Bonanza Cast List

Reference
Updated March 18, 2024 170.8K views 19 items

The Bonanza cast is a treasure trove of beloved and adored characters for fans of the classic television series that aired from 1959 to 1973. Set on the expansive Ponderosa Ranch, this timeless western drama captivated viewers with engaging storylines and unforgettable characters. The show's enduring success can be attributed to its talented actors who brought each role to life, cementing Bonanza's place in TV history as one of the longest-running and most popular Westerns. 

Every character in the legendary series Bonanza possesses distinctive qualities that cemented their importance within this gripping TV phenomenon. From valiant heroes to nefarious villains, every character left an indelible mark on audiences' hearts and minds. Delving into the Bonanza cast members' backgrounds provides insights into what made these portrayals so compelling and memorable.

Taking a closer look at just a few examples from the extensive Bonanza cast list explains why these individuals have become fan favorites. Lorne Greene portrayed Ben Cartwright, the wise patriarch who held his family together through various trials and tribulations. His strong presence provided stability and guidance throughout the show's run. Michael Landon was Little Joe Cartwright, known for his charm, wit, and penchant for adventure. His charisma won him many admirers both on-screen and off. Dan Blocker played Hoss Cartwright - loyal, lovable, and endearing as he navigated life on the ranch with boundless enthusiasm. 

Assembling this extraordinary group of performers helped establish Bonanza's appeal among generations of viewers. The chemistry between cast members contributed to creating a believable world where stories unfolded naturally within vivid settings. 
 

