The Real Life of Dan Blocker Hoss Cartwright Bonanza

[@royledford5673]

Thanks!

[@CoolClassics]

Roy! OMG! 😮 Thank You so much! I am so glad that you enjoyed the video that much! I really appreciate the support! 😁👍

[@eliaslopezmarin1804]

@@CoolClassics s

[@lenard6910]

You claimed he was a social activist, can you explain how so?

[@PeteHarlow-xr5nj]

​@@lenard6910moo moo chisum

[@YvesForget]

​@@CoolClassics😅😅😅😅😅😅😅😅😅

[@paulcooper8818]

Hoss was my favorite Bonanza character. Even though I was no longer watching Bonanza at the time, I remember the sadness I and my family felt at the news of his passing. It is even more tragic now that I realize how young he was. Dan came across as someone you would really like as your neighbor.

[@haroldnelson3734]

Well said. He was my favorite, too.

[@CoolClassics]

I definitely feel the same way about Dan :)

[@robertfish4052]

Hello Paul. You're right again mate.

[@jd4harley]

@@CoolClassics Put me on your subscribe I couldn’t find the button to hit

[@Stax-ht9md]

I was about fifteen when Dan Blocker passed away, and I can assure you this country grieved at his loss. What a wonderful man.

[@CoolClassics]

💜🙏

[@silentotto5099]

I was a bit younger than you, but that's how I remember his passing too. A kick in the gut.

[@happydays8171]

Amen, I was devastated.

[@Peter-ji5pk]

I was 12 - Watching this brought back the memories of his passing, and it's true, it was a shock and felt like a good friend had died. What a cool guy.

[@MarkBrantner]

His Son, Dirk, appeared in Brooklyn 99

[@rickhatesmisleadia7101]

wow! I never knew any of this and Bonanza was my Mom's favorite show. I was born in 1961 so I got to watch Bonanza with her. RIP Mom

[@arthuridis]

Hoss and the Leprechauns was one of the best Bonanza episodes of all time.

[@CoolClassics]

Yes, and one of the Leprechauns was Felix Silla (Cousin Itt) 😁👍

[@Dobberjones]

That is funny one. Any friend Walter is friend of mine is funny. And king of the mountain with Slim Pickins. Also favorite’s

[@barbwright2845]

Yes, lol

[@johnwelty7398]

And Hoss as the Easter bunny!

[@LindaMerchant-pm8vn]

And hoss and Napoleon and the two brawling brothers

[@conniemorgan8402]

I was born in 1954 and grew up watching Bonanza with my daddy.. Hoss was both of our favorite..

[@BD_MEDIA.]

Dan was one of a kind. Thank you for highlighting this great man. Truly inspiring!

[@rogerlynch5279]

Dan Blocker really was a GENTILE GIANT and a well natured fellow. Think about it , a man like him with his intelligence and skill almost alsways playing " the classical Funny Relieve on the shw " other people might had not kept it through for such a long time as this Western was running on TV After all Mr. Blocker alsso had been a fully trained and skilled School Teacher and Instructor also.

[@janetcarroll8863]

Excellent presentation. Dan died just before I graduated from high school. Everyone was so upset. He was so loved, so it's wonderful to know he was a great guy. 👍

[@CoolClassics]

I am glad that you found the video Janet! Thanks for being Cool 😁👍

[@josephboyet9785]

Hello Janet how are you doing?

[@beverly3397]

Dan Blocker is what this world needs 😀😀 Many Blessings for the beautiful example bring hope to the world 🙏🙏

[@CoolClassics]

🙏💜

[@merriamcooper]

i grew up watching Bonanza & loved Hoss. I'm 70 yrs old & will forever love this guy. You could feel the kindness of this man which absolutely made you love the character of Hoss.

[@ritafirestone761]

Dan's heart was bigger than all outdoors. Beautiful man talented, loving husband, father, and friend to all he met. I guess a good memory would be gentle giant.

[@CoolClassics]

Absolutely 💜

[@evanowensby8895]

Didn't expect to end this episode in tears, what a great man.

[@fred3467]

Thanks!

[@CoolClassics]

Fred, thank you so much for the support! 😮 I Love knowing that you and others are getting something good from my videos! 😁👍

[@fred3467]

@@CoolClassics Your posts always make my day and your narration is always upbeat and informative!

