Stories

Bonanza – 50 Things You Never Knew About The Cast And Production

by K. Gitter

Published October 12, 2017

21. The Cartwright Curse

Every woman that Cartwright fell in love with either ended up dead or left town. It became a joke among the show’s actors and fans and there was obviously a “Cartwright Curse.” We would have settled for just one marriage that lasted but this dad was obviously cursed to raise his kids as a strong father figure with no mom in sight.

22. Fake Hair

Many of the actors on the show wore toupees, including Blocker, Roberts, and Green. Landon’s hair, however, was all real.

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23. Equal Screen Time

The four men of the Bonanza household share the same screen time. The production wanted that no one of the four overshadowed the other three. Every script was closely scrutinized to make sure there were four stars during every episode. It paid off and led to a very well-balanced show that offered the chance for every star to shine.

24. The Show’s Title Is Slang

The name Bonanza was a slang term used by miners to describe a large mineral deposit or ore. The term is also synonymous with the word “jackpot.” A real-life bonanza was discovered right by the Cartwright’s ranch in the famous Comstock Lode.

25. The Show Stayed On TV To Sell Color TVs

26. Michael Landon Was Obsessed With the Show

Michael Landon didn’t just have a role on the TV show, he was also highly devoted to every filmed frame. Landon appeared in all but 14 of the show’s 416 episodes. It was also the show where Landon started his writing and directing career. You might not be aware that Landon actually wrote and directed some of the series’ most beloved episodes.

27. Landon Was Also Incredibly Hard To Work With

When the show entered its final five seasons, Landon became hard to work with on a daily basis. It was rumored he made sure that no new major characters were introduced to the show. He also regularly delayed production shoots as he attempted to create his own vision for the series.

28. Dan Blocker Was Turned Down For A Role In “M*A*S*H*”

29. It Was The First Time A Show Acknowledged A Character’s Death

Blocker died unexpectedly. Because of that, it was announced that Hoss would be killed in an accident in an episode of the show. It was the very first time in television history that a show had dealt with, or even mentioned, the death of one of its characters.

30. Guest Stars Were Paid More Than The Show’s Stars In The First Season

On the first season of Bonanza, the production was not yet sure if the viewers would love the show because the main characters were not as well-known as the other actors in the industry. In response, many famous stars were brought in for guest appearances. The show’s producers paid those actors more than the show’s actual stars. By the second season, the show’s ratings were increasing and the show’s actors had become bonafide stars.