In 1965 I was flying from San Antonio to San Diego to go to Navy Boot Camp. Dan Blocker was seated next to me on the airplane. The flight attendant asked him if he wanted a beer. He said "yes" and asked me if I wanted one. I whispered to him that I was only 19. He said that if I was old enough to be in the Navy I should be old enough to drink a beer. He and I enjoyed a flight full of conversation and a couple of beers. Dan Blocker was a neat guy
I loved your story. By all accounts, he was the wonderful guy he played on Bonanza. It was quite a national event when it came on Sinfay night. All stopped to tune in
Just finished watching your story on Michael Landon. The good ones seem to leave us tooo early, tooo soon!!! Thank you Jerry!!! You always do such a fabulous job on your biographies!!! 09/01/2K20
Being country and simple...does not mean...uneducated and unpopular..!! He certainly had all the traits of a good man. He was admired by many, and will be remembered for his true kindness and deep respect of others. Wonderful tribute to Dan Blocker...thanks for the video.
@Jerry Skinner Wow Mr. Skinner! I see (hear) a song, a book, and maybe another collaborative VIDEO here ringing out really loud and clear; do YOU see it ? MY SUGGESTION IS THAT some of the commenters on Bobbie Wygaret's (great interview with Dan, btw) get together and now I see a MOVIE here too? As I comment, it just keeps expanding! See, in a day in which funerals and burials are such a hardship on some families, so they resort to cremation----There's always a weirdo (like me) who demands she be buried with that violin in her left hand, guitar in her right...and somehow back in Illinois in " The Family PLOT". Ha, after watching a few Agathia Cristie novels, the "Plot" might even take on a totally different meaning, ah ha. another story here, and still only a song. IF you can forward this to THE SON, DAVID Blocker, I would really appreciate it; Perhaps I can post the MILITARY comment below, but I do tend to digress! YOU also might see some possibilities here for another video of this great personality ? HERE IS MY SUGGESTION AND COMMENT FROM THE AFOREMENTIONED video and to those commenters . These " Skinner" videos are always WELL DONE, sensitively and caringly NARRATED too. Having come from the Bobbie Wygart VIDEO, I have to say THIS video makes us wonder, TIMEWISE, Where was Dan living...and what age WHILE his father was , as Mr. Skinner stated, here....dealing with the depression ? BTW those properties in Texas are so beautiful; Had they tried to purchase the SAME in California (DAVID BELOW? I ask) wouldn't they have cost about ten times as much ? IS THIS COMMENT BELOW, Dan's son, " David ?" If you are his son, David..Pls read my request below. Some of the comments on the Bobbie Wygant video, surely seem to have been made by "personal friends " of Dan's ? ? You might know. Have you seen the comment above BY LYNN WOOD ? Like to see a BOOK about this man from some who personally knew him; or at least a well-assembled video ....A VIDEO of some public domain footage connected with DAN BLOCKER'S MILITARY EXPERIENCE ? GREAT INTERVIEW; Seems to me it's the ARROGANT HOSTS that elicit the inarticulate appropriateness of "today's" interview shows. They're moreover about the hosts needing a screen test sample to show , than the actors they're interviewing ? I think he had "allot more under his belt" w/ more cleverness "up his sleeve" than he had time to express ? such as Michael Landon "was" or "became" the Little House on the Prairie?" DAN WAS the "gentle heart character " that WAS " Bonanza." I used to love to make up titles back then (and still , ha) and thought a whole show should have been devoted TO Dan Blocker, and title it " Gentle Heart?" Gee , maybe I'll copyright that tonight.(.Sounds like 'a song comin' ON" HERE yes ?) Well, said, and this in regard to an actor whose private life wasn't displayed as so many video-makers do today to their actors. (Think I have a list of those inaccuracies somewhere by now!). TEXAN, huh? Bet he'd have allot to say TODAY about China, Afghanistan, the Ukraine, Putin and the Fake Administration of Gangsters flopping around pretending they know anything about helping THEIR OWN PEOPLE ? What a great "character' he was-So now we see he was " Two Great Characters! " working full time to support a family AND working on a degree at UCLA , .....WHILE trying to enter the acting field, is allot of stress on allot of aspiring actors too; RIP Dan ! I was sort of hoping that a commenter who knew Mr. Blocker personally, would come here, and I could ask if they KNEW, if the music agent " Don" Blocker -was related to Dan? His office was two doors down from "Hank" Mancini's" and he represented Dolly back when songwriters had to play their songs live for agents. (Long story short --ANYONE ?) Thanks, " Beauty is as Beauty Does" the song I sang live for DON Blocker the day I accidentally walked into Hank's office by mistake! Praying for Afghanistan and the Ukraine" "God Gave Them One More Day" "Time That You're Movin' on" I Ain't no Middleman" FredGold& LyndaFaye Soundcloud, Soundclick, Bandcamp and You Tube. Copyrighted 2016 By Lynda Faye & The Illinois Harmony Connection "LyndaFayeSmusic@gmail.com) and at Yahoo, if I get censored for using the word God too often?
I am a 64 year old african american. I said this to say, I do not know Dan personally, but I am glad that I grew up in his time.He appeared to be a gentle giant and a good person. I truly do miss his presence and who else could Ben Cartwright, little Joe, or Adam call Hoss, but Dan Blocker. No one else could fit that part. Rest in peace big guy, rest in peace....
no such thing as an african american.. were you born in america?? then you are american.. i was born in england.. my great grandparents were from norway.. but i do not say im norwegian english
Thank you for such a wonderful representation of this man’s “too short” but eventful life. I got to see him at Frontier Land in Cherokee, NC around 1962, and he was truly the same person on both sides of the camera. Wonderful memories and still a fan of the show.
Flitz Flitty Flitz, thank you very much for your kind words. But i think the world has enough problems without everyone being like me. I thank you for the compliment. Jerry
@@JerrySkinner1943 @Jerry Skinner Wow Mr. Skinner! I see (hear) a song, a book, and maybe another collaborative VIDEO here ringing out really loud and clear; do YOU see it ? MY SUGGESTION IS THAT some of the commenters on Bobbie Wygaret's (great interview with Dan, btw) get together and now I see a MOVIE here too? As I comment, it just keeps expanding! See, in a day in which funerals and burials are such a hardship on some families, so they resort to cremation----There's always a weirdo (like me) who demands she be buried with that violin in her left hand, guitar in her right...and somehow back in Illinois in " The Family PLOT". Ha, after watching a few Agathia Cristie novels, the "Plot" might even take on a totally different meaning, ah ha. another story here, and still only a song. IF you can forward this to THE SON, DAVID Blocker, I would really appreciate it; Perhaps I can post the MILITARY comment below, but I do tend to digress! YOU also might see some possibilities here for another video of this great personality ? HERE IS MY SUGGESTION AND COMMENT FROM THE AFOREMENTIONED video and to those commenters . These " Skinner" videos are always WELL DONE, sensitively and caringly NARRATED too. Having come from the Bobbie Wygart VIDEO, I have to say THIS video makes us wonder, TIMEWISE, Where was Dan living...and what age WHILE his father was , as Mr. Skinner stated, here....dealing with the depression ? BTW those properties in Texas are so beautiful; Had they tried to purchase the SAME in California (DAVID BELOW? I ask) wouldn't they have cost about ten times as much ? IS THIS COMMENT BELOW, Dan's son, " David ?" If you are his son, David..Pls read my request below. Some of the comments on the Bobbie Wygant video, surely seem to have been made by "personal friends " of Dan's ? ? You might know. Have you seen the comment above BY LYNN WOOD ? Like to see a BOOK about this man from some who personally knew him; or at least a well-assembled video ....A VIDEO of some public domain footage connected with DAN BLOCKER'S MILITARY EXPERIENCE ? GREAT INTERVIEW; Seems to me it's the ARROGANT HOSTS that elicit the inarticulate appropriateness of "today's" interview shows. They're moreover about the hosts needing a screen test sample to show , than the actors they're interviewing ? I think he had "allot more under his belt" w/ more cleverness "up his sleeve" than he had time to express ? such as Michael Landon "was" or "became" the Little House on the Prairie?" DAN WAS the "gentle heart character " that WAS " Bonanza." I used to love to make up titles back then (and still , ha) and thought a whole show should have been devoted TO Dan Blocker, and title it " Gentle Heart?" Gee , maybe I'll copyright that tonight.(.Sounds like 'a song comin' ON" HERE yes ?) Well, said, and this in regard to an actor whose private life wasn't displayed as so many video-makers do today to their actors. (Think I have a list of those inaccuracies somewhere by now!). TEXAN, huh? Bet he'd have allot to say TODAY about China, Afghanistan, the Ukraine, Putin and the Fake Administration of Gangsters flopping around pretending they know anything about helping THEIR OWN PEOPLE ? What a great "character' he was-So now we see he was " Two Great Characters! " working full time to support a family AND working on a degree at UCLA , .....WHILE trying to enter the acting field, is allot of stress on allot of aspiring actors too; RIP Dan ! I was sort of hoping that a commenter who knew Mr. Blocker personally, would come here, and I could ask if they KNEW, if the music agent " Don" Blocker -was related to Dan? His office was two doors down from "Hank" Mancini's" and he represented Dolly back when songwriters had to play their songs live for agents. (Long story short --ANYONE ?) Thanks, " Beauty is as Beauty Does" the song I sang live for DON Blocker the day I accidentally walked into Hank's office by mistake! Praying for Afghanistan and the Ukraine" "God Gave Them One More Day" "Time That You're Movin' on" I Ain't no Middleman" FredGold& LyndaFaye Soundcloud, Soundclick, Bandcamp and You Tube. Copyrighted 2016 By Lynda Faye & The Illinois Harmony Connection "LyndaFayeSmusic@gmail.com) and at Yahoo, if I get censored for using the word God too often?
@@JerrySkinner1943 " being like me?" I read allot of these and compare videos; I think you're EXCELLENT! I wish someone could put me in touch with DAVID or Dirk ? Can YOU ? I see a MOVIE here about a MOVIE STAR, don't you ? After having viewed the VERY DECENT INTERVIEW by Bobbie Wygant's rerun and read all of the comments, I realize this man was one of the most well-educated actors depicted by both her videos . another commenter (there) Lynn Wood , mentioned Dan's MILITARY career also ?Jerry Skinner's heartfelt attitude on his videos is always evident too; Seems to me this many worked, supported a family, attended UCLA and some say he had a Masters in Fine Arts (not sure of that one).but he of all great actors and " Great Gentle-Hearted" ones, deserved to be interviewed by an appropriate host. Seems that STRESS might have played a part in the "early death" uthink? Have you seen the comment above BY LYNN WOOD ? Like to see a BOOK about this man from some who personally knew him; or at least a well-assembled video ....A VIDEO of some public domain footage connected with DAN BLOCKER'S MILITARY EXPERIENCE ?GREAT INTERVIEW; Seems to me it's the ARROGANT HOSTS that elicit the inarticulate appropriateness of "today's" interview shows. They're moreover about the hosts needing a screen test sample to show , than the actors they're interviewing ? I think he had "allot more under his belt" w/ more cleverness "up his sleeve" than he had time to express ? such as Michael Landon "was" or "became" the Little House on the Prarie?" DAN WAS the "gentle heart character "that WAS " Bonanza." I used to love to make up titles back then (and still , ha) and thought a whole show should have been devoted TO Dan Blocker, and title it " Gentle Heart?" Gee , maybe I'll copyright that tonight.(.Sounds like 'a song comin' ON" HERE yes ?)Well, said, and this in regard to an actor whose private life wasn't displayed as so many video-makers do today to their actors. (Think I have a list of those inaccuracies somewhere by now!). TEXAN, huh? Bet he'd have allot to say TODAY about China, Afghanistan, the Ukraine, Putin and the Fake Administration of Gangsters flopping around pretending they know anything about helping THEIR OWN PEOPLE ? What a great "character' he was-So now we see he was " Two Great Characters! " working full time to support a family AND working on a degree at UCLA , .....WHILE trying to enter the acting field, is allot of stress on allot of aspiring actors too; RIP Dan ! I was sort of hoping that a commenter who knew Mr. Blocker personally, would come here, and I could ask if they KNEW, if the music agent " Don" Blocker -was related to Dan? His office was two doors down from "Hank" Mancini's" and he represented Dolly back when songwriters had to play their songs live for agents. (Long story short --ANYONE ?)Thanks," Beauty is as Beauty Does"the song I sang live for DON Blocker the day I accidentally walked intoHank's office by mistake!Praying for Afghanistan and the Ukraine""God Gave Them One More Day"I Ain't no Middleman"FredGold& LyndaFaye"LyndaFayeSmusic@gmail.com) and at Yahoo, if I get censored for using the word God too often?
I remember Dan Blocker, and how shocked I was when he died suddenly. Hollywood characterized him as a big, dull behemoth, but he in truth was nothing like that stereotype. He was so much more, it was such a pleasure to get a glimpse of the true and real person who was actually an intellectual with a masters degree pursuing his PHD when the acting bug bit him.
Dan Blocker really cool gentle giant is the impression I got !! Bonanza a timeless western all of the actors were great !! I have seen several of your videos and have really enjoyed them !! thanks
Beloved Dan Blocker. What you see is what you get - on and off screen. Big ole gentle, loveable, huggable teddy-bear and all around beautiful man. Broke the mold with that one. (sigh)
Really enjoyed this. When I was a little girl I loved Bonanza and my favorite character was Hoss. Everyone loved Little Joe or Adam (original oldest brother) but not me. There was something about this gentle giant of a man that I adored. I was a junior in high school when he died and I was truly sad. Thank you.
The news of Dan Blocker's death was devastating to a lot of Bonanza fans, myself included. Until now I had known nothing of where he came from, the environs he grew up in or his family, friends and background, but it's nice to know he was so well loved and respected by everyone. Still watching the Bonanza re-runs. Thanks for putting this up!