[@docwho2828]

A documentation about my favorite Bonanza character? Yee-haw!!!🤠

[@CoolClassics]

How Do, Doc! 🤣👍

[@vickiehadd4324]

As a kid I used to watch all those westerns named. I loved them.

[@karenleemallonee684]

I remember watching Bonanza as a little girl and feeling a special fondness to the Hoss character. I enjoy the show to this day! 🌼

[@CoolClassics]

💜

[@johnwelty7398]

I live in Shattuck Oklahoma and Dans brother-in-law lives close and is alive and well. He’s a good man too!

[@sherryelkins147]

Loved it! I was always a fan of Dan Blocker, and Bonanza.

[@julioalcaraz5417]

Quality actors like Dan Blocker aren’t around anymore sadly. Thank you 🙏 so much for this wonderful documentary on Hoss.

[@kellyblack4897]

I’m in wood county just a few miles from dekalb county. There’s a ranch nearby that Dan owned. He’s still remembered fondly locally and as a hometown hero. He had a reputation of being a strong, intelligent, and gentle man who wanted to make everyone smile. He was always smiling. Ironically my oldest daughter married his great nephew. Her last name is now Blocker. Her husband, Dans great nephew is a firefighter. Go figure.

[@CoolClassics]

Whoa! Very Cool! The Black and Blocker families together :)

[@brianlowe3529]

Dan the man👍

[@andrelaliberte6790]

Úo bunk

[@LindaMerchant-bq2hp]

So like hoss on tv dan was his personality

[@CAROLDDISCOVER-2025]

Thanks for sharing. That is a great story

[@julietrudgeon3433]

Dan passed away when I was a kid. It was so very sad. About 30 years ago I had the privilege of visiting the Ponderosa set near Truckee. What an honor. I love watching reruns of the show. This was such a touching tribute to Dan. One again you hit it out of the park. Thank you sir.

[@fleetskipper1810]

I’ve visited the Ponderosa set when I was eight years old in 1960. know whether it is still open for tourists? It was a beautiful area to film in.

[@keithfaulk1354]

Always loved watching Bonanza!! ❤❤❤❤❤

[@theabysstarott.a.t.]

Hoss was my favorite character on bonanza because he was such a gentle giant. ❤

[@CoolClassics]

💜

[@mikezylstra7514]

One of my first crushes c. 1965. I think it was that hunky face and those baby blue eyes. I hadn't yet acquired an aversion to fat guys.

[@katherinekoenemann4351]

This was a very nice video. I loved Bonanza when I was growing up. Dan Blocker was obviously a very fine person.

[@deeannhale5327]

He was a huge Gentleman! I loved his acting, he was a natural! Also you could tell his heart was huge also.

[@lasalletxnurse1]

This one made me cry at the end….i went to war and that beer story got me. If there were only more like him.

[@CoolClassics]

💜

[@morrisfoster5106]

He was a favorite of mine on Bonanza still is . he passed when I was a kid in Pacoima California.

[@tammerahanes1792]

I Remember the Bonanza Restaurant, I Ate There Quite Often With My Family. Really Enjoyed It, There was One in Fort Wayne Indiana. Not the Same when Ponderosa Took over. Now they Suck in my opinion. Thanks for Sharing This. I Loved Bonanza. It Still is Streaming Somewhere over The Tv Stations I'm Sure. You Made My Day.😀🙂😊🥰🐾

[@CoolClassics]

Thank You Tammera! I have eaten at both, Bonanza and Ponderosa. There was a time when they were both good 🤣👍

[@tammerahanes1792]

I Liked The Serving Style of the Restaraunt, Loved The Rolls they Served Allthe Food Was Good and You could Afford to Eat out.

[@rickg882]

I had visited the Ponderosa Ranch a few times and still the poster of the opening scene hanging on my wall, loved Hoss.

[@karenleemallonee684]

My Grandma and I went on a trip there in 1977, I fell madly in love with the Ponderosa, it's absolutely breathtaking! In the gift shop I remember finding out what road apples were...lOl! It was awesome just feeling the presence of the Cartwright Family there and the beauty of the place. 🌼

[@CoolClassics]

You are bother fortunate to have had that experience 😁👍 Makes me wish I could have visited there too.

