Dan Blocker was an American actor best known for his role as Eric “Hoss” Cartwright in the popular television series Bonanza. Unfortunately, Blocker’s life was cut short when he died suddenly of a pulmonary embolism at the age of 43 in 1972. His death came as a shock to fans of the show and to his co-stars, who were left to carry on without him.
Bonanza, which premiered in 1959, was a western series that followed the lives of the Cartwright family and their adventures on the Ponderosa Ranch. Blocker played the lovable and gentle giant Hoss, who was known for his strength, kindness, and sense of humor. His character quickly became a fan favorite and helped make Bonanza one of the most successful television series of all time.
Blocker’s sudden death in 1972 was a devastating blow to the show and its fans. In the wake of his passing, the producers of Bonanza decided to end the series after 14 seasons. Blocker’s co-stars were heartbroken by his death, with Michael Landon, who played Hoss’s younger brother Little Joe, saying that he had lost a “brother.”
Despite his untimely death, Blocker’s legacy lives on through his iconic role as Hoss and his contributions to the world of television. His warmth and humor continue to be remembered by fans of Bonanza and those who had the pleasure of working with him.
Dan Blocker was born on December 10, 1928, in DeKalb, Texas. He grew up in a ranching family and was the eldest of four children. Blocker attended Texas Military Institute and Sul Ross State University, where he played football and was an accomplished shot putter. After graduation, he worked as a high school English and drama teacher before pursuing an acting career.
Blocker moved to California in the early 1950s to pursue acting and made his film debut in 1957 in the movie “Gunsight Ridge.” He appeared in several films and TV shows before landing the role of Hoss Cartwright on the popular TV series “Bonanza” in 1959. Blocker’s portrayal of Hoss, the lovable and gentle giant, made him a fan favorite and helped make “Bonanza” one of the most popular shows on television in the 1960s.
Blocker continued to act in other projects during breaks from “Bonanza,” including films such as “The Comancheros” and “Cockeyed Cowboys of Calico County.” He was also a frequent guest on variety shows and talk shows, showcasing his talent as a singer and musician.
Unfortunately, Blocker’s life was cut short when he suffered a pulmonary embolism while filming an episode of “Bonanza” on May 13, 1972. He was rushed to the hospital but passed away at the age of 43. His death was a shock to his family, friends, and fans, and “Bonanza” was cancelled the following year. Blocker was posthumously awarded a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 1979.
