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A place to discuss the characters who populated the World of Bonanza.
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- The Big Hunk
- By Cheaux,
62 topics in this forum
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Remembering Penny Stanton
by Brandsters- 1 follower
- 2 replies
- 26 views
Remembering Penny Stanton September 2, 1916 - May 12, 1999 Big Shadow on the Land Penny Stanton appeared in five Bonanza episodes; three times as Maria Rossi. She was known for portraying Italian-American wife or mother figures. How many of you remember her as Grandma DeFazio on Laverne & Shirley? Or as Mama Rosa Novelli on Matt Houston? Or Muriel Lacey on Gagney & Lacey? In Life Goes On she portrayed Teresa Giordano. On Hill Street Blues she portrayed Captain Frank Furillo's mother.
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Remembering Yvonne DeCarlo
by Brandsters- 2 replies
- 15 views
Remembering Yvonne DeCarlo September 1, 1922 - January 8, 2007 A Rose for Lotta Yvonne appeared in one Bonanza episode, the series premier. Like Lorne Greene, she was Canadian. After her father abandoned his family, Yvonne was enrolled in a local dance school as well as study dramatics where at 15 years old, her mother took her to Hollywood. Without any luck, they returned to Canada. Three years later, they returned to Hollywood where Yvonne would dance in chorus lines at night while searching for film work during the day. Born Margaret Yvonne Middleton. Using her middle name and her material grandparents' la…
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Happy Birthday Katie Sweet
by Brandsters- 1 follower
- 1 reply
- 15 views
Happy Birthday Katie Sweet August 31, 1957 The Waiting Game Bonanza fans will best remember Katie Sweet as Peggy Dayton in the four episodes that tried to marry her mother, Laura Dayton, to Adam. Katie began her acting career at age two in an episode of The Adventures of Ozzie and Harriet TV series. She had 20 acting credits to her name before being cast for Bonanza; her last acting credit was in 1967. It is last reported that she had moved to Bend Oregon; she was married and had two daughters.
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Remembering James Coburn
by Brandsters- 2 followers
- 3 replies
- 31 views
Remembering James Coburn August 31, 1928 - November 18, 2002 The Truckee Strip James Coburn appeared in four Bonanza episodes, as Pete Jessup in The Truckee Strip, Ross Marquette in The Dark Gate, Elmer Trace in The Long Night, and as a heckler in Old Charlie. He is known for the movies The Magnificent Seven and The Great Escape, as well as late in life roles in Sister Act 2: Back in the Habit and Snow Dogs. Besides acting, Coburn held a passion for martial arts, card-playing, and enjoying fine Cuban cigars. His death was attributed to a heart attack.
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Remembering Neville Brand
by Brandsters- 3 followers
- 3 replies
- 17 views
Remembering Neville Brand August 13, 1920 - April 16,1992 The Last Viking Neville Brand appeared in three Bonanza episodes. Originally planning on a career in the military, he signed up for the Army in 1939. While serving during WWII, Neville received the Silver Star, the Purple Heart, the Good Conduct Medal, the American Defense Service Ribbon, the European/African/Middle Eastern Theater Ribbon with Three Battle Stars, one Overseas Heart, one Service Stripe, and the Combat Infantryman's Badge. His fortunes and future changed when he made his acting debut in Army training films. After leaving the Army…
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Remembering - Robert Culp
by Brandsters- 1 follower
- 0 replies
- 8 views
Remembering Robert Culp August 16, 1930 - March 24, 2010 Broken Ballad Robert Culp appeared in one Bonanza episode. He is known for his starring role in the TV series I-Spy and The Greatest American Hero. As for some of his movies, his resume' includes, Turk 182, The Pellican Brief, I Spy Returns, Bob & Carol & Ted & Alice, and PT109. In later years, Robert Culp portrayed Ray Romano's character's father-in-law in Everybody Loves Raymond. Robert Culp died of head trauma having fallen after collapsing from an apparent a heart attack while out hiking.
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Remembering - E.J. Andre'
by Brandsters- 1 follower
- 0 replies
- 6 views
Remembering E.J. Andre' August 14, 1908 - September 6, 1984 The Trouble with Trouble E.J. Andre appeared in four Bonanza episodes. Like other guest stars, he also appeared on Little House on the Prairie with Michael Landon. Before Bonanza, he appeared in The Ten Commandments, Papillon, and Shirley Temple's Storybook. His death was attributed to cancer.
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Happy Birthday Kevin Tighe
by Brandsters- 1 follower
- 0 replies
- 7 views
Happy Birthday Kevin Tighe August 13, 1944 The Weary Willies Kevin Tighe appeared in one Bonanza episode. He was a drafted into the U.S. Army and because of an injury, he served at Fort Knox (not to be confused with the United States Bullion Repository adjacent to the grounds and of the same name) instead of being shipped to Viet Nam. Prior to being drafted Kevin attended Pasadena City College, where he received his degree, he taught drama at USC. After his discharge he traveled to the United Kingdom looking for roles at some of the top theatres, and eventually caught the eye of Jack Webb (Dragnet/Adam-12/Emergen…
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Remembering Chubby Johnson
by Brandsters- 1 follower
- 0 replies
- 3 views
Remembering Chubby Johnson (August 13, 1902 - October 31, 1974 The Ride Chubby Johnson appeared in eight Bonanza episodes. Originally a journalist, Chubby didn't enter acting until his 40s. Even after his film debut he continued to report as a member of the press via radio as well as a columnist until he was almost 50. He appeared along side stars: Richard Chamberlain, James Garner, and Burt Reynolds, to name a few. Chubby died of complications from a leg infection.