  • Neil Oliver "Bing" Russell (May 5, 1926 – April 8, 2003) was an American actor and Class A minor-league baseball club owner. He was the father of Golden Globe Award-nominated actor Kurt Russell and grandfather of ex-major league baseball player Matt Franco.
  • Dan Blocker
    Bonanza, The Restless Gun, Cimarron City
    Bobby Dan Davis Blocker (December 10, 1928 – May 13, 1972) was an American television actor and Korean War veteran, who played Hoss Cartwright in the long-running NBC Western television series Bonanza.
  • David Canary
    Bonanza, All My Children, Another World
    David Hoyt Canary (August 25, 1938 – November 16, 2015) was an American actor. Canary is best known for his role as ranch foreman Candy Canaday in the NBC Western drama Bonanza, and as Adam Chandler in the television soap opera All My Children, for which he received sixteen Daytime Emmy Award nominations and won five times.
  • Lorne Greene
    Bonanza, Roots, Battlestar Galactica
    Lorne Hyman Greene, (born February 12, 1915 – September 11, 1987) was a Canadian actor, radio personality and singer. His television roles include Ben Cartwright on the western Bonanza, and Commander Adama in the original science fiction television series Battlestar Galactica and Galactica 1980. He also worked on the Canadian television nature documentary series Lorne Greene's New Wilderness, and in television commercials.
  • Michael Landon
    Bonanza, Little House on the Prairie, Highway to Heaven
    Michael Landon (born Eugene Maurice Orowitz; October 31, 1936 – July 1, 1991) was an American actor, writer, director, and producer. He is known for his roles as Little Joe Cartwright in Bonanza (1959–1973), Charles Ingalls in Little House on the Prairie (1974–1983), and Jonathan Smith in Highway to Heaven (1984–1989). Landon appeared on the cover of TV Guide 22 times, second only to Lucille Ball.
  • Guy Williams
    Lost in Space, Zorro
    Guy Williams may refer to: Sir Guy Williams (British Army officer) (1881–1959), British Army general during World War II Guy Williams (politician) (1907–1992), Canadian Senator and First Nations leader Guy Williams (actor) (1924–1989), American actor and former fashion model Guy Williams (basketball) (born 1960), American basketball player, nicknamed "The Fly" Guy Williams (equestrian) (born 1971), British international showjumper Guy Williams (rugby league) (born 1984), Australian rugby league player Guy Williams (comedian) (born 1987), New Zealand comedian and television and radio personality Guy Williams (visual effects), Academy Award-nominated visual effects supervisor R. Guy Williams, model railway locomotive modeller, known for his contributions to the Pendon Museum
  • Joan Van Ark
    Knots Landing, McMillan & Wife, Thundarr the Barbarian
    Joan Van Ark, renowned for her exceptional talent in the world of acting, has left an indelible mark on both the small and big screens. Born on June 16, 1943, in New York City, she spent her formative years in Boulder, Colorado, where her passion for performance was kindled. A graduate of Yale School of Drama, Joan also holds the distinction of being the youngest student ever admitted into the prestigious Actors Studio. Van Ark's career in television and film spans over five decades, with her breakthrough role coming in 1978 as Valene Ewing in the popular soap opera Knots Landing. Her portrayal of the complex character earned her widespread recognition and critical acclaim, resulting in a Primetime Emmy nomination and a Soap Opera Digest Award. Beyond her iconic role in Knots Landing, Joan has showcased her versatility with appearances in numerous other television series including Dallas, The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air, and Nip/Tuck. Apart from her extensive television work, Joan Van Ark has also made a significant impact on stage. She is notably one of the few American actresses to have performed at London's Royal Shakespeare Company, demonstrating her commitment to honing her craft. Her stage repertoire includes performances in plays like The School for Wives, for which she received a Tony nomination. Joan's contribution to the entertainment industry is undeniable, reflecting a career defined by dedication, resilience, and an enduring love for storytelling.
  • Pernell Roberts
    Bonanza, Trapper John, M.D.
    Pernell Elven Roberts, Jr. (May 18, 1928 – January 24, 2010) was an American stage, film and television actor, as well as a singer. In addition to guest-starring in over 60 television series, he was best known for his roles as Ben Cartwright's eldest son Adam Cartwright on the Western television series Bonanza (1959–1965), and as chief surgeon Dr. John McIntyre, the title character on Trapper John, M.D. (1979–1986).Roberts was also known for his lifelong activism, which included participation in the Selma to Montgomery marches in 1965 and pressuring NBC to refrain from hiring whites to portray minority characters.
  • Ray Teal
    Bonanza, Where's Raymond?
    Ray Elgin Teal (January 12, 1902 – April 2, 1976) was an American actor. His most famous role came on the television series Bonanza (1959–1972). He also appeared in several films such as Western Jamboree (1938), The Best Years of Our Lives (1946), The Black Arrow (1948), Ace in the Hole (1951) and Judgment at Nuremberg (1961).
  • Tim Matheson
    Hart of Dixie, Bonanza, Jonny Quest
    Tim Matheson (born Timothy Lewis Matthieson; December 31, 1947) is an American actor and director. He is perhaps best known for his portrayals of the smooth-talking Eric "Otter" Stratton in the comedy film National Lampoon's Animal House (1978) and of Vice President John Hoynes in the NBC drama The West Wing. Matheson has had a variety of other well-known roles, including providing the voice of the lead character in the animated series Jonny Quest and for playing President Ronald Reagan in a television film adaptation of the 2015 novel Killing Reagan that premiered on October 16, 2016 on the National Geographic Channel. Matheson also starred as Old Man Vreeke in the 2017 fantasy film Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle, and most recently played Henry Kaslan in the horror film Child's Play.
  • Victor Sen Yung (traditional Chinese: 揚森; simplified Chinese: 扬森; pinyin: Yáng Sēn; Jyutping: Joeng4 Sam1; October 18, 1915 – c. October 31, 1980), born Sen Yew Cheung, was an American character actor, best known for playing Jimmy Chan in the Charlie Chan films and Hop Sing in the western series Bonanza. He was born in San Francisco, California to Gum Yung Sen and his first wife, both immigrants from China.When his mother died during the flu epidemic of 1919, his father placed Victor and his younger sister, Rosemary, in a children's shelter, and returned to his homeland to seek another wife. He returned in 1922 with his new wife, Lovi Shee, once again forming a household with his two children.During his acting career, Victor was given billing under a variety of names, including Sen Yung, Sen Young, Victor Sen Young, and Victor Young.
