For years Pernell Roberts entertained millions of Americans on the hit television show Bonanza, followed later by his role as Trapper John, MD. Now at 81 Roberts has passed away.
Roberts was the last surviving member of the cast and played the oldest of the Bonanza ranching siblings.
Roberts ended up shocking much of Hollywood by leaving Bonanza at the height of the shows popularity, it would later spin off into Gunsmoke, the longest running program in TV Western history.
He would later say that his disenchantment with his character’s relationship to his sitcom fathers led to him leaving the show:
“Doesn’t it seem a bit silly for three adult males to get Father’s permission for everything they do?”
He was definitely playing to his own drum and was a unique voice in Hollywood for his time. Our condolences go out to his family and friends.
Correction: Earlier we stated Pernell played on M*A*S*H as John Trapper, it should have in fact read that he played the character for 7 seasons on “John Trapper, MD as a middle aged Trapper.
