Dan Blocker was an American television actor best known for playing Eric “Hoss” Cartwright on the NBC Western series Bonanza. Born Bobby Don Blocker on December 10, 1928, in De Kalb, Texas, he also worked as a teacher before pursuing acting. Blocker served in the U.S. Army during the Korean War and later appeared in television series including Gunsmoke and Cimarron City. He played Hoss for 13 seasons before his death in 1972.
Biography
| Field | Details |
| Birth Name | Bobby Don Blocker |
| Born | December 10, 1928 |
| Birthplace | De Kalb, Texas, United States |
| Profession | Television actor |
| Known For | Eric “Hoss” Cartwright in Bonanza |
| Years Active | 1950s–1972 |
| Military Service | U.S. Army, Korean War |
| Military Rank | Infantry sergeant |
| Education | Hardin-Simmons University; Sul Ross State Teachers College |
| Marriage | Dolphia Lee Parker, August 25, 1952 |
| Died | May 13, 1972 |
| Place of Death | Los Angeles, California, United States |
| Age at Death | 43 |
| Cause of Death | Pulmonary embolism following an operation |
Family Tree
| Relation | Name |
| Father | Ora Shack Blocker |
| Mother | Mary Davis Blocker |
| Sister | Ora Virginia Blocker |
| Wife | Dolphia Lee Parker |
| Sons | David Blocker, Dirk Blocker |
| Daughters | Debra Lee Blocker, Danna Lynn Blocker |
Career Highlights
- Played Hoss Cartwright on Bonanza for 13 seasons, beginning in 1959.
- Appeared in television productions including Gunsmoke, Cimarron City, Colt .45, and The Restless Gun.
- Co-owned the Bonanza steakhouse chain during his career.
Awards
- Won a Bambi Award in 1969 for his work on Bonanza.
- Received the Bronze Wrangler Award in 1970 for Best Fictional Television Drama.
