Audiences throughout the nation fell in love with the Bonanza cast between 1959 and 1973. The show focused on the adventures and lives of the Cartwright family, led by Ben Cartwright. Ben and his sons owned and operated Ponderosa Ranch, which was located by Virginia City, Nevada. Throughout the years, they defended it from adversaries and helped the townspeople around them.
Bonanza had a 14-year run with 431 total episodes, making it the longest-running Western television series in NBC’s history. Do you still remember that iconic show and look for reruns? Let’s go back in time right now to see some fascinating facts about the cast and filming!
Lorne Greene as Ben Cartwright
Lorne Greene was a musician and Canadian actor who landed the part for Ben Cartwright, a widowed leader of his clan. One TV Guide survey shows him as the second-favorite dad on television in 2007.
Lorne Greene As Ben Cartwright
The Father Figure
TV shows were depicting dads as dimwitted men who required their wives for help during the time that Bonanza premiered. However, David Dortort (the producer) wanted something different. Ben had to be admired and worthy of respect and demanded an hour-long show to explore this character fully.
The Father Figure