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Remembering Willard Sage
by Brandsters- 1 follower
- 0 replies
- 3 views
Remembering Willard Sage August 13, 1922 - March 17, 1974 Black Friday Willard Sage appeared in four Bonanza episodes. A prolific character actor, he counts Branded, The Virginian, Death Valley Days, and Gunsmoke among his many acting credits.
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Remembering Carl Pitti
by Brandsters- 2 followers
- 2 replies
- 13 views
Remembering Carl Pitti August 11, 1916 - August 9, 2003 The Trouble with Amy Carl Pitti appeared in four Bonanza episodes. As with numerous Bonanza actors, Carl also appeared in Little House on the Prairie, most often as the stage driver or a background townsman. It is said that he taught Glen Ford how to shoot for the movie The Fastest Gun Alive. Carl was inducted into the Hollywood Stuntmen's Hall of Fame in 1984.
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Remembering Noah Beery, Jr.
by Brandsters- 1 follower
- 1 reply
- 12 views
Noah Beery, Jr. August 10, 1913 - November 1, 1994 Lothario Larkin Noah Beery appeared in two episodes of Bonanza. Following father (Noah Beery, Sr.) and his uncle (Wallace Beery), Noah made his way in Hollywood, beginning as a child with uncredited roles. His resume contains lists movies and television, many as second leads, a 'sidekick' to the hero. Noah was Joey the Clown in Circus Boy (1950s) with Micky Dolenz in the starring role. He is probably best known as Joseph "Rocky" Rockford, the father of James Garner's Jim Rockford in The Rockford Files (1970s),;taking on the role after the pilot episode. Though…
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Remembering Richard Anderson
by Brandsters- 2 followers
- 3 replies
- 20 views
Remembering Richard Anderson August 8, 1926 - August 31, 2017 Showdown at Tahoe Richard Anderson only appeared in one Bonanza episode. During high school, he acted in various plays. After graduation he served in the Army. After discharge he returned to work in summer stock, did radio work, and even had a small part in the movie Twelve O'Clock High (1949). He is probably best known for his role as Oscar Goldman on the television series The Six Million Dollar Man and The Bionic Woman.
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Remembering Tom Reese
by Brandsters- 1 follower
- 1 reply
- 5 views
Remembering Tom Reese August 8, 1928 - December 12, 2017 The Last Mission Tom Reese appeared in three Bonanza episodes. His real last name was Allen, and his father and uncles were known as The Chattanooga Boys. During his formative years, he would travel and perform at Bluegrass Festivals. Beginning at 17th, he served two tours with the Marines where later, under the G.I. Bill, he took up acting. His appeared in the Elvis Presley movie Flaming Star which started him on the road to acting in other westerns like Gunsmoke, The Virginian, Rawhide and Branded.
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Happy Birthday Keith Carradine
by Brandsters- 1 follower
- 0 replies
- 9 views
Happy Birthday Keith Carradine August 8, 1949 Bushwhacked! Keith Carradine appeared in one Bonanza episode. Of the family Carradine; father John, brothers David and Robert, Keith was born into acting. He portrayed the young teen version of his older half-brother's character of Kwai Chang Cain in the television series, Kung Fu. The family affair continued when all three brothers were cast in the movie The Long Riders where they portrayed the Younger Brothers. Fans of Madam Secretary will know him as President Conrad Dalton.
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Remembering - Dayton Lummis
by Brandsters- 1 follower
- 0 replies
- 5 views
Remembering Dayton Lummis August 8, 1903 - March 23, 1988 Escape to Ponderosa Dayton Lummis appeared in four Bonanza episodes. After portraying Lt. Col. Metcalfe in this season one episode, he would return the following season as Atty. Hiram Wood. Early Sci-fi fans might remember him from The Time Tunnel.