[@dee_dee_place]

My family & I watched Bonanza all the time. We were stunned to hear of Mr. Blocker's passing. He, indeed, was the gentle giant. I wonder what his students thought about him becoming a well-known actor; it must have been a hoot for them to say, "Hey, he was my teacher." I also remember seeing his Son on TV, especially the episode on M*A*S*H; he's the spitting image of his Dad, just a little shorter.

[@fleetskipper1810]

Yes, that was a good MASH episode, wasn’t it?

[@larrypatterson5363]

People don’t understand how much this man was genuinely loved by so many! Thanks for posting! I was 12 when he died, and everyone was so completely shocked by his passing. Even today, after 50 years, this actor is still missed! He was a gentle giant among men! (I even bussed tables at a BonanzaPonderosa restaurant in Fairfield CT as a teenager!). This guy was GREAT! Thanks for remembering him.

[@nwicconsultants6640]

You just had to make us cry...lol Thanks for all you do

[@CoolClassics]

Making these videos and reading their stories, then seeing them in old interviews, I get all chocked up. I want to go back in time and meet a lot of these people. I really appreciate the support! Thank You for being Cool! 😁👍

[@charlottehicks9162]

What a wonderful tribute to a fine man. I think that his character Hoss will live on in the many people who watched Bonanza when it first aired and now in syndication. I was a young adult when he passed and do remember the shock and sadness everyone felt. Thank you for sharing his on screen and off screen life. It was very interesting and touching.

[@EvaGehlert_SmallMediumAtLarge]

Such a great tribute!! I always liked Mr. Blocker. There was just something about him that seemed likable and genuine. I’m glad to found out he was indeed a good guy. Thanks for sharing another good one!

[@CoolClassics]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@vinces8974]

I remember watching the bonanza TV show, I was also a middle Son of three sons, and I remember wanting to be like Hoss Cartright for as big and strong as he was, He was always portrayed as a very kind man, and now I know he was in real life to , Great video thank you

[@anthonymongelli5567]

I remember when he passed, so young and strong I was just twenty three years in 1972 hard to believe that was fifty one years ago.!

[@jolenewitzel7919]

This is wonderful. Thank you. I always had a crush on Dan. Especially after seeing the Bonanza show where Hoss talks with the little Irish people. Made me laugh.

[@CoolClassics]

That is a classic Bonanza episode! Here is a video of mine that ties into it :) kzbin.info/www/bejne/rX6kma1rp7qdh8k

[@wandahall4435]

Hey Dave 👋 Great Love 💘❤ 💕 💖♥

[@broandrew]

I swam in Dan Blocker's pool as a kid, in Northridge, CA. I was friends with a friend of his son. 1968? A kewl big house I remember.

[@CoolClassics]

That is so awesome! Cool memory! 😁👍

[@bowlchamps37]

I loved him and cried when I heard he had passed away (which was 15 years later), as a German I only heard of his passing because the passing of Lorne Greene was on a German news show in 1987. Dan Blocker will always be my favorite character, a guy you´d want as your dad, uncle, brother, best friend, neighbor, co-worker.

[@barbaragravely920]

I watch Bonanza every day Monday thru Friday. then the show times difrent on the weekends.R.I.P. Mr. Blocker

[@leonardbrown3159]

Dan Blocker was a nice man. I would like to have met him. Cool Classics presented a story that honors him. I enjoyed watching Bonanza.

[@nathanbelnap9670]

The attention to detail and research you put into your work is above and beyond! You have filled many a lunch and quiet evening in my home with your episodes, thank you!

[@CoolClassics]

Nathan, Thank You! Not only do I appreciate the support, but it means a lot that you notice the details and enjoy them! It does take a long time to dig up actual photos of these events and the early TV footage is also not easy to get. Again, thank you for being Cool 😁👍

[@KarenFigg-sk5oj]

I like Bonanza and I still watch it today

[@Susanne-v7w]

Excellent! Loved him!

[@kevinkingston6488]

Love You Dan , theres no Bonanza without Hoss , We all love you .........

[@wandaminicka-wojturska1128]

I thank You for this lovely video of Dan Blocker, my love Horrs from Bonanza. I send You much greetings from Poland.

[@CoolClassics]

Thank you too!