I grew up in the 60's in a small town not far from O'Donnell. We all claimed Dan Blocker as one of "ours"...and we never missed an episode of Bonanza. Thanks for this lovely tribute. Your voice sounds like home to me.
I wish someone could put me in touch with DAVID or Dirk ? Can YOU ? I see a MOVIE here about a MOVIE STAR, don't you ? After having viewed the VERY DECENT INTERVIEW by Bobbie Wygant's rerun and read all of the comments, I realize this man was one of the most well-educated actors depicted by both her videos . another commenter (there) Lynn Wood , mentioned Dan's MILITARY career also ?Jerry Skinner's heartfelt attitude on his videos is always evident too; Seems to me this many worked, supported a family, attended UCLA and some say he had a Masters in Fine Arts (not sure of that one).but he of all great actors and " Great Gentle-Hearted" ones, deserved to be interviewed by an appropriate host. Seems that STRESS might have played a part in the "early death" uthink? Have you seen the comment above BY LYNN WOOD ? Like to see a BOOK about this man from some who personally knew him; or at least a well-assembled video ....A VIDEO of some public domain footage connected with DAN BLOCKER'S MILITARY EXPERIENCE ?GREAT INTERVIEW; Seems to me it's the ARROGANT HOSTS that elicit the inarticulate appropriateness of "today's" interview shows. They're moreover about the hosts needing a screen test sample to show , than the actors they're interviewing ? I think he had "allot more under his belt" w/ more cleverness "up his sleeve" than he had time to express ? such as Michael Landon "was" or "became" the Little House on the Prarie?" DAN WAS the "gentle heart character "that WAS " Bonanza." I used to love to make up titles back then (and still , ha) and thought a whole show should have been devoted TO Dan Blocker, and title it " Gentle Heart?" Gee , maybe I'll copyright that tonight.(.Sounds like 'a song comin' ON" HERE yes ?)Well, said, and this in regard to an actor whose private life wasn't displayed as so many video-makers do today to their actors. (Think I have a list of those inaccuracies somewhere by now!). TEXAN, huh? Bet he'd have allot to say TODAY about China, Afghanistan, the Ukraine, Putin and the Fake Administration of Gangsters flopping around pretending they know anything about helping THEIR OWN PEOPLE ? What a great "character' he was-So now we see he was " Two Great Characters! " working full time to support a family AND working on a degree at UCLA , .....WHILE trying to enter the acting field, is allot of stress on allot of aspiring actors too; RIP Dan ! I was sort of hoping that a commenter who knew Mr. Blocker personally, would come here, and I could ask if they KNEW, if the music agent " Don" Blocker -was related to Dan? His office was two doors down from "Hank" Mancini's" and he represented Dolly back when songwriters had to play their songs live for agents. (Long story short --ANYONE ?)Thanks," Beauty is as Beauty Does"the song I sang live for DON Blocker the day I accidentally walked intoHank's office by mistake!Praying for Afghanistan and the Ukraine""God Gave Them One More Day"I Ain't no Middleman"FredGold& LyndaFaye"LyndaFayeSmusic@gmail.com) and at Yahoo, if I get censored for using the word God too often?
When I was a kid (late 60's) there was only one Hoss. And people talked about him with such familiarity, like a family member. He was much loved in his lifetime. I hope he knew it.
What a thing to see that old grocery store his family owned still there with their name still on it...like a time capsule. I'd love to old photos of it inside, or peek inside today. The memorial is very moving. Thanks for making this. Really nicely done. I just love those small, lonely western american farm towns. Like little forgotten islands, sometimes. The store and memorial look exactly the same 11 years later on google earth.
@@JerrySkinner1943 JERRY, why didn' t you SHOW us the sides and angles of this SCULPTURE ? I know it takes a year to produce such a piece of art, and you only gave us ONE QUICK GLANCE, sweetie ? Well, maybe when the MOVIE of this Gentle Heart appears out there, YOU CAN RE -FILM THAT FOR US ? thanks. The poor sculptor certainly didn't BEGIN on this until AFTER Dan's funeral, right ?? Let's see if it was a quickie job or a beautiful likeness ??? BTW, you're normally so efficient...WHO SCULPTED THIS ? Was the sculptor a "former personal friend?" Tell us MORE please ? We'll wait. Most of us keep reviewing Dan Blocker OFTEN!
Thank you so much for making this video. I saw him when i was a child, not only in Bonanza. He was a true cowboy and a real man. He will never be forgotten... .
Anyone that grew up in the 60's 70's watched every episode of Bonanza. I grew up not far from Lake Tahoe, and remember going to the ranch near E. Shore. It was surreal standing in the ranch house where it was filmed, and realizing when the actors went upstairs, it was a dead end and they just hid around the corner! Thanks for this great video. So many details I never knew!
Andrew Phillips Same as when they went out of the house, mounted their horses and took off around the house, you would think they were gone, but there was no trail around the house, it just ended there. Ah, what times.
Thanks So Much Mr. Skinner , It was so nice of You to share Your"re time making this film and story about Mr. Blocker. He sure was a Heart WARMER on film ! and off I"ll bet!, My Dad had told Me a little story about Dan I"d like to share if I could! While We were living in Tahoe My Father was working over in Incline village no. east end of the lake where He"d eat breakfast at a small cafe" so to speak and the waitresses told Him that Dan would come in there all the time while they were filming Bonanza and would order a couple dozen eggs a loaf or two of toast and two lb"s of bacon! that"s some appetite we"ll we all know how story"s go? I wounder! anyhow! His role as Hoss was like a Brother to Me and many others I"m sure! May God Bless Dan and Family Allways ! P.S. And to all the beautiful comments!
I loved Hoss's character on bonanza. He stole my heart. I wanted to my future husband to be modeled after him. I still watch the reruns. Our loss and heavens gain. Thank you Lord, you allowed us to keep him in our hearts.
Diane Stidman ... I always wanted Dan to get the girl on Bonanza, marry, and live happily ever after. I'm sure that happened to Dan in real life. Any woman would be very happy to be married to a man like Dan Blocker.
Diane Stidman; it seemed as though all the girls either had a crush on Adam or Little Joe but my favorite was Hoss; I didn’t like when they introduced him as that, his ‘real’ name of ‘Eric’ should have been given. He always seemed to be the gentle giant, one who would and could protect you when needed. I don’t know if it was a crush I had or young girl love but when I got married, my husband is as tall as Dan was and as we got older, he’s about the size of Dan, too; a gentle giant himself. I remember the Bonanza episode where Little Joe got married and built his wife a house but it burned and she died: THAT episode Michael Landon wrote for ‘Hoss’ but he passed away suddenly; I cried like he was my husband when I heard the news. He’ll always be in my heart.....DAN BLOCKER
+Jerry Skinner Saw him and Amanda Blake in our hometown,Danville VA, Christmas parade when I was seven. thanks Jerry. Can you do Wreck of Old 97? We were also the Last Capital of Confederacy
@@JerrySkinner1943 @Jerry Skinner Wow Mr. Skinner! I see (hear) a song, a book, and maybe another collaborative VIDEO here ringing out really loud and clear; do YOU see it ? MY SUGGESTION IS THAT some of the commenters on Bobbie Wygaret's (great interview with Dan, btw) get together and now I see a MOVIE here too? As I comment, it just keeps expanding! See, in a day in which funerals and burials are such a hardship on some families, so they resort to cremation----There's always a weirdo (like me) who demands she be buried with that violin in her left hand, guitar in her right...and somehow back in Illinois in " The Family PLOT". Ha, after watching a few Agathia Cristie novels, the "Plot" might even take on a totally different meaning, ah ha. another story here, and still only a song. IF you can forward this to THE SON, DAVID Blocker, I would really appreciate it; Perhaps I can post the MILITARY comment below, but I do tend to digress! YOU also might see some possibilities here for another video of this great personality ? HERE IS MY SUGGESTION AND COMMENT FROM THE AFOREMENTIONED video and to those commenters . These " Skinner" videos are always WELL DONE, sensitively and caringly NARRATED too. Having come from the Bobbie Wygart VIDEO, I have to say THIS video makes us wonder, TIMEWISE, Where was Dan living...and what age WHILE his father was , as Mr. Skinner stated, here....dealing with the depression ? BTW those properties in Texas are so beautiful; Had they tried to purchase the SAME in California (DAVID BELOW? I ask) wouldn't they have cost about ten times as much ? IS THIS COMMENT BELOW, Dan's son, " David ?" If you are his son, David..Pls read my request below. Some of the comments on the Bobbie Wygant video, surely seem to have been made by "personal friends " of Dan's ? ? You might know. Have you seen the comment above BY LYNN WOOD ? Like to see a BOOK about this man from some who personally knew him; or at least a well-assembled video ....A VIDEO of some public domain footage connected with DAN BLOCKER'S MILITARY EXPERIENCE ? GREAT INTERVIEW; Seems to me it's the ARROGANT HOSTS that elicit the inarticulate appropriateness of "today's" interview shows. They're moreover about the hosts needing a screen test sample to show , than the actors they're interviewing ? I think he had "allot more under his belt" w/ more cleverness "up his sleeve" than he had time to express ? such as Michael Landon "was" or "became" the Little House on the Prairie?" DAN WAS the "gentle heart character " that WAS " Bonanza." I used to love to make up titles back then (and still , ha) and thought a whole show should have been devoted TO Dan Blocker, and title it " Gentle Heart?" Gee , maybe I'll copyright that tonight.(.Sounds like 'a song comin' ON" HERE yes ?) Well, said, and this in regard to an actor whose private life wasn't displayed as so many video-makers do today to their actors. (Think I have a list of those inaccuracies somewhere by now!). TEXAN, huh? Bet he'd have allot to say TODAY about China, Afghanistan, the Ukraine, Putin and the Fake Administration of Gangsters flopping around pretending they know anything about helping THEIR OWN PEOPLE ? What a great "character' he was-So now we see he was " Two Great Characters! " working full time to support a family AND working on a degree at UCLA , .....WHILE trying to enter the acting field, is allot of stress on allot of aspiring actors too; RIP Dan ! I was sort of hoping that a commenter who knew Mr. Blocker personally, would come here, and I could ask if they KNEW, if the music agent " Don" Blocker -was related to Dan? His office was two doors down from "Hank" Mancini's" and he represented Dolly back when songwriters had to play their songs live for agents. (Long story short --ANYONE ?) Thanks, " Beauty is as Beauty Does" the song I sang live for DON Blocker the day I accidentally walked into Hank's office by mistake! Praying for Afghanistan and the Ukraine" "God Gave Them One More Day" "Time That You're Movin' on" I Ain't no Middleman" FredGold& LyndaFaye Soundcloud, Soundclick, Bandcamp and You Tube. Copyrighted 2016 By Lynda Faye & The Illinois Harmony Connection "LyndaFayeSmusic@gmail.com) and at Yahoo, if I get censored for using the word God too often?
Seldom is it that the person behind the role turns out to be just as nice a person as fans believe they are. The entertainment world is rife with stories of actors/actresses who are rude to fans, hard to deal with, extremely eccentric, not good parents, what have you. It is nice to know that one of the most beloved characters from television was just as down to earth as the role they played. Thanks for making this short film.
Hi Jerry, I just had to stop by one more time and listen to the video of an "old friend", Mr. Dan Blocker. He would visit his war buddy, who lived across the street from our school and this hulking giant of a man would walk across the street and attend "assembly" on Monday morning whenever he was in town. Back in the days of yore, we would gather around the flagpole, listen and sing along with the national anthem and recite the pledge of alligence, all of which are illegal today I'm sure. Mr. Broussard would ask Mr. Blocker if he had anything to say to "his kids". Mr. Blocker would always talk about the importance of a good education and bragged about having a better degree than Mr. Greene and everyone else on the show. Our principal, Mr. Broussard, had a late model Chrysler Imperial, about a '60 or '61. Mr. Blocker squatted down behind it and lifted the rear end of the vehicle off the ground. This is back when there were no plastics used in the construction of an American auto. We all thought of him as a giant. I wish kids today had such heros who would inspire them to do good rather than to do nothing. Thanks again, JJ
I still watch Bonanza, still love it. Still love Hoss, and as a result, of course, Dan, too. He is one of the major reasons I survived to adulthood. Every week was rough. I leaned heavy to reach Sunday night. God bless him. It's not possible to forget the lovely spirit he conveyed in creating Hoss.
I just happened to find this on youtube, I guess by accident...and I'm glad I did. Thank you for making this video. Mr Skinner. I watched Bonanza every Sunday night when I was a boy growing up. Never missed it. Even on nights I had to go to Church on Sunday nights...we made sure and rushed home afterwards, so we wouldn't miss it. I like him in "The Lady In Cement", with Frank Sinatra too. Completely different role from Hoss. When Dan Blocker died, it was sure one sad day, man. So young indeed. And he seemed like a family member to so many...since we grew up with his friendly face in our living rooms as kids.
You left out some very interesting information about Dan playing football at Harden Simmons University in Abilene, Texas. They say when the bus arrived at the away game, Dan would come out with chains around him and several players trying to control him just to scare the other team!
I was never a Bonanza fan,but I was a Dan Blocker fan.I can still remember being shocked and sad when it came on the TV news that Dan had died that day.When you saw him on the tube he was so relaxed and nice,you felt like you new him,and that he was a kind and gentle man.This as a nice piece,for a deserving man,Thanks.
Thank you for taking the time to make this short documentary. I've always loved Dan Blocker. I wrote to the set of Bonanza when I was a boy and Dan Blocker signed a picture to me, wrote a short letter to me and even got Lorne Greene and Michael Landon to sign the photo! You can't imagine how excited I was as a boy to have my childhood heroes Hoss, Ben, and Little Joe Cartwright take the time out to do something like that. I wish that I still had the letter and the signed photo. I'll bet they would be worth quite a bit today! I always kept it inside of an old briefcase my dad had given me, and to this day have no idea what happened to that briefcase. I also had a signed picture from Ken Curtis and Jim Arness from Gunsmoke in that briefcase as well as some sports autographs that I got when I was a kid. When I left home my mom kept my room exactly how it was for a while, then when I got married I remember going and cleaning out my boyhood bedroom and packing my things up, and the briefcase was nowhere to be found. It has been my hope that it will turn up somewhere in moms house one day- but that has yet to happen..lol. I still collect autographs to this day and I sure wish I still had that photograph- it was always my prized possession. I think my parents may have accidentally sold the briefcase in a yard sale but they have yet to this day admit to doing that hahaha! If that is what happened, I wish I had seen the look on the persons face when they broke the lock and looked inside that briefcase! Who knows, maybe it is in the bottom of a box up in my moms attic, or the garage. It looks like a wharehouse in there!!
