Pernell Roberts Dies At 81

Pernell Roberts, the ruggedly handsome actor who shocked Hollywood by leaving TV's Bonanza at the height of its popularity, then found fame again years later on Trapper John, M.D., has died. He was 81.

Roberts, the last surviving member of the classic Western's cast, died of cancer Sunday at his Malibu home.


He is probably best remembered from two TV roles in particular; that of Adam Cartwright, son of Lorne Green's Ben Cartwright character in the 1960s show Bonanza, and later as the title character in the popular 1980s drama Trapper John, MD. He was the last surviving member of the Bonanza cast.