In most cases, actors on TV are portraying a character that is different from who they are in real life, that is why they call it acting! However, the actor Victor Sen Yung, who played the chef to the Cartwright Family, was actually a chef.
In fact, he was quite an accomplished chef. So much so, that once the show was over, he did not need acting to support himself. He supported himself completely as a chef. He even appeared on various cooking shows on television. In 1974, he also wrote a book entitled “The Great Wok Cookbook”.
Pernell Roberts Wasn't A Fan Of The Show
We had mentioned earlier that Pernell Roberts left “Bonanza” after only six years. This definitely was a surprise to fans, since when he left the show in 1965, Bonanza was one of the top-rated shows. Everyone wondered why he would have left such a seemingly great experience.
Only the producers and crew knew the truth. Pernell had political differences with the show and his disrespect for the writing in the show caused him to leave. In fact, people were surprised he did not leave earlier, as his views we're known from the beginning. He had stated he left the show because he had to take care of his emotional well-being, and that the set was an unpleasant place to be.
The Bonanza Restaurant Chains
“Bonanza” star Dan Blocker took his “Bonanza” fame to the next level. He used his notoriety from the show to open “Bonanza” inspired buffet restaurant chains, such as the Ponderosa Steakhouse and Bonanza Steakhouse.
He opened the very first Bonanza Steakhouse in 1965. It was located in Kokomo, Indiana. In 1971, the restaurant chain grew and even made it to Canada! At first, Bonanza Steakhouse and Ponderosa Steakhouse were actually different companies, so there could be both in any region. The companies later merged together, and now they are both owned and operated by the Metromedia Restaurant Group.
An American King Arthur
Dortort initially had a wild idea when it came to “Bonanza”. He was picturing the show to be the story of King Arthur, but presented as an old western tale. He was picturing the star, Ben Cartwright as King Arthur. He envisioned that all of Cartwright's sons were his knights.
Just by watching the show you may not be able to tell that was its initial vision, but think about it. Cartwright really did lead his sons as if they were King Arthur's knights. Dortort’s vision may have come to fruition after all.
Dan Blocker as Hoss Cartwright
The role of the middle Cartwright son, Eric, was played by none other than Dan Blocker. Eric “Hoss” Cartwright was sweet, but not very bright. This was a great acting role for Dan, as he was the total opposite of his character on the show! Dan was actually very smart and knowledgeable!
Dan was not always in the entertainment business. Believe it or not, before he decided to get into acting, he was a teacher and earned a master’s degree. He died young, at the age of 43. Unfortunately, he passed away just 2 weeks before filming for “Bonanza” was resuming, in 1972.