The actor Dan Blocker was best known for his role as Hoss Cartwright on the long-running television series Bonanza. Although he died in 1972, his work still moves audiences today. Dan Blocker had a net worth of around $5 million as of the time of his passing.
This post covers his early life and major sources of income.
Contents
Early Life and Path to Fame
Dan Blocker was born Bobby Dan Davis Blocker on 10 December, 1928, in De Kalb Texas. Blocker had a varied life before finding his footing in Hollywood. He was an athlete in high school, played football in college, and earned a master’s degree in dramatic arts. Blocker also served in the Korean War before becoming an actor.
Blocker was a teacher before he entered the military, but his passion for acting led him to pursue a career in the entertainment industry. His 6′ 4 “frame and friendly disposition made him an ideal TV and film star. He landed small roles in various TV series but his breakout role came in Bonanza in 1959.
Bonanza: The Role That Defined His Career
Bonanza was one of the hottest television shows of its era and ran for 14 seasons, from 1959 through 1973. Blocker portrayed Eric “Hoss” Cartwright, the lovable and gentle giant of the Cartwright family. Hoss was kind and innocent – a perfect contrast to his bulky build. Audiences loved Blocker’s portrayal of Hoss, which helped him become a household name.
The success on Bonanza contributed significantly to Blocker’s wealth. At its peak, Bonanza was among television’s top shows and Blocker was a high salary earner. By the show’s end, Blocker was making around $10,000 per episode – a good sum of money at the time, adding to his wealth.
Other Ventures and Income Sources
Blocker made the bulk of his money from Bonanza, but he also had other ventures that contributed to his net worth. His acting work included films like The Lady in Cement (1968) and Cockeyed Cowboys of Calico County (1970). Along with acting, Blocker co-owned and invested in the Bonanza Steakhouse restaurant chain that he helped start after the show ended.
Blocker’s restaurant ventures and television and film earnings gave him a steady income outside of acting.
Personal Life and Legacy
Dan Blocker was married to his college sweetheart, Dolphia Parker, with whom he had four children. Off-screen he was just as gentle and kind as his character Hoss Cartwright was. Blower’s sudden death in 1972 at the age of 43 shocked his fans and left an empty seat in the entertainment world. Bonanza never recovered from losing such a central figure and the show was canceled a year later.
Wrapping Up
Dan Blocker had an estimated $5 million net worth when he passed away. His portrayal of Hoss Cartwright in Bonanza made him a popular figure, and his business dealings proved his business acumen. Although his career ended tragically, Blocker’s legacy endures even till today.