[@mahgol8732]

Thank you for sharing Dan's story with us. I have heard that outside of Bonanza, he had the same sweet and kind character. I still adore him. ♥

[@barneyrubbles2485]

Bonanza was great to watch all the time indead I never mist a show at all. and Dan Blocker died far to soon R.I.P.

[@popeyesm2]

I met Dan when I was a kid at Frontier Land in NC...He was just like you saw him on TV, very friendly and made you feel like you've known him for years...He signed his autograph "Hoss", which I still have to this day.

[@Huwoman]

Another Gem 💎 Cool Classics! Great Work. Dan Blocker was One Authentic Human Being and a Class Act! Powerful kindness. How about them prices at the Bonanza Restaurant! Beam me up Scottie.... I want to time travel to Opening Day. 🤤

[@CoolClassics]

I had to show those prices. Looking back, even the 80s had good prices. 👍

[@kerrieboughton53]

Thank you for this I enjoyed it very much 😁 what a lovely man rest in peace 🕊️🙏😍💤😴😊💖🥰💕😘

[@TheMartinick]

This was the greatest video! Loved, loved the ending…😢❤️🌹

[@loganjohnson3589]

As a youngster I watched Bonanza .Never missed a show .Being a big kid myself i kind of looked up to him .when i found out that he had past away , like so many others I cried and my heart nearly broke.

[@CoolClassics]

💜

[@larryhardin7805]

I watch Bonanza everyday it is on and sometime at the one that is on at 3:00am in the morning. Hoss was certainly a very big part of the show. He was always so kind in the episodes. The show would never be the same without Him.

[@dannysunay4386]

Wow! He truly was a great person. That story at the end shows it. He died so young. May he always be remembered for the person that he was. Very nice video. Thank you for making these wonderful mini autobiographies!!!

[@cm1642]

And the world still grieves for him... RIP.

[@glorygloryholeallelujah]

Aww. That memorial message is amazing. Short, sweet, painfully true and impactful. ❤

[@uncleericrocks]

Well done 👍

[@CoolClassics]

Thank you 👍

[@waynedavies3185]

Thanks. I still watch Bonanza on TV on the weekends. Miss all of them.

[@saltycreole2673]

My favorite Bonanza character. My dad's too. My dad was 5'6" and weighed 138 lbs. He thought the big guy was the best. Reminded him of his Captain in WW2. Big, strong, smart and a great leader.

[@CoolClassics]

Shoutout to the Parents of WWII! My Father was one of them. Go Navy 👍

[@kamakaziozzie3038]

🧂🧂🧂

[@gettingbetter12345]

Lovely story! 😀😍

[@bobdonnell9142]

Hello I am so sorry if this sounds weirds but you wrote such a nice and wonderful comment on here and I like your comment. I can tell you're a very positive person. If it's okay with you I'd love to be friends..?

[@workplacewarriordoctorpepp203]

to alot of folks, especially those growing up in the 60's.....dan blocker was the kind of man you wanted to grow up to be like. fantastic role model. we didnt have 300 cable channels, the internet, etc so your viewing was limited. looking back, we were lucky to have a show like bonanza. . alot of the old shows are dated and not watchable by todays youth. i am glad i had hoss cartwright/ dan blocker in my life . great post !

[@CoolClassics]

💜

[@ScottWM54]

Class act....great story telling.

[@edwardgensheimer6640]

That was awesome I watch Bananza a every day on me tv. That sucks he died so young. RIP Dan Blocker.

[@darryl3422]

As a child I loved Hoss he was gentle funny and basically a big kid Bonanza couldn't survive without him and didn't Lovely tribute

[@LindaMerchant-bq2hp]

He had a son dirk blocker exact look alike of his famous father

[@lianefehrle9921]

This one is the best one you have ever done. I always knew Dan was a good guy. It hurt me when I heard he had past away.