Thank you Klunket for watching our video. It was fun going out to Texas and learning about Dan Blocker. The more I learned about him, the more I liked him. Jerry
KLUNKET ..I do hope that someday soon you will find those treasured autographs. Don't give up searching for them. I have a feeling that briefcase is still in your mom's house
Awesome once again Mr Skinner! Just watched Audie Murphy this morning, I’ve lived in Greenville Texas 35 years. Born and raised in DeKalb Texas. I’m covered! Thanks again for your great videos.
HIS ARE THE BEST; I wish someone could put me in touch with DAVID or Dirk ? Can YOU ? I see a MOVIE here about a MOVIE STAR, don't you ? After having viewed the VERY DECENT INTERVIEW by Bobbie Wygant's rerun and read all of the comments, I realize this man was one of the most well-educated actors depicted by both her videos . another commenter (there) Lynn Wood , mentioned Dan's MILITARY career also ?Jerry Skinner's heartfelt attitude on his videos is always evident too; Seems to me this many worked, supported a family, attended UCLA and some say he had a Masters in Fine Arts (not sure of that one).but he of all great actors and " Great Gentle-Hearted" ones, deserved to be interviewed by an appropriate host. Seems that STRESS might have played a part in the "early death" uthink? Have you seen the comment above BY LYNN WOOD ? Like to see a BOOK about this man from some who personally knew him; or at least a well-assembled video ....A VIDEO of some public domain footage connected with DAN BLOCKER'S MILITARY EXPERIENCE ?GREAT INTERVIEW; Seems to me it's the ARROGANT HOSTS that elicit the inarticulate appropriateness of "today's" interview shows. They're moreover about the hosts needing a screen test sample to show , than the actors they're interviewing ? I think he had "allot more under his belt" w/ more cleverness "up his sleeve" than he had time to express ? such as Michael Landon "was" or "became" the Little House on the Prarie?" DAN WAS the "gentle heart character "that WAS " Bonanza." I used to love to make up titles back then (and still , ha) and thought a whole show should have been devoted TO Dan Blocker, and title it " Gentle Heart?" Gee , maybe I'll copyright that tonight.(.Sounds like 'a song comin' ON" HERE yes ?)Well, said, and this in regard to an actor whose private life wasn't displayed as so many video-makers do today to their actors. (Think I have a list of those inaccuracies somewhere by now!). TEXAN, huh? Bet he'd have allot to say TODAY about China, Afghanistan, the Ukraine, Putin and the Fake Administration of Gangsters flopping around pretending they know anything about helping THEIR OWN PEOPLE ? What a great "character' he was-So now we see he was " Two Great Characters! " working full time to support a family AND working on a degree at UCLA , .....WHILE trying to enter the acting field, is allot of stress on allot of aspiring actors too; RIP Dan ! I was sort of hoping that a commenter who knew Mr. Blocker personally, would come here, and I could ask if they KNEW, if the music agent " Don" Blocker -was related to Dan? His office was two doors down from "Hank" Mancini's" and he represented Dolly back when songwriters had to play their songs live for agents. (Long story short --ANYONE ?)Thanks," Beauty is as Beauty Does"the song I sang live for DON Blocker the day I accidentally walked intoHank's office by mistake!Praying for Afghanistan and the Ukraine""God Gave Them One More Day"I Ain't no Middleman"FredGold& LyndaFaye"LyndaFayeSmusic@gmail.com) and at Yahoo, if I get censored for using the word God too often?
As a kid in the backwaters of south west Louisiana I met Mr. Blocker for what we called the mid-winter fair. (The gentleman that lived across the street from our school was a Korean War veteran friend of Mr. Blocker.) He would talk to us kids about being good citizens, getting a good education (he had a master's degree and no one else on the set of Bonanza did.) and what our responsibilities were to the entire community. Our principal had an old ((late 1950's Plymouth)) Mr. Blocker would bend down and pick the rear end off the ground. This giant of a man cared so much for "his kids" in backwater USA that he inspired me to be a better person. I was so inspired by this giant of a man to this day I am proud of what he did for us. I went on to earn 2 doctoral degrees after serving in Vietnam. This true gentleman inspired me to be a better person than I could ever have been. Mr. Blocker, I will remember you until the day I die, God allow. JJ
Hi Jerry, Thank you for your comment. Mr. Blocker was a REAL American. He always brought the conversation down to "What do we give back"? I remember quite well JFK's inauguration speech of "ask not what America can do for you, ask what you can do for America." That was Mr. Blocker's theme. Of course, he looked like a bear to us, he was so big but he took time from his Hollywood schedule to talk to us kids and that impressed me more than anything else. To this day I cannot watch Bonanza without remembering what this noble man did for us kids, of course, now "us k ids" are in our 60's but no less kids today when we remember what he had to say. JJ
AH another comment about Dan's MILITARY affilliations yes ? Good to hear...and remember GOOD THOUGHTS DIE HARD... I wish someone could put me in touch with DAVID or Dirk ? Can YOU ? I see a MOVIE here about a MOVIE STAR, don't you ? After having viewed the VERY DECENT INTERVIEW by Bobbie Wygant's rerun and read all of the comments, I realize this man was one of the most well-educated actors depicted by both her videos . another commenter (there) Lynn Wood , mentioned Dan's MILITARY career also ?Jerry Skinner's heartfelt attitude on his videos is always evident too; Seems to me this many worked, supported a family, attended UCLA and some say he had a Masters in Fine Arts (not sure of that one).but he of all great actors and " Great Gentle-Hearted" ones, deserved to be interviewed by an appropriate host. Seems that STRESS might have played a part in the "early death" uthink? Have you seen the comment above BY LYNN WOOD ? Like to see a BOOK about this man from some who personally knew him; or at least a well-assembled video ....A VIDEO of some public domain footage connected with DAN BLOCKER'S MILITARY EXPERIENCE ?GREAT INTERVIEW; Seems to me it's the ARROGANT HOSTS that elicit the inarticulate appropriateness of "today's" interview shows. They're moreover about the hosts needing a screen test sample to show , than the actors they're interviewing ? I think he had "allot more under his belt" w/ more cleverness "up his sleeve" than he had time to express ? such as Michael Landon "was" or "became" the Little House on the Prarie?" DAN WAS the "gentle heart character "that WAS " Bonanza." I used to love to make up titles back then (and still , ha) and thought a whole show should have been devoted TO Dan Blocker, and title it " Gentle Heart?" Gee , maybe I'll copyright that tonight.(.Sounds like 'a song comin' ON" HERE yes ?)Well, said, and this in regard to an actor whose private life wasn't displayed as so many video-makers do today to their actors. (Think I have a list of those inaccuracies somewhere by now!). TEXAN, huh? Bet he'd have allot to say TODAY about China, Afghanistan, the Ukraine, Putin and the Fake Administration of Gangsters flopping around pretending they know anything about helping THEIR OWN PEOPLE ? What a great "character' he was-So now we see he was " Two Great Characters! " working full time to support a family AND working on a degree at UCLA , .....WHILE trying to enter the acting field, is allot of stress on allot of aspiring actors too; RIP Dan ! I was sort of hoping that a commenter who knew Mr. Blocker personally, would come here, and I could ask if they KNEW, if the music agent " Don" Blocker -was related to Dan? His office was two doors down from "Hank" Mancini's" and he represented Dolly back when songwriters had to play their songs live for agents. (Long story short --ANYONE ?)Thanks," Beauty is as Beauty Does"the song I sang live for DON Blocker the day I accidentally walked intoHank's office by mistake!Praying for Afghanistan and the Ukraine""God Gave Them One More Day"I Ain't no Middleman"FredGold& LyndaFaye"LyndaFayeSmusic@gmail.com) and at Yahoo, if I get censored for using the word God too often?
I was so sad when "Big Hoss" died. He and the Cartwrights were a big part of my life. I always admired the actors of "Bonanza". Thanks for such an insightful look into the life of "Big Hoss", Dan Blocker, a great American icon.
Jeff Lagneaux Jeff thank you for watching, I enjoyed going out to Texas where Dan was raised. His friends were surprised when he became a T.V. cowboy. They expected him to be quoting Shakespeare, not riding a horse. Thanks again, Jerry
Liked the video very much. It is worth mentioning that Dan served in the U.S. Army. My dad went through basic training with him at Ft. Polk, Louisiana, and has told me a few stories about how Dan would entertain the guys. One of Dan's favorite poems was "The Face upon the Barroom Floor". A rather lengthy poem that Dan had committed to memory. The guys would gather round and Dan would recite it for them. Apparently this was considered highly entertaining by the guys in their unit.
That was very nice, really enjoyed it. He was born the same year as my dad, we were all fans. I remember being so sad when he died. This was a fine documentary, thanks for sharing it.
Dan Blocker was always my favorite on Bonanza! Don't get me wrong I loved all the characters on Bonanza but he was always the one I liked a little more than the others. He was sweet, funny, goofy, and serious when needed and that is what made him a great actor! I have heard he was the same in his personal life and I would have loved to met him. You are missed Dan Blocker but you will never be forgotten because I for one still sit with my husband and we watch bonanza as much as we can and I guess we always will because that is how much we love the show! My kids gave it to us as a gift well as many as we could afford but I would love one day to own all of the seasons so I keep watching for who ever offers it but it is hard to find the whole entire set from the first episode to the last season! If anyone knows where I can get them for a reasonable price could you please reply to this I would appreciate it. RIP Dan Blocker! Always in our hearts!!
@Jerry Skinner Wow Mr. Skinner! I see (hear) a song, a book, and maybe another collaborative VIDEO here ringing out really loud and clear; do YOU see it ? MY SUGGESTION IS THAT some of the commenters on Bobbie Wygaret's (great interview with Dan, btw) get together and now I see a MOVIE here too? As I comment, it just keeps expanding! See, in a day in which funerals and burials are such a hardship on some families, so they resort to cremation----There's always a weirdo (like me) who demands she be buried with that violin in her left hand, guitar in her right...and somehow back in Illinois in " The Family PLOT". Ha, after watching a few Agathia Cristie novels, the "Plot" might even take on a totally different meaning, ah ha. another story here, and still only a song. IF you can forward this to THE SON, DAVID Blocker, I would really appreciate it; Perhaps I can post the MILITARY comment below, but I do tend to digress! YOU also might see some possibilities here for another video of this great personality ? HERE IS MY SUGGESTION AND COMMENT FROM THE AFOREMENTIONED video and to those commenters . These " Skinner" videos are always WELL DONE, sensitively and caringly NARRATED too. Having come from the Bobbie Wygart VIDEO, I have to say THIS video makes us wonder, TIMEWISE, Where was Dan living...and what age WHILE his father was , as Mr. Skinner stated, here....dealing with the depression ? BTW those properties in Texas are so beautiful; Had they tried to purchase the SAME in California (DAVID BELOW? I ask) wouldn't they have cost about ten times as much ? IS THIS COMMENT BELOW, Dan's son, " David ?" If you are his son, David..Pls read my request below. Some of the comments on the Bobbie Wygant video, surely seem to have been made by "personal friends " of Dan's ? ? You might know. Have you seen the comment above BY LYNN WOOD ? Like to see a BOOK about this man from some who personally knew him; or at least a well-assembled video ....A VIDEO of some public domain footage connected with DAN BLOCKER'S MILITARY EXPERIENCE ? GREAT INTERVIEW; Seems to me it's the ARROGANT HOSTS that elicit the inarticulate appropriateness of "today's" interview shows. They're moreover about the hosts needing a screen test sample to show , than the actors they're interviewing ? I think he had "allot more under his belt" w/ more cleverness "up his sleeve" than he had time to express ? such as Michael Landon "was" or "became" the Little House on the Prairie?" DAN WAS the "gentle heart character " that WAS " Bonanza." I used to love to make up titles back then (and still , ha) and thought a whole show should have been devoted TO Dan Blocker, and title it " Gentle Heart?" Gee , maybe I'll copyright that tonight.(.Sounds like 'a song comin' ON" HERE yes ?) Well, said, and this in regard to an actor whose private life wasn't displayed as so many video-makers do today to their actors. (Think I have a list of those inaccuracies somewhere by now!). TEXAN, huh? Bet he'd have allot to say TODAY about China, Afghanistan, the Ukraine, Putin and the Fake Administration of Gangsters flopping around pretending they know anything about helping THEIR OWN PEOPLE ? What a great "character' he was-So now we see he was " Two Great Characters! " working full time to support a family AND working on a degree at UCLA , .....WHILE trying to enter the acting field, is allot of stress on allot of aspiring actors too; RIP Dan ! I was sort of hoping that a commenter who knew Mr. Blocker personally, would come here, and I could ask if they KNEW, if the music agent " Don" Blocker -was related to Dan? His office was two doors down from "Hank" Mancini's" and he represented Dolly back when songwriters had to play their songs live for agents. (Long story short --ANYONE ?) Thanks, " Beauty is as Beauty Does" the song I sang live for DON Blocker the day I accidentally walked into Hank's office by mistake! Praying for Afghanistan and the Ukraine" "God Gave Them One More Day" "Time That You're Movin' on" I Ain't no Middleman" FredGold& LyndaFaye Soundcloud, Soundclick, Bandcamp and You Tube. Copyrighted 2016 By Lynda Faye & The Illinois Harmony Connection "LyndaFayeSmusic@gmail.com) and at Yahoo, if I get censored for using the word God too often?
