Pernell Roberts

I was sad to hear that Pernell Roberts, or as I refer to him, Adam Cartwright, passed away this past weekend. He was the last surviving member of the core Bonanza cast.

I watched him as Trapper John, M.D., as well, but since I married Jim, I have watched more and more of him as the eldest son on the Ponderosa.

Wikipedia lists him as an actor, but also a singer. I can't even imagine, although I seem to recall various scenes in the series where he would belt out a tune.

He was a Georgia boy, attending Georgia Tech, then joining the Marines. Evidently he was not a very good student, and remained in the Marines 2 years.

He left Bonanza a the height of its popularity, allegedly because he didn't think three grown men would continue to ask their father's permission on everyday life, never marry, and he hated wearing that toupee (because he and Lorne Greene were not so far in age, a bald son would not have been a good scene).

He was a stunner. By far the most handsome of the Cartwright boys. And you couldn't pull one over on him. My favorite episode is "The Courtship" where Hoss is going to marry a compulsive gambler. Adam knows her, though, and when Hoss refuses to believe Adam, he proves it with a card game.

Rest in Peace, Pernell.