Dan Blocker

Date of Birth: December 10, 1928

Zodiac Sign: Sagittarius

Date of Death: May 13, 1972

Biography

Dan Blocker was an American television actor best known for his role as Hoss Cartwright in the classic NBC Western television series, “Bonanza.” Born as Bobby Dan Davis Blocker, he grew up in Texas, where he developed a love for acting and sports. Blocker attended Texas Military Institute and later Sul Ross State University, where he earned a degree in speech and drama. After serving in the Korean War, Blocker returned to the United States and pursued a career in acting. He made several guest appearances on television shows before landing his iconic role on “Bonanza” in 1959. The show became one of the longest-running and most popular Westerns in television history, and Blocker’s portrayal of the lovable and gentle giant Hoss endeared him to millions of viewers. In addition to his work on “Bonanza,” Blocker appeared in various films and television shows throughout his career. He was known for his larger-than-life personality and generous spirit, both on and off the screen. Tragically, Blocker’s life was cut short when he died at the age of 43 due to complications from gallbladder surgery. His legacy, however, continues to live on through his memorable performances and enduring impact on the entertainment industry.

5 Interesting Facts about Dan Blocker

1. Dan Blocker was a Korean War veteran and received a Purple Heart for his service.

2. He stood at an impressive 6 feet 4 inches tall and weighed around 300 pounds, making him a natural choice for physically imposing roles.

3. Blocker was a co-owner of the Bonanza Steakhouse restaurant chain.

4. His character, Hoss Cartwright, was known for his strong moral compass and gentle demeanor, which made him a fan favorite.

5. Blocker was a devoted family man and often spoke about the importance of family values in interviews.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from Dan Blocker

1. “My daddy used to say that I was too big to ride and too little to hitch a wagon to.”

2. “There’s only one thing that can make a man happy, and that’s doing what he loves to do.”

3. “I don’t mind being recognized for ‘Bonanza.’ It’s given me a good living and an identity.”

4. “I’ve always tried to keep my family life and my professional life separate.”

5. “The most important thing in life is family. Without them, you’re nothing.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

At the peak of his career, Dan Blocker’s net worth was estimated to be around $5 million.

Children

Dan Blocker had four children with his wife Dolphia Parker Blocker. Their names are: 1. David Blocker – An Emmy Award-winning producer. 2. Dirk Blocker – An actor known for his role as Detective Hitchcock in the TV series “Brooklyn Nine-Nine.” 3. Debra Lee Blocker 4. Danna Lynn Blocker