpectedly in 1972 of a blood clot following gall bladder surgery.  He was 43.
 

• Click here for a more complete biography on Dan Blocker posted on the Bonanza World Discussion Board

Height: 5' 11"
Hair: Curly brown
Eyes: Green
Character Age: 17 in 1859
Distinguishing characteristics:  swing mount onto his horse, left-handedness, green  jacket, infectious giggle, fiery temper, fear of heights, fast draw with a roll 'n shoot technique, flirtatious with women

Little Joe (played by Michael Landon) was Ben's youngest son.  Known to be fiery and quick-tempered at times, Little Joe was also the most fun-loving and mischievous of the brothers.  His character only 17 years old at the series debut, several episodes focussed on Little Joe's need to "prove" himself to his father and his brothers (ie. The Tin Badge, The Quest) in quasi-coming-of-age stories.  Little Joe also filled a role as romantic heartthrob and many episodes feature his charismatic charm with the ladies (for which he often got slapped by the female guest of the week).

Not as aloof with his feelings as his older brother Adam, Little Joe exuded a certain emotional vulnerability that often came to the forefront in scenes with his father Ben.  An obvious bond of love existed between father and son, as well as between the brothers and it was this connection that elevated Bonanza beyond other typical "western" programming of the time.
 

• Click here to read more about the character of Joe Cartwright in "The Joeasis", the Joe Cartwright discussion forum on the Bonanza World Discussion Board

Michael Landon

Birth Name: Eugene Maurice Orowitz
Born: October 31, 1936 in Forest Hills, New York
Education: USC (javelin sports scholarship; however, he injured his arm and lost his scholarship); Warner Bros. Film acting school
Died: July 1, 1991 in Malibu, California
Age when series began: 22
Personal statistics: Married 3 times: 1) Dodie Frasier, 1956 (1962, divorced), 2) Lynn Noe, 1963 (1982, divorced), 3) Cindy Clerico, 1983; children: 9 (Mark, Josh, Cheryl, Leslie, Michael Jr., Shawna, Chris, Jennifer, Sean)
Awards: star on Hollywood Boulevard, 1969 Western Heritage Award for an episode of Bonanza "The Wish" (director), National Academy of TV Arts and Sciences Academy Founders Award (1982)
 

Michael Landon survived an unhappy childhood. His father was Jewish, his mother an Irish Catholic, and their marriage was an unhappy, combative one.  Michael's mother was abusive, verbally and physically, and Michael also endured the childhood taunts of his schoolmates because of his Jewishness in a predominantly Protestant environment.  A childhood bout with bedwetting also added to his troubles.

Michael excelled at javelin throwing and was offered a scholarship to USC.  However, not long after arriving in California he injured his arm and lost the scholarship.  Accompanying a friend to an acting school tryout one day it was Michael who won a spot and he soon began his own film and television career, appearing in "I Was A Teenage Werewolf", "God's Little Acre" and "The Legend of Tom Dooley".  It was an appearance on tv's "The Restless Gun" where he caught the attention of David Dortort, Bonanza's creator.  Acting on Bonanza for its entire 14 year run, Michael Landon went on to write, direct, produce and act in several other series, including Little House on the Prairie and Highway to Heaven.  A chain smoker, he was in the midst of preparing a new series based on his movie "Us" when he was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer.  He died on July 1, 1991 at age 54.
 

• Click here for a more complete biography on Michael Landon posted on the Bonanza World Discussion Board

Height: 5' 11 1/2"
Hair: Wavy Brown
Eyes: Blue
Character Age: 28 in first episode
Distinguishing characteristics: engaging grin, loyal, red shirt with black vest and blue neckerchief, wears his hat tipped back on his head, Ponderosa ranch foreman, likes peaches and rhubarb pie, sense of humour

Candy Canaday (played by David Canary) first appeared in the episode A Sense of Duty airing in 1967 (two years after the departure of the Adam Cartwright character). Somewhat of a loner and a wanderer, Candy had lost both of his parents early on (his mother died of pioneer hardships when he was 4, his father died a war hero when Candy was 9).  His father had been in the army and Candy was raised on an army post.  Candy's given name is never revealed on the show. He is known simply as Candy, an obvious truncation of his last name.

Candy's past is somewhat shrouded in mystery but some pieces do emerge in various episodes.  In particular, an earlier marriage to a woman named Ann.  Her father did not approve of the marriage and arranged to have it annulled, leaving the solitary Candy to take up his nomadic lifestyle.  When he eventually hooks up with the Cartwrights he forms a strong loyal bond, becoming their ranch foreman and friend for the next several years.  His easygoing nature and sense of humour were a perfect compliment to the Cartwright characters. 
 