What a wonderful tribute to Dan Blocker. He was my favourite Cartwright. Being Canadian I grew up listening to Lorne Greene's voice on all the educational films we watched in school. He narrated ( that clear deep voice) most of the news/educational/training footage being he was Canadian; before becoming famous as Ben Cartwright. We can still see that footage today on a channel here in Canada called 'Silver Screen'.
I was only a child when Dan died, but I remember my family and me sitting in our living room watching the return of Bonanza after summer hiatus; during which time Mr. Blocker had passed. We waited in anticipation of how they would handle Hoss' death. Let me tell you, there was not a dry eye in the room, on the screen and, I'm sure, it was the same in most of America's homes! I have not seen that episode since, but I remember it well! Thanks for this wonderful tribute, and we ALL make mistakes! It's called being human and, you Sir, are one heck of a one! :-D
I feel guilty when I fail to like or comment on one your videos. Especially when I see negative or sometimes downright hostile remarks. Remarks those same people would probably never say to your face. Let any one of them do some research and post a video, I don't see that happening. I really enjoy it when your video reinforces the already positive image I have of some of these actors, as in this case. Thank you so much.
Thank You. This not only brought back memories of the show, but of my Uncle Speedy,(Jess). He came out to San Diego, to visit, and liked it so he thought he'd try working up in LA. I was about 10 or 11, so can't really remember how, but he found work at the studio were they kept the main horses from the show. And was there the next day after a crazy man got it to the horses and killed the one Little Joe road, and tried to kill the others. He was really upset about it for weeks after, and never wanted to talk about it afterwards.
Mr. Skinner. I discovered your videos a few weeks ago and have watched many of them since. Many of the famous actors have personal lives that are so messed up I forget which one married/left/shacked up with whom. It is so refreshing to watch your video of a well mannered, educated man that never lost his small town values. Sad that he died so young.
Jerry, you make the most wonderful documentaries! When I listen to you, it is like being with family! God Bless all the work you do in assembling the data that you describe. I hope that you continue to make many more in the future, as I would sorely miss your videos, if you ever gave up such warm, kind and gracious presentations!
Well, I never thought I would sit and watch a video about Dan Blocker, but this was most interesting and I couldn't shut it off. Very good job and a fine tribute to the man.
"Hoss" would come to Trinidad Calif. to go fishing and he ended up visiting with my Step Father at a local watering hole. My Stepfather said that Dan was such a gentle soul and very good natured, he called everyone "baby". It is a good memory for my Step Father. This was very informative! I can see you put a lot of work into it! I grew up with Bonanza and of course, Hoss, was my very favorite character!! I just loved the way he talked and got into scraps with Little Joe!! Thanks for putting this up.
What a great tribute. I sure learned a bit about Dan Blocker. Very respectul. Kind of amazing that the store is still there and intact, probably only because it's such a small town and nothing needs to replace it. That's typical of small, forgotten towns, and I could point you to one or two others that are exactly like that. Incidentally, I know a fellow, still getting around and running his life. Born 5 November 1928, barely a month apart from Dan. Just shows that Dan could still be with us today and enjoying his life but for the fates.
I just fell into your video at Inspiration By God Newsletter .....what a treat to be taken back to "Bonanza Time" ..... this was a great share. Thanks. God Bless the Blocker family.....
Dan Blocker's ancestors traveled to Texas by covered wagon from Tuscaloosa County, Alabama at the conclusion of the War Between the States. Brothers William, John, and Michael Patrick Blocker served in a Confederate Light Artillery Company organized in Tuscaloosa and took their families to Texas as the war ended. John Blocker went into the cattle business in southwest Texas but later returned to the old homeplace in Tuscaloosa County where he is buried. The other Blocker brothers: William and Michael Patrick Blocker remained in Texas. William Blocker was killed in 1893 when a tornado struck Nash in Bowie County. Michael Patrick Blocker settled on the Red River north of DeKalb. Ora "Shack" Walker, Dan's dad, is the great, great grandson of Michael Patrick Blocker.
A nice commentary on Dan Blocker -"Hoss" Cartwright on Bonanza, which is one of my favorite Westerns! Thank you! So glad Dan got his girl, Dolph, and raised a family in real life! He portrayed a really nice guy, and he really was one!
Back around 1965-7? not sure of date so long ago. My Father met Mr. Blocker in an airport first class lounge during a long weather related flight delay. All I can remember is that my Father said Mr Blocker was one of the most soft spoken nice man he had ever met. It was not till after about an hour or two he figured out who he was [ my Dad a heavy drinker at the time and Mr. Blocker just said his name was Dan and my Father did not have much time for TV shows ] long story short MR. Blocker told my Dad a few stories about the TV show and how he [ Dan ] did NOT like to ride on a horse. He would only do action shots with one horse, another was a look alike for still shots. Odd but true. More to this but personal stuff I should and would not say on net. Just to say DAN BLOCKER was a good man. Rest in PEACE Dan Blocker.
Thanks for this Jerry. What an amazing actor he was.. As a new discover of Bonanza (I watch every day on ME TV in NYC) your video was truly a joy to watch and a great tribute to my favorite character on the show. Thanks again..
I remember when the whole cast came to the Indiana State fair.... We loved it.... They all were so kind and cheerful, Yes Whole and down to earth.... Sweet and even took time to talk to everyone after their shows... Also walked the fair enjoying the other shows and displays.... It was awesome...
Wish you had included some about Dan's college days at Sul Ross State College in Alpine,Texas, where he met Dolphia. Dan, Levin Davis, and my father, Gene Hendryx, ran together during their days at Sul Ross. Also, I may have missed it in your presentation, but Dan served with distinction in the U.S. Army during the Korean War. He was one of the finest people I've ever known. We miss Dan Blocker.
Mr Skinner, I really appreciate your videos. It gives me a glimpse into USA townships and life. Thank you so much. From Ronnie, a Down Under Girl in Melbourne Australia.
Thanks Jerry. I was born in 51 and "Hoss" was one of my greatest heroes in life. Let us never forget Dan Blocker. I live near where he is buried and hope to go see his grave soon.
dan blocker was hoss cartright,and hoss cartright was dan blocker! he was a good man.plus he fought in korea and was awarded a purple heart.it was too bad when he died so young.bananza remains one of my favorite spaghetti westerns,and hoss remains my favorite character.i guess the good do die young!and he was definitely 1 of the good ones!
Thank you Jerry Skinner on this very informative doco on Dan Blocker. It's very interesting & sad, that he passed so young! Bonanza is my favourite show. I watched it when I was a kid. I bought DVD's to watch it & now I watch it on TH-cam. The show about 4 straight, gentlemen! It's better than some of the rubbish on tv nowadays. The 3 other main male characters have sadly passed now, too! It was sad Adam left the show! 🙂🙋♀️🇦🇺✝️
Thanks Jerry for this wonderful documentary about Dan Blocker. I really enjoyed it :) It is so good of you to take the time & trouble to actually go there and show us places that we in Melbourne, Australia would never get to see ! I remember when I was young (14years old) hearing that Dan Blocker had died, I was so surprised because he was so young ! Keep up the good work ! Dan would be so proud to know people still remember him !
I've been a video producer professionally for about 30 years, in my opinion, this piece is really wonderfully done... simple, poignant and just super-enjoyable to watch... thanks for posting--
The lights would come on at the end of our driveway on our farm on Lobetti Rd. ourside of Knoxville, then I'd hear my Mama yell ", Boooooooooooooooooonanzzzzza!" My twin and two little sisters all ran as fast as you please to our little yellow and white farmhouse. It was time to watch ", Bonanza." We all loved ",Bonanza." When I ran across this Tribute to Dan BIocker on TH-cam it brought back a flood of wonderful memories of Mom and Dad and all my sisters watching our favorite television program. Rest in Peace Dan Blocker, you will always be remembered with fond memories. You were sorta a part of our little family. Hugs. EB
+byron elenica Me to, there is a re-run that has just started on uk tv. Love Bonanza I used to always dream of being a cowboy and working on a ranch in the desert, High Chaparral was very good too fantastic theme tune, love it!!
Yes the old cowboy shows have not been bettered. The High Chaparral was the first colour programme I saw on TV - when colour TV first came to UK. The horses were a reddish colour.
That was great thanks. Very interesting. I watched the High Chaparral .. it was the first time i had ever seen a colour TV, in England. The horses were Red.. Brown.. But big Hoss was always a huge favourite with the British. PS .. I accept that Hoss was in Bonanza.
Very well done, good information of a great actor. His cousin worked for my husband in the late 70's, but he hadn't seen Dan in many years, They had the same grandmother and would play together there. Thank you for your post.
What a great video...I sure learned allot . I lived to watch Bonanza when I was a kid and Dan was my favorite. Thank you Jerry ...You made a great video.
Jerry.... All of your posts are fantastic!!! I never miss any, when I see your name on a documentary. I enjoy the music you choose, the slight southern twang, and you can hear the caring in your voice.
Kinda lost you there for a while...love that you go to the place in history. Love your layed back voice. I always learn a lot. You are an American Treasure. Thank you for all the stories and background glimpses. :) David II
Honestly, this is one of the most enjoyable clips I have ever seen, yes we all loved Hoss..the way this was presented was like being there, told the story without crapping on & knew the family history, seems a shame we have our life we grow old & die ,every thing we have learnt all our memory's are gone forever, I wonder at times about all this but I suppose to have lived once is better than not at all...
He is my great, cousin. My Mom sadly passed and we got none of the photos. She had some of his family. Remember a photo of Mary and twins. I was very young, last I saw these photos. ty.
What a beautiful, thought-filled video. I always wondered about the life of Dan Blocker. He seemed like a nice guy and I never heard anything bad about him. Gone too soon. Thanks for posting.
It's AMAZING how much I learn from your research Jerry. ... I was a little kid when Dan Blocker died and it was a big news item because he was so young ... but I never knew it was because of a botched gall bladder surgery. ... poor bugger ... only 43.
Love the vid--very homey and warm! Dan Blocker was a wonderful guy. No one could've played Hoss Cartwright as good as Dan did, imo. The show was great (still on some channels/stations). The whole family was a sweet symbol of the goodness of Americans and, also, of the American dream! Thank you for the neat vid, sir! You did well!
What a great documentary. I learned a lot from this. I loved Bonanza. I was too young to remember the first run, since the series debuted the year I was born, but with the re-runs, I became obsessed. I was in love with Adam, but Hoss was my favourite character. I loved the episodes that centered around Hoss and Little Joe. Those two were hilarious, together. I was reading an article where one of the producers had said that Dan was the most beloved of all the cast members. He said Dan never complained and never caused any headaches for the production team.
Wonderful commentary and very interesting stories... I Love Hoss for Bonanza. I love Michael London from Little house on the prairie! Brings back so many memories growing up😊
I have only recently discovered your videos and I enjoy them so much. It seems to me you put a lot of heart,soul, research and travel into them. There's none of the mean spiritedness of alot t.v. documentaries. Thankyou for making them and I hope you continue the great work.
That was so informative on Dan blocker I never knew the real story if him and thanks to the narrator I finally have the full story about one of my favorite country western stars. Pete W New Jersey
I cannot think of Dan Blocker without thinking of my grandmother. She was raised up in the poverty stricken Appalachians--illiterate and tough as a strip of rawhide. She raised nine of her own children and countless others, and all called her "Ma". She seldom watched TV, but she would in no way ever miss a single episode of "Bonanza". She didn't call it that, though. To her it was, "The Cartwrights": as if it were an actual family whom she had yet to meet. Of course, her favorite Cartwright was Hoss, and many's the time she would remark while watching him, "What a man." I echo that sentiment about Dan Blocker, now, Ma: What a man, indeed. Great tribute, Jerry.
Bilge Pump, does it really matter the way he says 1958? I mean really ; life is short an he should be able to say it as he likes , geese !Its the old way of saying an that is how some ppl were raised to say it. So Thank you Jerry I really enjoy the way u do the videos an present them. It is as if you are telling a story to me like we are just talking as friends do . Merry Christmas an take Care , God Bless u Melody:-) :-) :-) :-)
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In 1965 I was flying from San Antonio to San Diego to go to Navy Boot Camp. Dan Blocker was seated next to me on the airplane. The flight attendant asked him if he wanted a beer. He said "yes" and asked me if I wanted one. I whispered to him that I was only 19. He said that if I was old enough to be in the Navy I should be old enough to drink a beer. He and I enjoyed a flight full of conversation and a couple of beers. Dan Blocker was a neat guy
that's so ace
William Carter patty cline
I loved your story. By all accounts, he was the wonderful guy he played on Bonanza. It was quite a national event when it came on Sinfay night. All stopped to tune in
He was a wonderful actor.
True statement if old enough to be in the Navy.old enough for a beer.
Just finished watching your story on Michael Landon. The good ones seem to leave us tooo early, tooo soon!!! Thank you Jerry!!! You always do such a fabulous job on your biographies!!!
09/01/2K20
Being country and simple...does not mean...uneducated and unpopular..!! He certainly had all the traits of a good man. He was admired by many, and will be remembered for his true kindness and deep respect of others. Wonderful tribute to Dan Blocker...thanks for the video.
A Real man. A good man.
@Jerry Skinner Wow Mr. Skinner! I see (hear) a song, a book, and maybe another collaborative VIDEO here ringing out really loud and clear; do YOU see it ? MY SUGGESTION IS THAT some of the commenters on Bobbie Wygaret's (great interview with Dan, btw) get together and now I see a MOVIE here too? As I comment, it just keeps expanding! See, in a day in which funerals and burials are such a hardship on some families, so they resort to cremation----There's always a weirdo (like me) who demands she be buried with that violin in her left hand, guitar in her right...and somehow back in Illinois in " The Family PLOT". Ha, after watching a few Agathia Cristie novels, the "Plot" might even take on a totally different meaning, ah ha. another story here, and still only a song. IF you can forward this to THE SON, DAVID Blocker, I would really appreciate it; Perhaps I can post the MILITARY comment below, but I do tend to digress! YOU also might see some possibilities here for another video of this great personality ?