[@CoolClassics]

💜

[@johngibson4834]

Love Dan Blocker As A Actor ❤🤠🇨🇦

[@aislingbooks]

Thanks for this lovely bio of Dan Blocker. I grew up with his daughters, BTW. And though your compilation of his life story was wonderfully done, especially the heartfelt slice-of-life about Dan's conversation and shared beer with the 18-year-old recruit en-route to Vietnam, I'm sorry to point out one error. This is that Debbie and Dana, Dan and Dolphia's twins, were born in October 1953, not later. Why I know this is because I grew up with them in the San Fernando Valley. Debbie had once been my best friend, and she and the whole family attended my secondary school play when I was cast as the Baroness van Schraeder in our version of 'The Sound of Music'. I remember their father as a kind and loving dad who was a sweetheart, but he didn't seem as big to me as he did on screen. Dolphia too was a generous, down-to-earth mother. And they were very active in our community rodeo at our Valley's Devonshire Downs fairgrounds. Dan would often MC it, in fact. The family later moved to Beverly Hills and I lost touch, but I was grief stricken to hear of the tragedy of Dan's death. They'd been such a closely knit family. Debbie later grew up to be a fine artist. And I'm not sure about Dana, as it had been Debbie whom I'd been close to.

[@kamakaziozzie3038]

Thank you for sharing! it’s nice to hear personal stories from people that have knowledge and interaction of the actors we hear about on Cool Classics❤️

[@CoolClassics]

I only found two places on the internet that listed their birthdays. Both had them listed differently. Neither of them had Oct of 1953 either 🤣 They have done a really good job at staying out of the public eye. Thank You for sharing your story and info! I love comments like this 😁👍

[@aislingbooks]

Yes, my Libra GFs, for sure - LOL. Funny how the internet can just come up with stuff that isn't true. I never met Michael Landon, but Debbie would tell me of times when he and her father would tumble into their house straight from a set and often dusty, even once covered in ash from an episode that had something to do with a chimney. Evidently, the two were very close, on and off the set. Michael Landon was also a beautiful soul, and it's sad too that he's no longer with us. But Debbie and I had quite vivid imaginations when we were young. Once their family vacationed in Greece, and she and I corresponded through the mail as if we were spies...hahaha. Some of those letters didn't even get through, she told me later. And we laughed about that, hoping that the Greeks thought we were up to some kind of espionage. It was fun being so young and naive then, as well as being encouraged to play by our elders: Dan, his wife and my parents. Children grow up so fast these days, and perhaps they're more aware of the world than we were back then. Still, I remember my youth growing up in the Valley as being a happy one full of ranchland and orange groves, which appears to be gobbled up by a lot of concrete these days. In those years the Blockers were very active with our community, which I remember as being a more carefree time where we were encouraged to explore our imaginations that resulted in a lot of fun and creative play.

[@fleetskipper1810]

@@aislingbooksThe 1960s are when I grew up, too, and it was a more carefree time. Kids had a lot more physical freedom to run around the neighborhood and socialize with other kids. You always knew that if you misbehaved, some neighbor would tell your mom or dad about it before you even got back home. Everyone looked out for each other then. In the 1990s when my husband and I were bringing up our daughter, had we allowed her to run around the neighborhood like I used to do, somebody would’ve called children services on us. It’s sad. Kids do not get a chance to be confident in their own abilities to recognize and stay out of trouble. Moreover, there is a definite lack of neighborly feeling or identity.

[@kevinkingston6488]

Very Good job with this documentary on Dan , what a lovable man ,and great actor , G-d Bless Hoss , great work again on your work on this great piece.....Thank You

[@CoolClassics]

Many thanks! 💜

[@twightconley4558]

Cool classics is a great show it doesn't get any better please keep making them thank you!!!!!!

[@mirandaroney3751]

According to my dad I'm distantly related to him on my dad's side. I never had that verified, but its pretty cool. I'm glad to learn about him

[@KeePenne]

Dan Blocker came to my school when I was a kid and he was my hero as a kid. It's one of my favorite memories because of the joy expressed on his face as he welcomed every one of us one on one. We waited in line and he treated every single one of us as if we were the only other person in the room. That's a powerful lesson as a kid. Thank you Dan Blocker. ❤️

[@BuntingClipClop]

Oh, my goodness, I just finished the vid and I'm in tears. What a moving story and beautiful man. The kind of man any woman would want to marry and have in her corner for life.

[@curtisousley985]

I love Hoss . I still watch Bonanza. Five times a week. I was born in 1952. Me and my dad enjoyed the show together.

[@motomurray6528]

Thanks for making this one I learned some new things about one of my favorite western TV shows that I didn't know about before

[@thomasdunn8214]

A real gental giant of a man who will forever be missed. An inspiration to us all. Thanks so much for the video!

