On May 13th, 1972, actor Dan Blocker tragically passed away at the young age of 43. Best known for his role as Eric “Hoss” Cartwright on the classic television show Bonanza, Blocker was an instantly recognizable icon of the silver screen.
Born in DeKalb, Texas in 1928, Blocker attended college at Sul Ross State University and East Texas State University. After graduating with a degree in English literature, he worked as a high school teacher and football coach until he decided to pursue acting full-time.
In 1959 he auditioned for the role of “Hoss” Cartwright on Bonanza and won the part which made him famous. His portrayal of the lovable and sensitive middle son became an integral part of the show’s success and is still remembered fondly by fans today.
At first, it was reported that Blocker had died due to a pulmonary embolism following minor surgery. However, it wasn’t until 1988 when Bonanza: The Next Generation aired that it was revealed that Blocker had actually drowned while trying to save a woman’s life. The episode not only served as a tribute to Blocker but also showed how much his character had meant to viewers over the years.
Dan Blocker’s death was an immense loss to both his family and fans alike; he will forevr be remembered for his work on television screens as Hoss Cartwright and for his bravery off-screen trying to save someone’s life. He will be greatly missed and never forgotten.
The Net Worth of Dan Blocker at the Time of His Death
Dan Blocker, an American actor best known for his role as “Hoss” on the television series Bonanza, had a net worth of $5 million when he died in 1972. Adjusted for inflation, this would equate to about $25 million in today’s dollars. In addition to his acting career, Blocker was also a successful rancher and author. He wrote several books about cattle-raising and homesteading during the 1950s and 1960s and owned a large ranch near California’s Tuolumne County. His estate was divided among his four children after his death.
Source: metv.com
Explaining Hoss’ Death on Bonanza
Bonanza: The Next Generation, the 1988 made-for-television movie that did not feature any of the original cast members, revealed that Hoss had drowned while trying to save a woman’s life. The movie provided a detailed explanation of his death, showing how he had valiantly risked his own safety to try and help her. It showed him struggling against the strong currents of a river in an effort to get her to safety, ultimately sacrificing himelf in order to save her life. His noble actions were remembered fondly by his friends and family in the film, who mourned his loss but also celebrated his courageous act of bravery.
Weight of Dan Blocker as a Baby
Dan Blocker weighed an impressive 14 pounds at birth, making him the largest baby ever born in Bowie County, Texas. Even as a baby, he was remarkably large, standing out from other newborns. His size was so extraordinary that it has been heralded throughout the years. As an adult, Dan Blocker grew to be even bigger, standing six feet four inches tall and weighing close to 300 pounds.
Did Dan Blocker Suffer a Broken Arm?
Yes, Dan Blocker did break his arm. On February 22, 1962, while filming the third season of Bonanza at the Iverson Ranch, Blocker fractured his collarbone and had to wear a sling for the remainder of filming. Despite the injury, Blocker was able to return in time to film the final two episodes of the season.
The Relationship Between Michael Landon and Dan Blocker
Yes, Michael Landon and Dan Blocker had a close friendship that lasted for many years. They worked together on the set of Bonanza from 1959 until Blocker’s death in 1972. The two actors developed such a strong bond that Blocker was even the best man at Landon’s wedding to Lynn Noe. The two men got along so well that they often socialized off the set, and their TV family was just like real family.
Source: insp.com
How Much Was Dan Blocker Paid Per Episode?
Dan Blocker, one of the four stars of the classic Western TV show “Bonanza”, was eventually paid a very generous salary of approximately $10,000 per episode. This salary was reached by the sixth season when his co-star Pernell Roberts quit. This made Blocker one of the highest paid television actors of his time and established him as an icon in the entertainment industry.
Did Dan Blocker Have a Doctorate Degree?
Yes, Dan Blocker had a PhD. He moved to California in 1956 to pursue a PhD at the University of California at Los Angeles. During this time he also worked as a substitute teacher at Glendale and began his career as a professional actor in Los Angeles. After completing his degree, Blocker continued acting until his death in 1972.
The Significance of Ben Cartwright’s Eye Patch on Bonanza
Ben Cartwright, played by Lorne Greene, wore an eye patch throughout the series Bonanza due to a corneal abrasion. The injury occurred when sand got into his eye and scratched the cornea. The writers then wrote the injury into the script, making it part of Ben’s character. The eye patch was also a visual representation of the expression “Am I not my brother’s keeper?”, which was ofen used by Ben throughout the series. It was also a reminder to viewers that family was at the heart of Bonanza, and that Ben Cartwright was always looking out for his sons.
The Cartwrights’ Uniform: Exploring the Reason Behind the Same Clothes
The Cartwrights, and many other recurring characters on the show, wore the same clothing in almost every episode from the third season onwards to cut costs. Re-filming action shots such as riding clips between scenes was expensive, so previously-shot stock footage could instead be re-used. This enabled the production team to save money without sacrificing any of the quality of the show.
Source: en.wikipedia.org
Attendees of Dan Blocker’s Funeral
Dan Blocker’s funeral was attended by 20 members of his immediate family, including his children and his mother Mrs. Mary Blocker, who still resides in the small town. The burial was supervised by Noble Bates of the Hanner Funeral Home, and was a private event.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Dan Blocker was an accomplished actor who had a successful career spanning over a decade. He achieved considerable fame and financial success with his role in the iconic television show Bonanza. His death in 1972 came as a shock to many and the cause of death wasn’t revealed until 1988 when it was featured in a made-for-television movie. According to the movie, Hoss had drowned while attempting to save a woman’s life. His net worth at the time of his death was estimated to be arond $5 million, which is equivalent to around $25 million today. Dan Blocker’s legacy lives on through his work and he will always be remembered for his talent and determination.