HERE IS MY SUGGESTION AND COMMENT FROM THE AFOREMENTIONED video and to those commenters .
These " Skinner" videos are always WELL DONE, sensitively and caringly NARRATED too. Having come from the Bobbie Wygart VIDEO, I have to say THIS video makes us wonder, TIMEWISE, Where was Dan living...and what age WHILE his father was , as Mr. Skinner stated, here....dealing with the depression ? BTW those properties in Texas are so beautiful; Had they tried to purchase the SAME in California (DAVID BELOW? I ask) wouldn't they have cost about ten times as much ? IS THIS COMMENT BELOW, Dan's son, " David ?" If you are his son, David..Pls read my request below. Some of the comments on the Bobbie Wygant video, surely seem to have been made by "personal friends " of Dan's ? ? You might know.
Have you seen the comment above BY LYNN WOOD ? Like to see a BOOK about this man from some who personally knew him; or at least a well-assembled video ....A VIDEO of some public domain footage connected with DAN BLOCKER'S MILITARY EXPERIENCE ?
GREAT INTERVIEW; Seems to me it's the ARROGANT HOSTS that elicit the inarticulate appropriateness of "today's" interview shows. They're moreover about the hosts needing a screen test sample to show , than the actors they're interviewing ?
I think he had "allot more under his belt" w/ more cleverness "up his sleeve" than he had time to express ?
such as Michael Landon "was" or "became" the Little House on the Prairie?" DAN WAS the "gentle heart character "
that WAS " Bonanza." I used to love to make up titles back then (and still , ha) and thought a whole show should have been devoted TO Dan Blocker, and title it " Gentle Heart?" Gee , maybe I'll copyright that tonight.(.Sounds like 'a song comin' ON" HERE yes ?)
Well, said, and this in regard to an actor whose private life wasn't displayed as so many video-makers do today to their actors. (Think I have a list of those inaccuracies somewhere by now!). TEXAN, huh? Bet he'd have allot to say TODAY about China, Afghanistan, the Ukraine, Putin and the Fake Administration of Gangsters flopping around pretending they know anything about helping THEIR OWN PEOPLE ? What a great "character' he was-So now we see he was " Two Great Characters! " working full time to support a family AND working on a degree at UCLA , .....WHILE trying to enter the acting field, is allot of stress on allot of aspiring actors too; RIP Dan !
I was sort of hoping that a commenter who knew Mr. Blocker personally, would come here, and I could ask if they KNEW, if the music agent " Don" Blocker -was related to Dan? His office was two doors down from "Hank" Mancini's" and he represented Dolly back when songwriters had to play their songs live for agents. (Long story short --ANYONE ?)
Thanks,
" Beauty is as Beauty Does"
the song I sang live for DON Blocker the day I accidentally walked into
Hank's office by mistake!
Praying for Afghanistan and the Ukraine"
"God Gave Them One More Day"
"Time That You're Movin' on"
I Ain't no Middleman"
FredGold& LyndaFaye
Soundcloud, Soundclick, Bandcamp and You Tube.
Copyrighted 2016 By Lynda Faye & The Illinois Harmony Connection
"LyndaFayeSmusic@gmail.com) and at Yahoo, if I get censored for using the word God too often?
I am a 64 year old african american. I said this to say, I do not know Dan personally, but I am glad that I grew up in his time.He appeared to be a gentle giant and a good person. I truly do miss his presence and who else could Ben Cartwright, little Joe, or Adam call Hoss, but Dan Blocker. No one else could fit that part. Rest in peace big guy, rest in peace....
+WickedTornado Well said. I'm 60 and I remember those days well.Brought back a lot of memories.
Cleveland Robinson j
no such thing as an african american.. were you born in america?? then you are american.. i was born in england.. my great grandparents were from norway.. but i do not say im norwegian english
haters gonna hate... go take yer xanax
lol if i were a lady i wouldnt. but im right in what i say.. nothing whatsoever with hate as j. smith thinks
Thank you for such a wonderful representation of this man’s “too short” but eventful life. I got to see him at Frontier Land in Cherokee, NC around 1962, and he was truly the same person on both sides of the camera. Wonderful memories and still a fan of the show.
Jerry, you seem like a real nice man with a big heart.... The world needs more people like you
Flitz Flitty Flitz, thank you very much for your kind words. But i think the world has enough problems without everyone being like me. I thank you for the compliment. Jerry
What Flitz said is true Mr Skinner
@@JerrySkinner1943 @Jerry Skinner Wow Mr. Skinner! I see (hear) a song, a book, and maybe another collaborative VIDEO here ringing out really loud and clear; do YOU see it ? MY SUGGESTION IS THAT some of the commenters on Bobbie Wygaret's (great interview with Dan, btw) get together and now I see a MOVIE here too? As I comment, it just keeps expanding! See, in a day in which funerals and burials are such a hardship on some families, so they resort to cremation----There's always a weirdo (like me) who demands she be buried with that violin in her left hand, guitar in her right...and somehow back in Illinois in " The Family PLOT". Ha, after watching a few Agathia Cristie novels, the "Plot" might even take on a totally different meaning, ah ha. another story here, and still only a song. IF you can forward this to THE SON, DAVID Blocker, I would really appreciate it; Perhaps I can post the MILITARY comment below, but I do tend to digress! YOU also might see some possibilities here for another video of this great personality ?
HERE IS MY SUGGESTION AND COMMENT FROM THE AFOREMENTIONED video and to those commenters .
These " Skinner" videos are always WELL DONE, sensitively and caringly NARRATED too. Having come from the Bobbie Wygart VIDEO, I have to say THIS video makes us wonder, TIMEWISE, Where was Dan living...and what age WHILE his father was , as Mr. Skinner stated, here....dealing with the depression ? BTW those properties in Texas are so beautiful; Had they tried to purchase the SAME in California (DAVID BELOW? I ask) wouldn't they have cost about ten times as much ? IS THIS COMMENT BELOW, Dan's son, " David ?" If you are his son, David..Pls read my request below. Some of the comments on the Bobbie Wygant video, surely seem to have been made by "personal friends " of Dan's ? ? You might know.
Have you seen the comment above BY LYNN WOOD ? Like to see a BOOK about this man from some who personally knew him; or at least a well-assembled video ....A VIDEO of some public domain footage connected with DAN BLOCKER'S MILITARY EXPERIENCE ?
GREAT INTERVIEW; Seems to me it's the ARROGANT HOSTS that elicit the inarticulate appropriateness of "today's" interview shows. They're moreover about the hosts needing a screen test sample to show , than the actors they're interviewing ?
I think he had "allot more under his belt" w/ more cleverness "up his sleeve" than he had time to express ?
such as Michael Landon "was" or "became" the Little House on the Prairie?" DAN WAS the "gentle heart character "
that WAS " Bonanza." I used to love to make up titles back then (and still , ha) and thought a whole show should have been devoted TO Dan Blocker, and title it " Gentle Heart?" Gee , maybe I'll copyright that tonight.(.Sounds like 'a song comin' ON" HERE yes ?)
Well, said, and this in regard to an actor whose private life wasn't displayed as so many video-makers do today to their actors. (Think I have a list of those inaccuracies somewhere by now!). TEXAN, huh? Bet he'd have allot to say TODAY about China, Afghanistan, the Ukraine, Putin and the Fake Administration of Gangsters flopping around pretending they know anything about helping THEIR OWN PEOPLE ? What a great "character' he was-So now we see he was " Two Great Characters! " working full time to support a family AND working on a degree at UCLA , .....WHILE trying to enter the acting field, is allot of stress on allot of aspiring actors too; RIP Dan !
I was sort of hoping that a commenter who knew Mr. Blocker personally, would come here, and I could ask if they KNEW, if the music agent " Don" Blocker -was related to Dan? His office was two doors down from "Hank" Mancini's" and he represented Dolly back when songwriters had to play their songs live for agents. (Long story short --ANYONE ?)
Thanks,
" Beauty is as Beauty Does"
the song I sang live for DON Blocker the day I accidentally walked into
Hank's office by mistake!
Praying for Afghanistan and the Ukraine"
"God Gave Them One More Day"
"Time That You're Movin' on"
I Ain't no Middleman"
FredGold& LyndaFaye
Soundcloud, Soundclick, Bandcamp and You Tube.
Copyrighted 2016 By Lynda Faye & The Illinois Harmony Connection
"LyndaFayeSmusic@gmail.com) and at Yahoo, if I get censored for using the word God too often?
@@JerrySkinner1943 " being like me?" I read allot of these and compare videos; I think you're EXCELLENT!
I wish someone could put me in touch with DAVID or Dirk ? Can YOU ? I see a MOVIE here about a MOVIE STAR, don't you ?
After having viewed the VERY DECENT INTERVIEW by Bobbie Wygant's rerun and read all of the comments,
I realize this man was one of the most well-educated actors depicted by both her videos . another commenter (there) Lynn Wood , mentioned Dan's MILITARY career also ?Jerry Skinner's heartfelt attitude on his videos is always evident too; Seems to me this many worked, supported a family, attended UCLA and some say he had a Masters in Fine Arts (not sure of that one).but he of all great actors and " Great Gentle-Hearted" ones, deserved to be interviewed by an appropriate host. Seems that STRESS might have played a part in the "early death" uthink?
Have you seen the comment above BY LYNN WOOD ? Like to see a BOOK about this man from some who personally knew him; or at least a well-assembled video ....A VIDEO of some public domain footage connected with DAN BLOCKER'S MILITARY EXPERIENCE ?GREAT INTERVIEW; Seems to me it's the ARROGANT HOSTS that elicit the inarticulate appropriateness of "today's" interview shows. They're moreover about the hosts needing a screen test sample to show , than the actors they're interviewing ? I think he had "allot more under his belt" w/ more cleverness "up his sleeve" than he had time to express ? such as Michael Landon "was" or "became" the Little House on the Prarie?" DAN WAS the "gentle heart character "that WAS " Bonanza." I used to love to make up titles back then (and still , ha) and thought a whole show should have been devoted TO Dan Blocker, and title it " Gentle Heart?" Gee , maybe I'll copyright that tonight.(.Sounds like 'a song comin' ON" HERE yes ?)Well, said, and this in regard to an actor whose private life wasn't displayed as so many video-makers do today to their actors. (Think I have a list of those inaccuracies somewhere by now!). TEXAN, huh? Bet he'd have allot to say TODAY about China, Afghanistan, the Ukraine, Putin and the Fake Administration of Gangsters flopping around pretending they know anything about helping THEIR OWN PEOPLE ? What a great "character' he was-So now we see he was " Two Great Characters! " working full time to support a family AND working on a degree at UCLA , .....WHILE trying to enter the acting field, is allot of stress on allot of aspiring actors too; RIP Dan !
I was sort of hoping that a commenter who knew Mr. Blocker personally, would come here, and I could ask if they KNEW, if the music agent " Don" Blocker -was related to Dan? His office was two doors down from "Hank" Mancini's" and he represented Dolly back when songwriters had to play their songs live for agents. (Long story short --ANYONE ?)Thanks," Beauty is as Beauty Does"the song I sang live for DON Blocker the day I accidentally walked intoHank's office by mistake!Praying for Afghanistan and the Ukraine""God Gave Them One More Day"I Ain't no Middleman"FredGold& LyndaFaye"LyndaFayeSmusic@gmail.com) and at Yahoo, if I get censored for using the word God too often?
I remember Dan Blocker, and how shocked I was when he died suddenly. Hollywood characterized him as a big, dull behemoth, but he in truth was nothing like that stereotype. He was so much more, it was such a pleasure to get a glimpse of the true and real person who was actually an intellectual with a masters degree pursuing his PHD when the acting bug bit him.
+Rodney Brown I had no idea he was as young as he was when he died.I thought he was older than that. What a shame. He was my favorite too.
Dan Blocker really cool gentle giant is the impression I got !! Bonanza a timeless western all of the actors were great !! I have seen several of your videos and have really enjoyed them !! thanks
P Fletch
Rodney Morgan Brown I agree!
Beloved Dan Blocker. What you see is what you get - on and off screen. Big ole gentle, loveable, huggable teddy-bear and all around beautiful man. Broke the mold with that one. (sigh)
Really enjoyed this. When I was a little girl I loved Bonanza and my favorite character was Hoss. Everyone loved Little Joe or Adam (original oldest brother) but not me. There was something about this gentle giant of a man that I adored. I was a junior in high school when he died and I was truly sad. Thank you.
The news of Dan Blocker's death was devastating to a lot of Bonanza fans, myself included. Until now I had known nothing of where he came from, the environs he grew up in or his family, friends and background, but it's nice to know he was so well loved and respected by everyone. Still watching the Bonanza re-runs. Thanks for putting this up!
I grew up in the 60's in a small town not far from O'Donnell. We all claimed Dan Blocker as one of "ours"...and we never missed an episode of Bonanza. Thanks for this lovely tribute. Your voice sounds like home to me.
I wish someone could put me in touch with DAVID or Dirk ? Can YOU ? I see a MOVIE here about a MOVIE STAR, don't you ?
After having viewed the VERY DECENT INTERVIEW by Bobbie Wygant's rerun and read all of the comments,
I realize this man was one of the most well-educated actors depicted by both her videos . another commenter (there) Lynn Wood , mentioned Dan's MILITARY career also ?Jerry Skinner's heartfelt attitude on his videos is always evident too; Seems to me this many worked, supported a family, attended UCLA and some say he had a Masters in Fine Arts (not sure of that one).but he of all great actors and " Great Gentle-Hearted" ones, deserved to be interviewed by an appropriate host. Seems that STRESS might have played a part in the "early death" uthink?