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Remembering Ford Rainey
by Brandsters- 1 follower
- 0 replies
- 4 views
Remembering Ford Rainey August 8, 1908 - July 25, 2005 A Home for Jamie Ford Rainey appeared in 9 bonanza episodes. As a child, he was extremely shy, and took up acting in school plays to overcome this tendency. He moved to New York where he studied with Michael Checkov. During WWII, Mr. Rainey served in the U.S. Coast Guard before being discharged and relocating to California to help found the Ojai Valley Players. He made his first film appearance in 1949 in an uncredited role. He was an excellent horseman which served him well in many of the television shows he guest starred: Gunsmoke, Alias Smith and Jon…
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Remembering Steve Ihnat
by Brandsters- 1 follower
- 2 replies
- 14 views
Steve Ihnat August 7, 1934 - May 12, 1972 Dead and Gone Steve Ihnat appeared in three Bonanza episodes. His family settled in Canada after fleeing from Czechoslovadia in 1939. He later moved to America where he became an American Citizen. Steven's acting resume' has over 70 guest credits from sci-fi, westerns, to legal and medical dramas. He could easily turn an inconspicuous character or villain into a multi-dimensional antagonist. He died of a heart attack while attending the Cannes Film Festival. information from Wikipedia
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Remembering Grandon Rhodes
by Brandsters- 1 follower
- 2 replies
- 14 views
Grandon Rhodes August 7, 1904 - June 9, 1987 Her Brother's Keeper Grandon Rhodes appeared in 26 Bonanza episodes, many times portraying Doctor Paul Martin or an unnamed doctor. His range of roles in movies varied from doctors, military/naval, detectives, judges, and more. Many people might remember him as Beverly Hills banker Chester Vanderlip from The George Burns and Gracie Allen Show. Fans of Perry Mason will remember him as the judge. Sci-fi fans might remember him in Earth vs. The Flying Saucers.
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Happy Birthday Leonard Leroy Lee (Robert Fuller)
by Brandsters- 1 follower
- 2 replies
- 16 views
Happy Birthday Robert Fuller July 29, 1933 DVD cover Robert Fuller never starred in Bonanza, but he did portray Charlie Poke, the Ponderosa foreman in Bonanza: The Next Generation. Robert was drafted at the ag of 19 into the U.S. Army where he served two years during the Korean War; 15 months were with the 19th Infantry Regiment in Korea. After his return, he attended Richard Boone's acting class and was ultimately recommended and accepted into the highly respected New York Neighbourhood Playhouse School of Theatre. His first speaking part in a move was 'Friendly Persuasion' where he said to Gary Cooper, "Bet you…
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Remembering Rodolfo Acosta
by Brandsters- 0 replies
- 6 views
Remembering Rodolfo Acosta July 29, 1920 - November 7, 1974 El Jefe Rodolfo Acosta appeared in four Bonanza episodes. During his career he portrayed the familiar villain in various TV shows. Most viewers will recognize him more for this recurring role as a Vaquero in the first two season of The High Chaparral. He lost that role after developing a drinking problem. Though he was born in Chamizal, Mexico he was born a U.S. citizen due to the changing path of the Rio Grande River, the boundary between Mexico and Texas. At that time, Chamizal was considered by both governments as a U.S. territory. Before his acti…
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Remembering Stuart Randall
by Brandsters- 2 followers
- 2 replies
- 13 views
Remembering Stuart Randall July 24, 1909 - June 22, 1988 The Spanish Grant Stuart Randall appeared in six Bonanza episodes, portraying either a sheriff or a deputy. In the late 1920s he was the lead singer in the Will Bradley Orchestra as Larry Sothern. Ultimately, he set out on his own with the Larry Sothern Orchestra, touring the US in the 1930s and 1940s. In 1950 he changed his name to Stuart Randall and his first movie was Bells of Coronado starring Roy Rogers and Dale Evans. He also starred in movies with some of the biggest names in show business; Pony Express with Charlton Heston, Southwest Passage …
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Remembering Jewel Franklin Guy (aka James Best)
by Brandsters- 0 replies
- 7 views
Remembering James Best July 26, 1926 - April 6, 2015 The Fugitive James best appeared in three Bonanza episodes. Possibly best known as the bumbling Sheriff Rosco P. Coltrane on "The Dukes of Hazard"; it is reported that he based the persona voice from Dukes on a voice he used when playing with his children when they were young. Before Dukes, he starred in such films as Comanche Territory, Winchester '73, Kansas Raiders, The Cimarron Kid, and Seven Angry Men. He starred opposite Pernell Roberts in Ride Lonesome. In semi-retirement, he ran an acting school with such notable students as Lindsay Wagner, Roger Mill…
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Remembering Stacy Harris
by Brandsters- 0 replies
- 6 views
Remembering Stacy Harris July 26, 1918 - March 13, 1973 Five Sundowns to Sunup Stacy Harris appeared in six Bonanza episodes. Harris served in the Army prior to WWII, an injury to his leg prevented him from re-inlisting, but he served with the American Volunteer Group as an ambulance drive and served with the French Foreign Legion as a dispatch rider. Before Bonanza, he was best known for his role as agent Jim Taylor on ABC Radio's This is Your FBI. Harris passed away of an apparent heart attack. Information from wikipedia
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Happy Michael Stefani
by Brandsters- 0 replies
- 7 views
Happy Birthday Michael Stefani July 26 1933 Big Shadow on the Land Michael Stefani appeared in three episodes of Bonanza, all as Lorenzo Rossi the son of Georgio Rossi. Before he appeared in Bonanza, he guest starred in The Rifleman, Two Faces West, The Lieutenant, before he became a regular on The Young Marrieds. After Bonanza, this resume guest starred in only two more series. information from IMDb.com