  • Mitchel L Vogel (born January 17, 1956) is an American former child actor. Having begun his professional acting career at age ten, Vogel is widely known for his role as the red-headed orphan, Jamie Hunter-Cartwright on the NBC western series Bonanza, as well as for his feature film roles: as Tommy North in Yours, Mine and Ours and as Lucius McCaslin in The Reivers.
  • Lou Frizzell
    Bonanza, The New Land
    Lou Frizzell was an actor.
  • Christine White
    Bonanza, Perry Mason, The Untouchables
    Christine Lamson White was an American actress, most noted for her role in the television show Twilight Zone episode "Nightmare at 20,000 Feet".
  • Ron Howard
    Arrested Development, Happy Days, The Andy Griffith Show
    Ronald William Howard, known professionally as Ron Howard, is an iconic figure in the world of cinema. Born on March 1, 1954, in Oklahoma, U.S., Howard grew up in a family deeply rooted in the film and television industry. His father, Rance Howard, was an actor, and his mother, Jean Speegle Howard, was an actress. With such a background, it was almost inevitable that Howard would venture into the entertainment industry. Howard's career in the entertainment industry began at an early age when he starred in the film The Journey, and later gained prominence as Opie Taylor in the television series The Andy Griffith Show. However, his breakthrough came with his role as Richie Cunningham in the beloved sitcom Happy Days. Despite his success as an actor, Howard felt a pull towards the other side of the camera. This led him to study film at the University of Southern California's School of Cinematic Arts, although he did not graduate. Transitioning from acting to directing proved to be a successful move for Howard. He directed his first feature film, Grand Theft Auto, in 1977 and went on to establish himself as a highly respected director. His directorial prowess has been recognized with numerous accolities, including Academy Awards for Best Director and Best Picture for the film A Beautiful Mind. Other notable films include Apollo 13, The Da Vinci Code, and Solo: A Star Wars Story.
  • Sandy Duncan
    Roots, My Little Pony, The Hogan Family
    Sandra Kay "Sandy" Duncan (born February 20, 1946) is an American singer, dancer, comedian and actress of stage and television. She is known for her performances in the Broadway revival of Peter Pan and in the sitcom The Hogan Family. Duncan has been nominated for three Tony Awards, two Emmy Awards, and two Golden Globe Awards.
  • Stefanie Powers
    Hart to Hart, McMillan & Wife, Banacek
    Stefanie Powers, born Stefanie Zofya Paul on November 2, 1942, is a celebrated American actress best known for her role as Jennifer Hart on the 1980s television series Hart to Hart. Raised in Hollywood, California, Powers began her acting career at just 15 years old. She was discovered by a talent agent while performing in a school production of "Romeo and Juliet," which catapulted her into the world of show business. Powers' early career was marked by appearances in popular television shows of the 1960s, such as Bonanza and The Mod Squad. However, it was her role in Hart to Hart, alongside actor Robert Wagner, that forever cemented her status in Hollywood. The series, which ran from 1979 to 1984, earned Powers multiple Emmy and Golden Globe nominations. While she continued to work in film and television after Hart to Hart, the series remains one of her most notable works. Besides her acting career, Powers has also made impactful contributions to wildlife conservation efforts. Inspired by her late friend and fellow actor William Holden, she co-founded the William Holden Wildlife Foundation in 1982. The foundation focuses on education and outreach to promote wildlife conservation around the world. A woman of many talents, Powers has had an impressive run in the entertainment industry, and her passion for conservation has left a lasting impact on the world.
  • Suzanne Pleshette
    The Bob Newhart Show, G.I. Joe: Sigma 6, Good Morning
    Born on January 31, 1937, in New York City, Suzanne Pleshette was a prominent American actress renowned for her husky voice and dark beauty. Her parents, Eugene Pleshette, a manager of network radio at ABC, and Geraldine Kaplan, an artist, played a crucial role in shaping young Suzanne's career. She began studying acting at the prestigious Neighborhood Playhouse School of the Theatre under the guidance of Sanford Meisner, one of the most respected acting coaches in America. Her acting career launched with stage performances in Broadway productions like Compulsion and The Cold Wind and the Warm. However, Pleshette's big break came in 1958 when she appeared in the Alfred Hitchcock film, The Birds, which garnered her instant fame and recognition. Despite having roles in over 40 films, she is best remembered for her role as Emily Hartley on the popular television series, The Bob Newhart Show, where her comedic timing and chemistry with co-star Bob Newhart were highly praised. Throughout her journey in the entertainment industry, Suzanne Pleshette received several accolades that include four Golden Globe nominations and two Emmy nominations. She later expanded her professional horizon and made a successful transition to voice acting, lending her distinctive voice to animated characters in Disney's The Lion King II: Simba's Pride and Spirited Away. Despite facing personal hardships that included battling lung cancer, Pleshette continued to work until shortly before her passing on January 19, 2008, leaving behind a legacy that continues to inspire aspiring actresses.
  • Zsa Zsa Gábor
    The Life of Riley, Supertrain, General Electric Theater
    Zsa Zsa Gabor, born on February 6, 1917, in Budapest, Hungary, was an iconic actress and socialite known for her glamorous lifestyle and numerous marriages. She was the middle of three daughters, with her older sister Magda and younger sister Eva also achieving prominence in Hollywood. In her early years, Gabor was crowned Miss Hungary in 1936, a title that foreshadowed her future as a sought-after beauty in the entertainment industry. Gabor's acting career took off in the United States after she migrated from Europe during World War II. Her debut role in the film Lovely to Look At in 1952 paved the way for a successful acting career in Hollywood. The starlet became a fixture in television and film throughout the 1950s and 1960s, with memorable roles in movies like Moulin Rouge and TV shows like The Life of Riley. Gabor's thick Hungarian accent, sparkling personality, and quick wit made her a darling of American talk shows and variety programs. She also became known for her signature catchphrase, Dah-ling, which she used endearingly to refer to almost everyone. Gabor's personal life was as dramatic and colorful as her on-screen presence. She married nine times, most famously to hotel magnate Conrad Hilton and actor George Sanders. Despite her many marriages, Gabor once said, "I am a marvelous housekeeper: Every time I leave a man, I keep his house." This quip demonstrates her sharp humor and ability to maintain a light-hearted perspective on her tumultuous love life. Gabor passed away in 2016, leaving a legacy of glamour, charm, and resilience that continues to captivate audiences worldwide.