• Click here to read more about the character of Candy Canaday in "Candyland", the Candy Canaday discussion forum on the Bonanza World Discussion Board

David Canary

Born: August 25, 1938, in Elwood, Indiana
Education: University of Cincinnati (attended on a football scholarship, graduated with a degree in music/voice). 
Aside note: David broke his nose while playing football in college
Age when started Bonanza: 29
Personal statistics: Married twice: 1) Julie M. Anderson (divorced), 2) Maureen; children: 3 (Lisa, Katy, Christopher)
Awards: Daytime Emmy Awards for Outstanding Lead Actor 1988, 1989, 1993, 1995, 2001 (All My Children, ABC TV)
 

David Canary joined the Bonanza cast in 1967 and was with the show until 1970 when he left over a reported contract dispute.  He rejoined the cast in 1972 after the death of Dan Blocker and remained until the show was cancelled in 1973. 
 

• Click here for a more complete biography on David Canary posted on the Bonanza World Discussion Board

Hop Sing was the Cartwight's loyal employee and ran the Cartwright household.  Given to outbursts of frustration (particularly if the Cartwrights were late for one of his time-consuming dinner preparations) Hop Sing spoke in a rapid fragmented English that was stereotypical of Chinese Americans at the time.  Coming from a large Chinese family, Hop Sing was an invaluable addition to the Cartwright family and embued many an episode with both his wisdom and comedic presence.

Victor Sen Yung

Born: October 18, 1915 in San Francisco (Chinatown), California
Education: College of Agriculture at the University of California, Berkeley (majoring in animal husbandry)
Died: November 9, 1980 in North Hollywood, California

Victor Sen Yung began his Hollywood career by accident.  Working for a chemical company in 1938, he arrived at the 20th Century Studios hoping to sell the company a new flame retardant. Instead of buying the chemicals, the studio tested him for the part of Charlie Chan's number two son Jimmy Chan in the popular Charlie Chan movie series.   Victor went on to appear in 19 subsequent Chan films and alltold in over 300 movie and television roles.  Cast as the Cartwright's cook on Bonanza (incidentally, he was an accomplished Cantonese cook in real life and wrote a cookbook in 1974), Victor Sen Yung stayed for Bonanza's entire 14 year run.  Sadly he died penniless in 1980 of accidental asphixiation (a stove gas leak) at age 65.  His eulogy was delivered by Pernell Roberts.
 

• Click here for a more complete biography on Victor Sen Yung posted on the Bonanza World Discussion Board

Sheriff Coffee was a fixture on Bonanza as the sheriff of Virginia City.  A friend of Ben's Roy nevertheless took his job seriously, even if that meant locking up a Cartwright or two on occasion.  Although never explicitly explained, Roy was a widower, having lost his wife Mary some years before.

Ray Teal

Born: January 12, 1902 
Died: April 2, 1976 

Ray Teal worked  his way through college as a saxophone player becoming a bandleader upon graduation and continuing to work in the music entertainment world until 1936.  In 1938, he was hired to act in the low-budget Western Jamboree, and later played a variety of bit parts, such as cops and taxi drivers.  Always seemingly most at home in Westerns, he was often assigned the role of the bad guy - the exact opposite of his real-life reputation as a very nice man.  He was cast as Bonanza's Sheriff Coffee in 1959, finally a fitting role as the "good guy" lawman.
 

• Click here for a more complete biography on Ray Teal posted on the Bonanza World Discussion Board

Height: when he joined the show: 5'4"
Hair: Reddish
Eyes: Blue
Character Age: 14 in 1870 (?)
Distinguishing characteristics: uses the expression "O Lordy" when he gets in trouble sometimes, often wears blue vest, loves dogs, loyal friend

Jamie Hunter, an orphaned teenage boy whose father was a traveling rainmaker, was befriended and brought to the Ponderosa by the Cartwrights' ranch hand Dusty Rhoades (Season 12, A Matter of Faith). Ben takes the boy in and eventually decides to adopt him officially as Jamie Hunter Cartwright, the fourth Cartwright son, despite opposition from Jamie's grandfather who is from Boston (Season 13, A Home for Jamie, the late actor Will Geer played the grandfather, Paris Callhahan, who owned a fleet of clipper ships). Jamie attends school in Virginia City and has an Irish setter dog named April.

(prepared by Short Shanks, with added input of jamie fan)

Mitch Vogel

Born: January 17, 1956 in Alhambra, California 
Age when he first appeared on the show: 12
Age when he joined the show as a regular: 14 
Personal statistics: Married once: Christine; children: 2 (Shauna and Melanie)
Awards: 1970 Golden Globe nomination - Best Supporting Actor, The Reivers

Mitch's first appearance on Bonanza was in the 1968 episode The Real People of Muddy Creek, playing a young boy whose grandfather helps Ben fight off a gang of outlaws. He later joined the regular cast in 1970 during Season 12 as Jamie Hunter Cartwright, an orphaned boy who is eventually adopted by the Cartwrights. When the show ended in 1973, Mitch appeared in other TV shows and movies including two episodes of Little House on the Prairie. In 2002, Mitch hosted a look at the Ponderosa Ranch at Incline Village for the Travel Channel's "TV Road Trip."

(prepared by: Short Shanks)

• Click here for a more complete biography on Mitch Vogel posted on the Bonanza World Discussion Board