The world lost a passionate actor on Sunday, January 24, 2010. Pernell Elvin Roberts was a television actor and singer who lived to be 81. His 80th birthday celebration is featured here as well, including other footage that covers Roberts' wonderful acting experiences. This bay horse (Photo/wiki) is like that rode by Pernell Roberts' character Adam Cartwright in Bonanza. ~ This is a tribute to the talented actor. Enjoy!
Pernell Roberts, Lorne Greene, Michael Landon, Dan Blocker (AP Photo/NBC)
Roberts was well known for his role as Ben Cartwright's (Lorne Greene) son. As the eldest son, Adam Cartwright, he lived on the Ponderosa with his dad, two brothers and Hop Sing, (Victor Sen Yung), the cook. All this hourly adventure took place on the Cartwright Ranch in the long running NBC television show, Bonanza (1959-1965). His TV brothers were Hoss (Dan Blocker) and Little Joe (Michael Landon).
Roberts began his acting career in off-Broadway and Broadway theatre in New York City. He won a prestigious Drama Desk award in 1955 for his performance in an off-Broadway rendition of Macbeth.
In 1958 Roberts guest-starred as Captain Jacques Chavez on the NBC adventure series Northwest Passage based on the life of Major Robert Rogers in the French and Indian War. He appeared with fellow guest star Fay Spain in the 1958 episode Pick up the Gun of Tombstone Territory.
One might wonder if the 007 franchise got their idea from Pernell's 'Adam Cartwright' concerning James, James Bond...
He also played the lead villain in the 31st episode of Have Gun - Will Travel, portraying a killer boss exploiter of Chinese Coolie laborers entitled Hey Boy's Revenge. In 1959 he co-starred in the film Ride Lonesome.
After Roberts left the Ponderosa, he found himself walking [and acting], instead, in the sterile halls of a hospital. Roberts portrayed Dr. John MacIntyre, the title character on Trapper John, M.D. (1979-1986).
After Trapper John Roberts returned to guest appearances in television and TV features, some of which were: The Night Train to Kathmandu, Perry Mason: The Case of the All-Star Assassin (NBC, 1989) and Donor (CBS, 1990, then lent his distinctive voice to the ABC anthology series FBI: The Untold Stories (1991-93).
Roberts made his final television appearances in several episodes of “Diagnosis: Murder” (CBS, 1993-2001), with Dick Van Dyke, and as the narrator for the History Channel documentary “Mountain Men” (1999) and Perry Mason. ~ Additional talent he worked with: Lee Majors, Raymond Burr, Peter Graves, Jack Klugman, Tony Randall, Milla Vovovich, (The Perfect Getaway), James Coburn, Buddy Ebsen, Josh Brolin, Robert Reed, Stephen Baldwin (tie to Screen Actors Guild Awards)...
Roberts was known to say once, about his acting,
(Photo/NBC)
I`m never satisfied with my own work."
At the turn of the 21st century, Roberts "retired" from acting. His name and image, however, were frequently referenced in tributes and reports on Bonanza since he was, at the time, the last surviving member of the original cast. ~ You will be missed Pernell Roberts.
Comments
Wow, I grew up with his shows, especially Bonanza and Trapper John, MD.
Goodbye 'Cartwright, Adam Cartwright'.
Thanks for all the input - so much to view and enjoy!
Love the horses, how appropriate!
Thanks so much for putting this together, I'm sure I'll come back to this as I work through my sorrow. I love the horse, too, but it needs to have white feet.
How amazing - in the theme song used here, to take it from the very FIRST Bonanza I saw as an adult - the one that made me fall in love with Adam and the whole family all over again, in 1989.
Monette, Thank you for the uplifting comments, all for Pernell! Yes, have been searching for the right horse. Found one with white feet, but it looked more like a Clydesdale. :) I will continue the search of such a pic, one that is "allowed" to be used is the catch. I kept staring at video as the men ride horizontally together towards TV screen, and then the fire begins burning the map - each horse is/was so different, each man too. I think that was the idea. Although in the end (pertaining to the show) they stood together as a family, all united. Do we have any such shows today? thanks again Monette. It meant a lot!
GREETINGS AND FAITHFUL SAYINGS:
Greetings to one and all: In that most precious name. That name which is above every name, the name: "Jesus" ____There's tremendous power in that name. I'd suppose we'll never fully realize all that can truly be accomplished, by us simply calling out that name in true faith.____There's an old, old, gospel song that goes like this: Faith in the Father, faith in the Son, faith in the Holy Spirit, great victories are won. Demons will tremble and sinners will awake, faith in Jehovah will anything shake.____For you who have never come into this realization, if you're reading this, just give him a welcome into your heart and life. You will both feel and see an awesome difference. You will have also purchased the ticket to heaven (by accepting, therefore making him welcome to come into your life. You will also sup from His cup that contains living water. (As did the woman at the well of Bethesda.) John 4:10____Much love, ____Your brother in Christ Jesus, who i
Great job Deb!
I sure loved those re-runs as a kid.
Thank you so much Deborah
He will be truelly missed but never forgotten.RIP
Great story, love the idea of horses too - with or without white feet. :) Great job, thanks.
Got something to say?
Examiner.com is looking for writers, photographers, and videographers to join the fastest growing group of local insiders. If you are interested in growing your online rep apply to be an Examiner today!