Have you seen the comment above BY LYNN WOOD ? Like to see a BOOK about this man from some who personally knew him; or at least a well-assembled video ....A VIDEO of some public domain footage connected with DAN BLOCKER'S MILITARY EXPERIENCE ?GREAT INTERVIEW; Seems to me it's the ARROGANT HOSTS that elicit the inarticulate appropriateness of "today's" interview shows. They're moreover about the hosts needing a screen test sample to show , than the actors they're interviewing ? I think he had "allot more under his belt" w/ more cleverness "up his sleeve" than he had time to express ? such as Michael Landon "was" or "became" the Little House on the Prarie?" DAN WAS the "gentle heart character "that WAS " Bonanza." I used to love to make up titles back then (and still , ha) and thought a whole show should have been devoted TO Dan Blocker, and title it " Gentle Heart?" Gee , maybe I'll copyright that tonight.(.Sounds like 'a song comin' ON" HERE yes ?)Well, said, and this in regard to an actor whose private life wasn't displayed as so many video-makers do today to their actors. (Think I have a list of those inaccuracies somewhere by now!). TEXAN, huh? Bet he'd have allot to say TODAY about China, Afghanistan, the Ukraine, Putin and the Fake Administration of Gangsters flopping around pretending they know anything about helping THEIR OWN PEOPLE ? What a great "character' he was-So now we see he was " Two Great Characters! " working full time to support a family AND working on a degree at UCLA , .....WHILE trying to enter the acting field, is allot of stress on allot of aspiring actors too; RIP Dan !
I was sort of hoping that a commenter who knew Mr. Blocker personally, would come here, and I could ask if they KNEW, if the music agent " Don" Blocker -was related to Dan? His office was two doors down from "Hank" Mancini's" and he represented Dolly back when songwriters had to play their songs live for agents. (Long story short --ANYONE ?)Thanks," Beauty is as Beauty Does"the song I sang live for DON Blocker the day I accidentally walked intoHank's office by mistake!Praying for Afghanistan and the Ukraine""God Gave Them One More Day"I Ain't no Middleman"FredGold& LyndaFaye"LyndaFayeSmusic@gmail.com) and at Yahoo, if I get censored for using the word God too often?
@@lyndafaye6748An interesting article by you. Bonanza is my favourite show! I watch show on TH-cam. God is the maker of Heaven & Earth! 😃🙋♀️🇦🇺✝️
When I was a kid (late 60's) there was only one Hoss. And people talked about him with such familiarity, like a family member. He was much loved in his lifetime. I hope he knew it.
Dan was awesome, he made that show what it was. He was a gentle giant, kind caring, yet tough as they come. We missed you Hoss.
What a thing to see that old grocery store his family owned still there with their name still on it...like a time capsule. I'd love to old photos of it inside, or peek inside today. The memorial is very moving.
Thanks for making this. Really nicely done. I just love those small, lonely western american farm towns. Like little forgotten islands, sometimes.
The store and memorial look exactly the same 11 years later on google earth.
Awesome video. I, as well, grew up watching Dan on "Bonanza". I have always heard he was a gentle giant.. R.I.P. Dan Blocker....
Bryan Lilly Bryan, you heard right, Jerry
@@JerrySkinner1943 JERRY, why didn' t you SHOW us the sides and angles of this SCULPTURE ? I know it takes a year to produce such a piece of art, and you only gave us ONE QUICK GLANCE, sweetie ? Well, maybe when the MOVIE of this Gentle Heart appears out there, YOU CAN RE -FILM THAT FOR US ? thanks. The poor sculptor certainly didn't BEGIN on this until AFTER Dan's funeral, right ?? Let's see if it was a quickie job or a beautiful likeness ??? BTW, you're normally so efficient...WHO SCULPTED THIS ? Was the sculptor a "former personal friend?" Tell us MORE please ? We'll wait. Most of us keep reviewing Dan Blocker OFTEN!
Thank you so much for making this video. I saw him when i was a child, not only in Bonanza. He was a true cowboy and a real man. He will never be forgotten... .
Anyone that grew up in the 60's 70's watched every episode of Bonanza. I grew up not far from Lake Tahoe, and remember going to the ranch near E. Shore. It was surreal standing in the ranch house where it was filmed, and realizing when the actors went upstairs, it was a dead end and they just hid around the corner!
Thanks for this great video. So many details I never knew!
Andrew Phillips Same as when they went out of the house, mounted their horses and took off around the house, you would think they were gone, but there was no trail around the house, it just ended there. Ah, what times.
Andrew Phillips lo
Bonnaza
Andrew Phillips 00
Thanks So Much Mr. Skinner , It was so nice of You to share Your"re time making this film and story about Mr. Blocker. He sure was a Heart WARMER on film ! and off I"ll bet!, My Dad had told Me a little story about Dan I"d like to share if I could! While We were living in Tahoe My Father was working over in Incline village no. east end of the lake where He"d eat breakfast at a small cafe" so to speak and the waitresses told Him that Dan would come in there all the time while they were filming Bonanza and would order a couple dozen eggs a loaf or two of toast and two lb"s of bacon! that"s some appetite we"ll we all know how story"s go? I wounder! anyhow! His role as Hoss was like a Brother to Me and many others I"m sure! May God Bless Dan and Family Allways ! P.S. And to all the beautiful comments!
+ray nattrass Thank you Ray for that information. All these things adds up and helps everyone to know Dan Blocker a little better. Thank you. Jerry
I loved Hoss's character on bonanza. He stole my heart. I wanted to my future husband to be modeled after him. I still watch the reruns. Our loss and heavens gain. Thank you Lord, you allowed us to keep him in our hearts.
Diane Stidman p
Diane Stidman ... I always wanted Dan to get the girl on Bonanza, marry, and live happily ever after. I'm sure that happened to Dan in real life. Any woman would be very happy to be married to a man like Dan Blocker.
Diane Stidman i had a crushon him too!
Diane Stidman; it seemed as though all the girls either had a crush on Adam or Little Joe but my favorite was Hoss; I didn’t like when they introduced him as that, his ‘real’ name of ‘Eric’ should have been given. He always seemed to be the gentle giant, one who would and could protect you when needed. I don’t know if it was a crush I had or young girl love but when I got married, my husband is as tall as Dan was and as we got older, he’s about the size of Dan, too; a gentle giant himself. I remember the Bonanza episode where Little Joe got married and built his wife a house but it burned and she died: THAT episode Michael Landon wrote for ‘Hoss’ but he passed away suddenly; I cried like he was my husband when I heard the news. He’ll always be in my heart.....DAN BLOCKER
This is a wonderful documentary. Thanks for making it. I always had a special place in my heart for 'Hoss'.
+Phil Brux So do I Phil. Thank you. Jerry
+Jerry Skinner Saw him and Amanda Blake in our hometown,Danville VA, Christmas parade when I was seven. thanks Jerry. Can you do Wreck of Old 97? We were also the Last Capital of Confederacy
@@JerrySkinner1943 @Jerry Skinner Wow Mr. Skinner! I see (hear) a song, a book, and maybe another collaborative VIDEO here ringing out really loud and clear; do YOU see it ? MY SUGGESTION IS THAT some of the commenters on Bobbie Wygaret's (great interview with Dan, btw) get together and now I see a MOVIE here too? As I comment, it just keeps expanding! See, in a day in which funerals and burials are such a hardship on some families, so they resort to cremation----There's always a weirdo (like me) who demands she be buried with that violin in her left hand, guitar in her right...and somehow back in Illinois in " The Family PLOT". Ha, after watching a few Agathia Cristie novels, the "Plot" might even take on a totally different meaning, ah ha. another story here, and still only a song. IF you can forward this to THE SON, DAVID Blocker, I would really appreciate it; Perhaps I can post the MILITARY comment below, but I do tend to digress! YOU also might see some possibilities here for another video of this great personality ?
HERE IS MY SUGGESTION AND COMMENT FROM THE AFOREMENTIONED video and to those commenters .
These " Skinner" videos are always WELL DONE, sensitively and caringly NARRATED too. Having come from the Bobbie Wygart VIDEO, I have to say THIS video makes us wonder, TIMEWISE, Where was Dan living...and what age WHILE his father was , as Mr. Skinner stated, here....dealing with the depression ? BTW those properties in Texas are so beautiful; Had they tried to purchase the SAME in California (DAVID BELOW? I ask) wouldn't they have cost about ten times as much ? IS THIS COMMENT BELOW, Dan's son, " David ?" If you are his son, David..Pls read my request below. Some of the comments on the Bobbie Wygant video, surely seem to have been made by "personal friends " of Dan's ? ? You might know.
Have you seen the comment above BY LYNN WOOD ? Like to see a BOOK about this man from some who personally knew him; or at least a well-assembled video ....A VIDEO of some public domain footage connected with DAN BLOCKER'S MILITARY EXPERIENCE ?
GREAT INTERVIEW; Seems to me it's the ARROGANT HOSTS that elicit the inarticulate appropriateness of "today's" interview shows. They're moreover about the hosts needing a screen test sample to show , than the actors they're interviewing ?
I think he had "allot more under his belt" w/ more cleverness "up his sleeve" than he had time to express ?
such as Michael Landon "was" or "became" the Little House on the Prairie?" DAN WAS the "gentle heart character "
that WAS " Bonanza." I used to love to make up titles back then (and still , ha) and thought a whole show should have been devoted TO Dan Blocker, and title it " Gentle Heart?" Gee , maybe I'll copyright that tonight.(.Sounds like 'a song comin' ON" HERE yes ?)
Well, said, and this in regard to an actor whose private life wasn't displayed as so many video-makers do today to their actors. (Think I have a list of those inaccuracies somewhere by now!). TEXAN, huh? Bet he'd have allot to say TODAY about China, Afghanistan, the Ukraine, Putin and the Fake Administration of Gangsters flopping around pretending they know anything about helping THEIR OWN PEOPLE ? What a great "character' he was-So now we see he was " Two Great Characters! " working full time to support a family AND working on a degree at UCLA , .....WHILE trying to enter the acting field, is allot of stress on allot of aspiring actors too; RIP Dan !
I was sort of hoping that a commenter who knew Mr. Blocker personally, would come here, and I could ask if they KNEW, if the music agent " Don" Blocker -was related to Dan? His office was two doors down from "Hank" Mancini's" and he represented Dolly back when songwriters had to play their songs live for agents. (Long story short --ANYONE ?)
Thanks,
" Beauty is as Beauty Does"
the song I sang live for DON Blocker the day I accidentally walked into
Hank's office by mistake!
Praying for Afghanistan and the Ukraine"
"God Gave Them One More Day"
"Time That You're Movin' on"
I Ain't no Middleman"
FredGold& LyndaFaye
Soundcloud, Soundclick, Bandcamp and You Tube.
Copyrighted 2016 By Lynda Faye & The Illinois Harmony Connection
"LyndaFayeSmusic@gmail.com) and at Yahoo, if I get censored for using the word God too often?
Seldom is it that the person behind the role turns out to be just as nice a person as fans believe they are. The entertainment world is rife with stories of actors/actresses who are rude to fans, hard to deal with, extremely eccentric, not good parents, what have you. It is nice to know that one of the most beloved characters from television was just as down to earth as the role they played. Thanks for making this short film.
Thank you detective. Jerry
detective29
detective29
Thanks! You saved me 17 minutes
Jerry Skinner thank you Jerry I sure enjoyed you telling about Dan and his family.
Hi Jerry,
I just had to stop by one more time and listen to the video of an "old friend", Mr. Dan Blocker. He would visit his war buddy, who lived across the street from our school and this hulking giant of a man would walk across the street and attend "assembly" on Monday morning whenever he was in town. Back in the days of yore, we would gather around the flagpole, listen and sing along with the national anthem and recite the pledge of alligence, all of which are illegal today I'm sure. Mr. Broussard would ask Mr. Blocker if he had anything to say to "his kids". Mr. Blocker would always talk about the importance of a good education and bragged about having a better degree than Mr. Greene and everyone else on the show. Our principal, Mr. Broussard, had a late model Chrysler Imperial, about a '60 or '61. Mr. Blocker squatted down behind it and lifted the rear end of the vehicle off the ground. This is back when there were no plastics used in the construction of an American auto. We all thought of him as a giant.
I wish kids today had such heros who would inspire them to do good rather than to do nothing.
Thanks again,
JJ
Thank you so much. Jerry
I still watch Bonanza, still love it. Still love Hoss, and as a result, of course, Dan, too. He is one of the major reasons I survived to adulthood. Every week was rough. I leaned heavy to reach Sunday night. God bless him. It's not possible to forget the lovely spirit he conveyed in creating Hoss.
I actually teared up during this.
Who DIDN'T love Dan Blocker?
I did
I just happened to find this on youtube, I guess by accident...and I'm glad I did. Thank you for making this video. Mr Skinner. I watched Bonanza every Sunday night when I was a boy growing up. Never missed it. Even on nights I had to go to Church on Sunday nights...we made sure and rushed home afterwards, so we wouldn't miss it. I like him in "The Lady In Cement", with Frank Sinatra too. Completely different role from Hoss. When Dan Blocker died, it was sure one sad day, man. So young indeed. And he seemed like a family member to so many...since we grew up with his friendly face in our living rooms as kids.
Thank you Jim, He was a part of a lot of peoples childhood. Thanks again, Jerry
You left out some very interesting information about Dan playing football at Harden Simmons University in Abilene, Texas. They say when the bus arrived at the away game, Dan would come out with chains around him and several players trying to control him just to scare the other team!
k
pbodymathis great story...thanks!!
pbodymathis ha ha!
pbodymathis u
Great story!
I was never a Bonanza fan,but I was a Dan Blocker fan.I can still remember being shocked and sad when it came on the TV news that Dan had died that day.When you saw him on the tube he was so relaxed and nice,you felt like you new him,and that he was a kind and gentle man.This as a nice piece,for a deserving man,Thanks.
Thank you, I loved this video. Dan was special to our family. He was my Gramma's neighbor when he lived in California.
