Date of Birth: May 18, 1928
Zodiac Sign: Taurus
Date of Death: January 24, 2010
Biography
Pernell Roberts was an American actor and singer, best known for his roles in the television series “Bonanza” and “Trapper John, M.D.”. Born as Pernell Elven Roberts Jr., he hailed from Waycross, Georgia. Roberts showed an early interest in the arts and excelled in both acting and singing. He attended Georgia Tech and the University of Maryland but did not graduate. Instead, he opted to pursue his passion for the performing arts, starting his career in theater and eventually transitioning to television and film. Roberts gained widespread fame for his portrayal of Adam Cartwright, the eldest son in the iconic Western series “Bonanza.” Despite the show’s success, he left after six seasons, citing dissatisfaction with the script quality and a desire to return to theater. He later starred as the title character in the medical drama “Trapper John, M.D.,” for which he received critical acclaim. Roberts was also a civil rights activist, involved in various movements and campaigns for equality. He was known for his outspoken nature and often used his platform to advocate for social justice. Pernell Roberts passed away on January 24, 2010, leaving behind a legacy of memorable performances and activism.
5 Interesting Facts about Pernell Roberts
1. Pernell Roberts was a classically trained singer and performed in numerous operas and musicals.
2. He was the only member of the original “Bonanza” cast to leave the show voluntarily.
3. Roberts was an outspoken advocate for civil rights and participated in the 1965 Selma to Montgomery marches.
4. He served in the United States Marine Corps before pursuing a career in acting.
5. Despite leaving “Bonanza,” Roberts maintained a close relationship with his co-stars, particularly Lorne Greene.
5 Most Interesting Quotes from Pernell Roberts
1. “I feel I am an aristocrat in my field of endeavor.”
2. “The best thing about the series was the money; the worst thing was the scripts.”
3. “I was a misfit, and I think it was because I stand up for what I believe in.”
4. “If I had to choose between being an actor and a civil rights worker, I’d choose the latter.”
5. “It’s a curious thing about our profession. It’s not just a job; it’s an adventure.”
Highest Net Worth Achieved
At the peak of his career, Pernell Roberts achieved a net worth estimated to be around $10 million.
Children
Pernell Roberts had one son, Jonathan Christopher Roberts, who tragically passed away in a motorcycle accident in 1989.
Relevant Links
1. [Pernell Roberts Biography](https://www.biography.com/actor/pernell-roberts
2. [IMDb Profile of Pernell Roberts](https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0731297/
3. [Pernell Roberts on Wikipedia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pernell_Roberts
4. [Pernell Roberts Tribute](https://www.pernellroberts.com/
5. [Civil Rights Activism](https://www.history.com/topics/civil-rights-movement
