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Pernell Roberts of 'Bonanza' and 'Trapper John, MD' dies 81

Submitted by Guest on Sun, 2010-01-24 18:24

Pernell Elvin Roberts (May 18, 1928 – January 24, 2010) was an American television actor and singer. He was best known for his roles as Ben Cartwright's eldest son, Adam Cartwright, on the western series Bonanza (a role he played from 1959 to 1965), and as chief surgeon, Dr. John MacIntyre, the title character on Trapper John, M.D. (1979-1986).

Born: Pernell Elvin Roberts Waycross, Georgia, U.S.
Died: Malibu, California, U.S.

He came to prominence playing Ben Cartwright's urbane eldest son, Adam, in the Western television series Bonanza. Despite the show’s success, he left after the sixth season in 1965 due to disagreements with the writers and a desire to return to legitimate theatre.

He was known for his activism, which included participation in the Selma to Montgomery marches in 1965, and pressuring NBC to refrain from hiring whites to portray minority characters.

Death of Pernel Roberts
Roberts died of cancer at his home in Malibu, California on January 24, 2010, aged 81

Pernell Roberts

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Re: Pernell Roberts of 'Bonanza' and 'Trapper John, MD' dies 81

Submitted by Guest on Tue, 2010-08-31 15:06.
Pernell was good both inside and out. He made a family tradition of watching Bonanza together a treasure I'll always hold in my heart. Thank you Pernell and may God bless you as well as your family still here on Earth. You were and always will be a treasure to me and my family. Rest in Peace
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Re: Pernell Roberts of 'Bonanza' and 'Trapper John, MD' dies 81

Submitted by Guest on Wed, 2010-09-01 07:11.
Such a loss. This man was one of the greats. The acting world has lost one of the most talented men whose career spanned over 4 decades. I am only 37 but can remeber watching Bonanza and he was always one of my favorites. I will always remember Trapper John. Rest In Peace. You will always live in my memories and my heart.
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Re: Pernell Roberts of 'Bonanza' and 'Trapper John, MD' dies 81

Submitted by Guest on Thu, 2010-04-15 06:51.
my grandmother was just in a very bad accident and she had to get a pace maker and broke foot and a broken leg and she has to stay at home all day and she told me that i need to get her some bonanza DVDS from our library so i did, not ever watched it before i have heard of it well i would watch some of the episodes with her and i just love it and she told me she always had a crush on Pernell Roberts so it is a sad thing to hear of his death and not just got to tell her about it.. Tb
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Re: Pernell Roberts of 'Bonanza' and 'Trapper John, MD' dies 81

Submitted by admin (not verified) on Thu, 2010-04-15 09:44.
Thank you for sharing this story...
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Re: Pernell Roberts of 'Bonanza' and 'Trapper John, MD' dies 81

Submitted by Guest on Wed, 2010-04-07 17:45.
a legend in his time very much so.. rest n peace. he was just on my mind a month ago wandering about the great looking character adam. my mother always watched him. he was always on tv n our home on bonaza night..you will greatly be missed to all the family MY prayers r with u
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Re: Pernell Roberts of 'Bonanza' and 'Trapper John, MD' dies 81

Submitted by Guest on Mon, 2010-03-15 14:48.
I didn't know he'd died; I somehow missed it until I discovered it here. A shock. To those of us who were young at the time of Bonanza, he'll always be Adam, the cerebral, laconic, Cartwright brother, dressed in black. I still have a vinyl album of folk songs he released in 1963. He was a great singer, too. A terrific album.
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Re: Pernell Roberts of 'Bonanza' and 'Trapper John, MD' dies 81

Submitted by Guest on Sat, 2010-02-27 20:04.
I am very sorry to hear of the death of Pernell Roberts. I watch the show Bananza and also enjoyed him in Trapper John MD. My thoughts and prayers go out to his family. Lana
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Re: Pernell Roberts of 'Bonanza' and 'Trapper John, MD' dies 81

Submitted by Guest on Sat, 2010-02-20 20:33.
Man, what a shock to hear this. I loved the series of Bonanza and watched it growing up as a child in North Carolina. My heart felt condolences go out to his family and friends. Now they are all in heaven together, Loren Green, Dan Blocker and Michael Landon! May god Bless Pernell Roberts in his new life with Jesus Christ out lord and Savoir!
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Re: Pernell Roberts of 'Bonanza' and 'Trapper John, MD' dies 81

Submitted by Guest on Tue, 2010-09-14 15:27.
This man was a truley wonderful man of honour and kindness, I met him 3 times and became friends on the 3rd meet with him at my 3rd, concert I was performing in, He gave me a nickname if "His singing Angel" it was them I was giving his autographed album of come yall ye fair and tender Ladies, and a kiss on the cheek and the friendship was bonded for life, over letters and phone calles it remained that way, in 2006 he was getting sick and I knew I most likely would not get that chance to ever see him again as I had moved to fare away, but staayed in contact, my heart and soul was broken on Jan, 24th 2010, that was my youngest Daughters BD, I think of him as still being here with me, and shall always have him as my friend in my heart and soul and my mind and heart and untill we see each other again in God's kingdom Pernell, My you sing your song and be at peace, "your singing Angel"
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Re: Pernell Roberts of 'Bonanza' and 'Trapper John, MD' dies 81

Submitted by Tab Dampier (not verified) on Sat, 2010-02-06 16:05.
I never actually got the chance to meet him, he would send letters apologizing for his absence to family reunions, but we always enjoyed receiving the post cards and letters, he was my senior by 44 years, but it was neat knowing when you saw a show on T.V. and if he was in it we could brag, he was my great grandmothers sisters son
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Re: Pernell Roberts of 'Bonanza' and 'Trapper John, MD' dies 81

Submitted by cindygoldminer (not verified) on Tue, 2010-01-26 23:11.
cindy Pekarek It is very sad news to hear of the death Pernell Roberts. This is the end of the stars from Bonanza.I would like to send out my prayers to the friends fans and decendants of Peranell Roberts. Cindy
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