Thank you for taking the time to make this short documentary. I've always loved Dan Blocker. I wrote to the set of Bonanza when I was a boy and Dan Blocker signed a picture to me, wrote a short letter to me and even got Lorne Greene and Michael Landon to sign the photo! You can't imagine how excited I was as a boy to have my childhood heroes Hoss, Ben, and Little Joe Cartwright take the time out to do something like that. I wish that I still had the letter and the signed photo. I'll bet they would be worth quite a bit today! I always kept it inside of an old briefcase my dad had given me, and to this day have no idea what happened to that briefcase. I also had a signed picture from Ken Curtis and Jim Arness from Gunsmoke in that briefcase as well as some sports autographs that I got when I was a kid. When I left home my mom kept my room exactly how it was for a while, then when I got married I remember going and cleaning out my boyhood bedroom and packing my things up, and the briefcase was nowhere to be found. It has been my hope that it will turn up somewhere in moms house one day- but that has yet to happen..lol. I still collect autographs to this day and I sure wish I still had that photograph- it was always my prized possession. I think my parents may have accidentally sold the briefcase in a yard sale but they have yet to this day admit to doing that hahaha! If that is what happened, I wish I had seen the look on the persons face when they broke the lock and looked inside that briefcase! Who knows, maybe it is in the bottom of a box up in my moms attic, or the garage. It looks like a wharehouse in there!!
Thank you Klunket for watching our video. It was fun going out to Texas and learning about Dan Blocker. The more I learned about him, the more I liked him. Jerry
The video was great... It brought back some memories for me this morning! Dan was a great guy and again, thanks for making this...
KLUNKET m
KLUNKET
KLUNKET ..I do hope that someday soon you will find those treasured autographs. Don't give up searching for them. I have a feeling that briefcase is still in your mom's house
Awesome once again Mr Skinner! Just watched Audie Murphy this morning, I’ve lived in Greenville Texas 35 years. Born and raised in DeKalb Texas. I’m covered! Thanks again for your great videos.
HIS ARE THE BEST;
I wish someone could put me in touch with DAVID or Dirk ? Can YOU ? I see a MOVIE here about a MOVIE STAR, don't you ?
After having viewed the VERY DECENT INTERVIEW by Bobbie Wygant's rerun and read all of the comments,
I realize this man was one of the most well-educated actors depicted by both her videos . another commenter (there) Lynn Wood , mentioned Dan's MILITARY career also ?Jerry Skinner's heartfelt attitude on his videos is always evident too; Seems to me this many worked, supported a family, attended UCLA and some say he had a Masters in Fine Arts (not sure of that one).but he of all great actors and " Great Gentle-Hearted" ones, deserved to be interviewed by an appropriate host. Seems that STRESS might have played a part in the "early death" uthink?
Have you seen the comment above BY LYNN WOOD ? Like to see a BOOK about this man from some who personally knew him; or at least a well-assembled video ....A VIDEO of some public domain footage connected with DAN BLOCKER'S MILITARY EXPERIENCE ?GREAT INTERVIEW; Seems to me it's the ARROGANT HOSTS that elicit the inarticulate appropriateness of "today's" interview shows. They're moreover about the hosts needing a screen test sample to show , than the actors they're interviewing ? I think he had "allot more under his belt" w/ more cleverness "up his sleeve" than he had time to express ? such as Michael Landon "was" or "became" the Little House on the Prarie?" DAN WAS the "gentle heart character "that WAS " Bonanza." I used to love to make up titles back then (and still , ha) and thought a whole show should have been devoted TO Dan Blocker, and title it " Gentle Heart?" Gee , maybe I'll copyright that tonight.(.Sounds like 'a song comin' ON" HERE yes ?)Well, said, and this in regard to an actor whose private life wasn't displayed as so many video-makers do today to their actors. (Think I have a list of those inaccuracies somewhere by now!). TEXAN, huh? Bet he'd have allot to say TODAY about China, Afghanistan, the Ukraine, Putin and the Fake Administration of Gangsters flopping around pretending they know anything about helping THEIR OWN PEOPLE ? What a great "character' he was-So now we see he was " Two Great Characters! " working full time to support a family AND working on a degree at UCLA , .....WHILE trying to enter the acting field, is allot of stress on allot of aspiring actors too; RIP Dan !
I was sort of hoping that a commenter who knew Mr. Blocker personally, would come here, and I could ask if they KNEW, if the music agent " Don" Blocker -was related to Dan? His office was two doors down from "Hank" Mancini's" and he represented Dolly back when songwriters had to play their songs live for agents. (Long story short --ANYONE ?)Thanks," Beauty is as Beauty Does"the song I sang live for DON Blocker the day I accidentally walked intoHank's office by mistake!Praying for Afghanistan and the Ukraine""God Gave Them One More Day"I Ain't no Middleman"FredGold& LyndaFaye"LyndaFayeSmusic@gmail.com) and at Yahoo, if I get censored for using the word God too often?
Very fine tribute to a beloved actor, from the heart and most enjoyable.
As a kid in the backwaters of south west Louisiana I met Mr. Blocker for what we called the mid-winter fair. (The gentleman that lived across the street from our school was a Korean War veteran friend of Mr. Blocker.) He would talk to us kids about being good citizens, getting a good education (he had a master's degree and no one else on the set of Bonanza did.) and what our responsibilities were to the entire community. Our principal had an old ((late 1950's Plymouth)) Mr. Blocker would bend down and pick the rear end off the ground. This giant of a man cared so much for "his kids" in backwater USA that he inspired me to be a better person. I was so inspired by this giant of a man to this day I am proud of what he did for us. I went on to earn 2 doctoral degrees after serving in Vietnam. This true gentleman inspired me to be a better person than I could ever have been. Mr. Blocker, I will remember you until the day I die, God allow.
JJ
Jumpnjack55 JJ, Thank you for telling us your personal story. Thank you. Jerry
Hi Jerry,
Thank you for your comment. Mr. Blocker was a REAL American. He always brought the conversation down to "What do we give back"? I remember quite well JFK's inauguration speech of "ask not what America can do for you, ask what you can do for America." That was Mr. Blocker's theme. Of course, he looked like a bear to us, he was so big but he took time from his Hollywood schedule to talk to us kids and that impressed me more than anything else. To this day I cannot watch Bonanza without remembering what this noble man did for us kids, of course, now "us k ids" are in our 60's but no less kids today when we remember what he had to say.
JJ
Jumpnjack55 Thank you JJ. Jerry
AH another comment about Dan's MILITARY affilliations yes ? Good to hear...and remember GOOD THOUGHTS DIE HARD...
I wish someone could put me in touch with DAVID or Dirk ? Can YOU ? I see a MOVIE here about a MOVIE STAR, don't you ?
After having viewed the VERY DECENT INTERVIEW by Bobbie Wygant's rerun and read all of the comments,
I realize this man was one of the most well-educated actors depicted by both her videos . another commenter (there) Lynn Wood , mentioned Dan's MILITARY career also ?Jerry Skinner's heartfelt attitude on his videos is always evident too; Seems to me this many worked, supported a family, attended UCLA and some say he had a Masters in Fine Arts (not sure of that one).but he of all great actors and " Great Gentle-Hearted" ones, deserved to be interviewed by an appropriate host. Seems that STRESS might have played a part in the "early death" uthink?
Have you seen the comment above BY LYNN WOOD ? Like to see a BOOK about this man from some who personally knew him; or at least a well-assembled video ....A VIDEO of some public domain footage connected with DAN BLOCKER'S MILITARY EXPERIENCE ?GREAT INTERVIEW; Seems to me it's the ARROGANT HOSTS that elicit the inarticulate appropriateness of "today's" interview shows. They're moreover about the hosts needing a screen test sample to show , than the actors they're interviewing ? I think he had "allot more under his belt" w/ more cleverness "up his sleeve" than he had time to express ? such as Michael Landon "was" or "became" the Little House on the Prarie?" DAN WAS the "gentle heart character "that WAS " Bonanza." I used to love to make up titles back then (and still , ha) and thought a whole show should have been devoted TO Dan Blocker, and title it " Gentle Heart?" Gee , maybe I'll copyright that tonight.(.Sounds like 'a song comin' ON" HERE yes ?)Well, said, and this in regard to an actor whose private life wasn't displayed as so many video-makers do today to their actors. (Think I have a list of those inaccuracies somewhere by now!). TEXAN, huh? Bet he'd have allot to say TODAY about China, Afghanistan, the Ukraine, Putin and the Fake Administration of Gangsters flopping around pretending they know anything about helping THEIR OWN PEOPLE ? What a great "character' he was-So now we see he was " Two Great Characters! " working full time to support a family AND working on a degree at UCLA , .....WHILE trying to enter the acting field, is allot of stress on allot of aspiring actors too; RIP Dan !
I was sort of hoping that a commenter who knew Mr. Blocker personally, would come here, and I could ask if they KNEW, if the music agent " Don" Blocker -was related to Dan? His office was two doors down from "Hank" Mancini's" and he represented Dolly back when songwriters had to play their songs live for agents. (Long story short --ANYONE ?)Thanks," Beauty is as Beauty Does"the song I sang live for DON Blocker the day I accidentally walked intoHank's office by mistake!Praying for Afghanistan and the Ukraine""God Gave Them One More Day"I Ain't no Middleman"FredGold& LyndaFaye"LyndaFayeSmusic@gmail.com) and at Yahoo, if I get censored for using the word God too often?
Thanks for posting this ~ brings back many memories of the show and who Dan was.
Dan Blocker was just a Nice guy !! and The Ponderosa was never the same without him.
When I was a little girl, my first love was sweet, honorable, kind, and funny Hoss. He will always hold a special place in my heart.
I was so sad when "Big Hoss" died. He and the Cartwrights were a big part of my life. I always admired the actors of "Bonanza". Thanks for such an insightful look into the life of "Big Hoss", Dan Blocker, a great American icon.
Jeff Lagneaux Jeff thank you for watching, I enjoyed going out to Texas where Dan was raised. His friends were surprised when he became a T.V. cowboy. They expected him to be quoting Shakespeare, not riding a horse. Thanks again, Jerry
Dan was one of my all-time favorites. Bless you for this one!
I just loved Dan. He remined me so much of my Dad. I know our family watched Bonanza everytime it was on! Dad loved westerns!
Liked the video very much. It is worth mentioning that Dan served in the U.S. Army. My dad went through basic training with him at Ft. Polk, Louisiana, and has told me a few stories about how Dan would entertain the guys. One of Dan's favorite poems was "The Face upon the Barroom Floor". A rather lengthy poem that Dan had committed to memory. The guys would gather round and Dan would recite it for them. Apparently this was considered highly entertaining by the guys in their unit.
***** Think you Mike. That was before he became famous. Guess he was a comedian even back then. Thanks, Jerry
***** ; Wow, thanks for that . This Memorial Day is even better, for me, knowing Dan and I both served our great nation
Curious Mike no
I really enjoy these videos you make Jerry Skinner. You do a great job. Thanks for putting these together for us.
Thank you Ray Ray. Jerry
That was very nice, really enjoyed it. He was born the same year as my dad, we were all fans. I remember being so sad when he died. This was a fine documentary, thanks for sharing it.
Dan Blocker was always my favorite on Bonanza! Don't get me wrong I loved all the characters on Bonanza but he was always the one I liked a little more than the others. He was sweet, funny, goofy, and serious when needed and that is what made him a great actor! I have heard he was the same in his personal life and I would have loved to met him. You are missed Dan Blocker but you will never be forgotten because I for one still sit with my husband and we watch bonanza as much as we can and I guess we always will because that is how much we love the show! My kids gave it to us as a gift well as many as we could afford but I would love one day to own all of the seasons so I keep watching for who ever offers it but it is hard to find the whole entire set from the first episode to the last season! If anyone knows where I can get them for a reasonable price could you please reply to this I would appreciate it. RIP Dan Blocker! Always in our hearts!!
Crouch videos
@Jerry Skinner Wow Mr. Skinner! I see (hear) a song, a book, and maybe another collaborative VIDEO here ringing out really loud and clear; do YOU see it ? MY SUGGESTION IS THAT some of the commenters on Bobbie Wygaret's (great interview with Dan, btw) get together and now I see a MOVIE here too? As I comment, it just keeps expanding! See, in a day in which funerals and burials are such a hardship on some families, so they resort to cremation----There's always a weirdo (like me) who demands she be buried with that violin in her left hand, guitar in her right...and somehow back in Illinois in " The Family PLOT". Ha, after watching a few Agathia Cristie novels, the "Plot" might even take on a totally different meaning, ah ha. another story here, and still only a song. IF you can forward this to THE SON, DAVID Blocker, I would really appreciate it; Perhaps I can post the MILITARY comment below, but I do tend to digress! YOU also might see some possibilities here for another video of this great personality ?
HERE IS MY SUGGESTION AND COMMENT FROM THE AFOREMENTIONED video and to those commenters .
These " Skinner" videos are always WELL DONE, sensitively and caringly NARRATED too. Having come from the Bobbie Wygart VIDEO, I have to say THIS video makes us wonder, TIMEWISE, Where was Dan living...and what age WHILE his father was , as Mr. Skinner stated, here....dealing with the depression ? BTW those properties in Texas are so beautiful; Had they tried to purchase the SAME in California (DAVID BELOW? I ask) wouldn't they have cost about ten times as much ? IS THIS COMMENT BELOW, Dan's son, " David ?" If you are his son, David..Pls read my request below. Some of the comments on the Bobbie Wygant video, surely seem to have been made by "personal friends " of Dan's ? ? You might know.
Have you seen the comment above BY LYNN WOOD ? Like to see a BOOK about this man from some who personally knew him; or at least a well-assembled video ....A VIDEO of some public domain footage connected with DAN BLOCKER'S MILITARY EXPERIENCE ?
GREAT INTERVIEW; Seems to me it's the ARROGANT HOSTS that elicit the inarticulate appropriateness of "today's" interview shows. They're moreover about the hosts needing a screen test sample to show , than the actors they're interviewing ?