[@daledickerson-r9u]

I was once standing in line at the Movieland Wax Museum when word was spreading that Dan Blocker had died. Then, to go inside and see his wax figure, well, it was an eerie feeling. TVLand airs "Bonanza" every weekday in the morning. I still like to watch it. Good program made a good way to start the day.

[@daledickerson-r9u]

I will add that Yvonne De Carlo was in the first episode of Bonanza and, of course, Little Joe tries to get romantic with her. And you can find on the internet the words to the "Bonanza" theme song. The best, and probably most accurate version was sung by Lorne Greene. (He recorded it on his album, "Welcome to the Ponderosa." It has his hit single, "Ringo.")

[@fleetskipper1810]

@@daledickerson-r9uMy family had that album! Lorne Green was a great singer/narrator.

[@suetubbsakagriffin5140]

Like so many others I loved Dan’s character because of his...character’s character.

[@jeanniecosgrove9448]

I was a real fan of this show,Fell in love with Hoss,just loved his big loving character..Was heartbroken when he died.

[@melindawood3644]

What a special man and a Fantastic video. I REALLY enjoy your KZbin Channel. 💝

[@CoolClassics]

You are so kind

[@peterjohnson617]

Thank you ! I grew up as a kid watching those 50 & 60`s westerns. The whole family in the living room on Sunday night and the biggest of all was Bonanza....peace to you ,pj

[@atlasgunther8947]

Very well done. Thanks.

[@jerushamaxwell281]

I happened upon this video, and am blown away! Mr. Blocker was a genuine big-hearted hero, whose amazing qualities aren't seen enough in this world. I'm glad that he had a great marriage, and four children.

[@CoolClassics]

😁👍

[@dokskwyr4353]

I always like Dan Blocker ever since I used to watch "Bonanza" as a kid but as I watched your segment above I've come away here with an even greater depth of both respect and admiration for the "Gentle Giant". Thanks for sharing.

[@CoolClassics]

💜

[@iansuntjenssli9739]

It always came around Christmas great show Hoss and the leprechauns a classic 😀😀

[@janieanderson3988]

Dan Blocker played my favorite Cartwright character.

[@carolynbrubaker1619]

Dan Blocker was one of those actors you felt like you knew personally. Loved the guy!

[@brianadams1907]

Thank you for this biography of my HERO !

[@CoolClassics]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@gracebeckwith1256]

Dan was one of my first crushes as a very young girl. I had good taste. Audi Murphy was another one. I wanted to marry Dan when I grew up. He was a great guy. Thank you for making this. ❤

[@martowe9689]

Dan Blocker one of the very best . I love our gentle giant .

[@CoolClassics]

💜

[@bryanspindle4455]

I loved Bonanza. It was on tv all throughout my childhood and early teens. Hoss was my favorite character.

[@janetforster9620]

Another amazing report!

[@gerry.shafer6101]

THIS. IS. GREAT. THANKS. MUCH. !!

[@CoolClassics]

You're welcome!

[@wilmahend3rson773]

Thank you. Hoss will live in film, but DAN will live in every heart that loved him.

[@VintageElectronicsGeek]

Dan Blocker is my cousin - thanks for doing your research and having proper facts - thanks for a great video. ~Jack, VEG

[@CoolClassics]

Awesome! You have a Cool Cousin! 😁👍

[@MrStevos]

Thanks for this wonderful Video. It's really great to be reminded , especially now a days, there are those who becomes Rich & famous, & remain kind & can be true gentleman ... It renews one's faith in mankind !

[@CoolClassics]

👍

[@minouche5702]

He was my favorite out of all cast

[@altoncrane9714]

I am 66, and grew up watching this man on black and white tv sets. I always liked him, and although I never met him, I miss him.

[@milisabesiris8014]

Thank you so much for showing it to us and get to know a little bit about Hoss I love bananas and I still watch it again thank you

[@timjohnson204]

AWSOME VIDEO, THANK YOU!!

[@ot8210]

Well, cool classics sure knocked it out of the park with this video! Never knew Mr. Blocker had such a fascinating story. Thank you very much.

[@t-fuelernienotoriousmisfit7449]

Another fantastic video about one of our all time favorites. Thank you 🚀🙋‍♂️🤗