I think he had "allot more under his belt" w/ more cleverness "up his sleeve" than he had time to express ?
such as Michael Landon "was" or "became" the Little House on the Prairie?" DAN WAS the "gentle heart character "
that WAS " Bonanza." I used to love to make up titles back then (and still , ha) and thought a whole show should have been devoted TO Dan Blocker, and title it " Gentle Heart?" Gee , maybe I'll copyright that tonight.(.Sounds like 'a song comin' ON" HERE yes ?)
Well, said, and this in regard to an actor whose private life wasn't displayed as so many video-makers do today to their actors. (Think I have a list of those inaccuracies somewhere by now!). TEXAN, huh? Bet he'd have allot to say TODAY about China, Afghanistan, the Ukraine, Putin and the Fake Administration of Gangsters flopping around pretending they know anything about helping THEIR OWN PEOPLE ? What a great "character' he was-So now we see he was " Two Great Characters! " working full time to support a family AND working on a degree at UCLA , .....WHILE trying to enter the acting field, is allot of stress on allot of aspiring actors too; RIP Dan !
I was sort of hoping that a commenter who knew Mr. Blocker personally, would come here, and I could ask if they KNEW, if the music agent " Don" Blocker -was related to Dan? His office was two doors down from "Hank" Mancini's" and he represented Dolly back when songwriters had to play their songs live for agents. (Long story short --ANYONE ?)
Thanks,
" Beauty is as Beauty Does"
the song I sang live for DON Blocker the day I accidentally walked into
Hank's office by mistake!
Praying for Afghanistan and the Ukraine"
"God Gave Them One More Day"
"Time That You're Movin' on"
I Ain't no Middleman"
FredGold& LyndaFaye
Soundcloud, Soundclick, Bandcamp and You Tube.
Copyrighted 2016 By Lynda Faye & The Illinois Harmony Connection
"LyndaFayeSmusic@gmail.com) and at Yahoo, if I get censored for using the word God too often?
What a wonderful tribute to Dan Blocker. He was my favourite Cartwright.
Being Canadian I grew up listening to Lorne Greene's voice on all the educational films we watched in school. He narrated ( that clear deep voice) most of the news/educational/training footage being he was Canadian; before becoming famous as Ben Cartwright. We can still see that footage today on a channel here in Canada called 'Silver Screen'.
Great presentation! Thank you for posting.
Jason Schultz Happens. Thanks
I was only a child when Dan died, but I remember my family and me sitting in our living room watching the return of Bonanza after summer hiatus; during which time Mr. Blocker had passed. We waited in anticipation of how they would handle Hoss' death. Let me tell you, there was not a dry eye in the room, on the screen and, I'm sure, it was the same in most of America's homes! I have not seen that episode since, but I remember it well! Thanks for this wonderful tribute, and we ALL make mistakes! It's called being human and, you Sir, are one heck of a one! :-D
C
Thank you for posting this tribute to Dan Blocker. Many a saturday I loved watching Bonanza with my Grandpa back in the day!
I feel guilty when I fail to like or comment on one your videos. Especially when I see negative or sometimes downright hostile remarks. Remarks those same people would probably never say to your face. Let any one of them do some research and post a video, I don't see that happening.
I really enjoy it when your video reinforces the already positive image I have of some of these actors, as in this case. Thank you so much.
Thank You. This not only brought back memories of the show, but of my Uncle Speedy,(Jess). He came out to San Diego, to visit, and liked it so he thought he'd try working up in LA. I was about 10 or 11, so can't really remember how, but he found work at the studio were they kept the main horses from the show. And was there the next day after a crazy man got it to the horses and killed the one Little Joe road, and tried to kill the others. He was really upset about it for weeks after, and never wanted to talk about it afterwards.
Purple heart from Korean war, football star and more... and now for the rest of the story...
Mr. Skinner. I discovered your videos a few weeks ago and have watched many of them since. Many of the famous actors have personal lives that are so messed up I forget which one married/left/shacked up with whom. It is so refreshing to watch your video of a well mannered, educated man that never lost his small town values. Sad that he died so young.
Taken far too soon. What a loss.
Thank you for this visit to his home town, and for the tribute to his memory.
Jerry, you make the most wonderful documentaries! When I listen to you, it is like being with family! God Bless all the work you do in assembling the data that you describe. I hope that you continue to make many more in the future, as I would sorely miss your videos, if you ever gave up such warm, kind and gracious presentations!
Thank you Ronald. Jerry
Well, I never thought I would sit and watch a video about Dan Blocker, but this was most interesting and I couldn't shut it off. Very good job and a fine tribute to the man.
Bluegrass Special PPP
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"Hoss" would come to Trinidad Calif. to go fishing and he ended up visiting with my Step Father at a local watering hole. My Stepfather said that Dan was such a gentle soul and very good natured, he called everyone "baby". It is a good memory for my Step Father. This was very informative! I can see you put a lot of work into it! I grew up with Bonanza and of course, Hoss, was my very favorite character!! I just loved the way he talked and got into scraps with Little Joe!! Thanks for putting this up.
+verixanc Thank you for watching. Jerry
Outstanding. I must say this was tastefully done. Dan would have been proud of it. I really enjoyed watching it. Thank you. I subscribed.
Thank you Paul for your kind words. Jerry
Jerry Skinner
What a great tribute. I sure learned a bit about Dan Blocker. Very respectul. Kind of amazing that the store is still there and intact, probably only because it's such a small town and nothing needs to replace it. That's typical of small, forgotten towns, and I could point you to one or two others that are exactly like that.
Incidentally, I know a fellow, still getting around and running his life. Born 5 November 1928, barely a month apart from Dan. Just shows that Dan could still be with us today and enjoying his life but for the fates.
thank you....many happy childhood memories on a black and white TV in rural Ireland mid 60s
I just fell into your video at Inspiration By God Newsletter .....what a treat to be taken back to "Bonanza Time" ..... this was a great share. Thanks. God Bless the Blocker family.....
Dan Blocker's ancestors traveled to Texas by covered wagon from Tuscaloosa County, Alabama at the conclusion of the War Between the States. Brothers William, John, and Michael Patrick Blocker served in a Confederate Light Artillery Company organized in Tuscaloosa and took their families to Texas as the war ended. John Blocker went into the cattle business in southwest Texas but later returned to the old homeplace in Tuscaloosa County where he is buried. The other Blocker brothers: William and Michael Patrick Blocker remained in Texas. William Blocker was killed in 1893 when a tornado struck Nash in Bowie County. Michael Patrick Blocker settled on the Red River north of DeKalb. Ora "Shack" Walker, Dan's dad, is the great, great grandson of Michael Patrick Blocker.
Thank you Darrell for sharing that information. jerry
A nice commentary on Dan Blocker -"Hoss" Cartwright on Bonanza, which is one of my favorite Westerns! Thank you!
So glad Dan got his girl, Dolph, and raised a family in real life!
He portrayed a really nice guy, and he really was one!
Back around 1965-7? not sure of date so long ago. My Father met Mr. Blocker in an airport first class lounge during a long weather related flight delay.
All I can remember is that my Father said Mr Blocker was one of the most soft spoken nice man he had ever met. It was not till after about an hour or two he figured out who he was [ my Dad a heavy drinker at the time and Mr. Blocker just said his name was Dan and my Father did not have much time for TV shows ] long story short MR. Blocker told my Dad a few stories about the TV show and how he [ Dan ] did NOT like to ride on a horse. He would only do action shots with one horse, another was a look alike for still shots. Odd but true. More to this but personal stuff I should and would not say on net. Just to say DAN BLOCKER was a good man. Rest in PEACE Dan Blocker.
Very good i really enjoyed that. Thanks for sharing it i was raised looking at bonanza in England and i still love watching the reruns. Thanks again.
I loved Bonanza and watched it religiously ... thank you
Thanks for this Jerry. What an amazing actor he was.. As a new discover of Bonanza (I watch every day on ME TV in NYC) your video was truly a joy to watch and a great tribute to my favorite character on the show. Thanks again..
Dan also served in the Army during the Korean War.
Purple Heart recipient.
I fought with Sgt Dan Blocker In korea from Dec 1951 until May 1952 when I rotated out, A hugh man , every one I knew liked him very much.
Sgt Dan Was Company First Sargent F Company 179 Inf Reg 45 Inf Division. From Oklahoma.
+Edward F Boyce
Fought with him? {Sgt Dan Blocker} OR served alongside him?
Your statement is ambiguous.
(Remember to avoid ambiguity at all cost)
Andrew_koala screw you
14lbs at birth, I'm surprised his Mother ever walked again!
I remember when the whole cast came to the Indiana State fair.... We loved it.... They all were so kind and cheerful, Yes Whole and down to earth.... Sweet and even took time to talk to everyone after their shows... Also walked the fair enjoying the other shows and displays.... It was awesome...
Thank you P Metzler. jerry
Wish you had included some about Dan's college days at Sul Ross State College in Alpine,Texas, where he met Dolphia. Dan, Levin Davis, and my father, Gene Hendryx, ran together during their days at Sul Ross. Also, I may have missed it in your presentation, but Dan served with distinction in the U.S. Army during the Korean War. He was one of the finest people I've ever known. We miss Dan Blocker.
Thank you Ray for telling us all about your personal relationship with Dan Blocker. It helps us to understand what a nice person he really was. Jerry
Mr Skinner, I really appreciate your videos. It gives me a glimpse into USA townships and life. Thank you so much. From Ronnie, a Down Under Girl in Melbourne Australia.
Thank you Ronnie from Down Under. I always wonted to go to Australia, maybe some day i will get the chance. Thank you so much Ronnie. Jerry
I'm an American, and Australia remains my all time favorite vacation. Beautiful country and people,
Laura Learnne I'm from England and remembered him thank you for this
jerry lol got confused there lol
Thanks Jerry. I was born in 51 and "Hoss" was one of my greatest heroes in life. Let us never forget Dan Blocker. I live near where he is buried and hope to go see his grave soon.
dan blocker was hoss cartright,and hoss cartright was dan blocker! he was a good man.plus he fought in korea and was awarded a purple heart.it was too bad when he died so young.bananza remains one of my favorite spaghetti westerns,and hoss remains my favorite character.i guess the good do die young!and he was definitely 1 of the good ones!
Thank you Jerry Skinner on this very informative doco on Dan Blocker. It's very interesting & sad, that he passed so young! Bonanza is my favourite show. I watched it when I was a kid. I bought DVD's to watch it & now I watch it on TH-cam. The show about 4 straight, gentlemen! It's better than some of the rubbish on tv nowadays. The 3 other main male characters have sadly passed now, too! It was sad Adam left the show! 🙂🙋♀️🇦🇺✝️
My Brother was a surgical nurse during the surgery when he passed.....It was Heart Breaking and Dan is Missed..
+acgillespie Thank you acgillespie for telling us about your brother being there during Dan Blockers surgery. Thank you again. Jerry
Thanks Jerry for this wonderful documentary about Dan Blocker. I really enjoyed it :) It is so good of you to take the time & trouble to actually go there and show us places that we in Melbourne, Australia would never get to see ! I remember when I was young (14years old) hearing that Dan Blocker had died, I was so surprised because he was so young ! Keep up the good work ! Dan would be so proud to know people still remember him !
Great job in telling the story of Mr. Dan Blocker.
I've been a video producer professionally for about 30 years, in my opinion, this piece is really wonderfully done... simple, poignant and just super-enjoyable to watch... thanks for posting--
Thank you Joe, As you can tell i am no professional so it means alot from someone that is. Jerry
I calls 'em as I sees 'em, and you're welcome :)
Do you think you can help me with some editing tips?
Greetings from New Zealand Jerry. Loving your documentaries. You almost sound like you are in the same room just chatting.
+Peter Coveney Thank you Peter, always wonted to see New Zealand. Thanks again. Jerry
+Peter Coveney More greetings from New Zealand . Dan Blocker was my favourite actor on Bonanza .
I'm also from New Zealand but live in Florida in the USA......your documentaries are very interesting and well enjoyed.
The lights would come on at the end of our driveway on our farm on Lobetti Rd. ourside of Knoxville, then I'd hear my Mama yell ", Boooooooooooooooooonanzzzzza!" My twin and two little sisters all ran as fast as you please to our little yellow and white farmhouse. It was time to watch ", Bonanza." We all loved ",Bonanza." When I ran across this Tribute to Dan BIocker on TH-cam it brought back a flood of wonderful memories of Mom and Dad and all my sisters watching our favorite television program. Rest in Peace Dan Blocker, you will always be remembered with fond memories. You were sorta a part of our little family. Hugs. EB
+Eugenia Bizzaro Eugenia, thank you for your memories of Bonanza. I can picture your yellow and white farmhouse. Thank you again. Jerry
I am from UK and grew up watching Bonanza. Loved Dan Blocker. Thanks for doing this.
+byron elenica Me to, there is a re-run that has just started on uk tv. Love Bonanza I used to always dream of being a cowboy and working on a ranch in the desert, High Chaparral was very good too fantastic theme tune, love it!!
Yes the old cowboy shows have not been bettered. The High Chaparral was the first colour programme I saw on TV - when colour TV first came to UK. The horses were a reddish colour.
+richardthered I share your love for Bonanza. I was disappointed later when I would drive out West and not find many open ranges etc. for camping.
That was great thanks. Very interesting. I watched the High Chaparral .. it was the first time i had ever seen a colour TV, in England. The horses were Red.. Brown.. But big Hoss was always a huge favourite with the British. PS .. I accept that Hoss was in Bonanza.
Bonanza was like the Beatles .. everyone had a favourite son... Hoss .. Adam .. Little Joe.
Very well done, good information of a great actor. His cousin worked for my husband in the late 70's, but he hadn't seen Dan in many years, They had the same grandmother and would play together there. Thank you for your post.
Thanks Mr.Skinner, really enjoy your videos keep up the great work...
Wonderful Video - Many Thanks - wish your voice had been clearer & louder. Enjoyed the trip. Lots of Thanks
What a great video...I sure learned allot . I lived to watch Bonanza when I was a kid and Dan was my favorite. Thank you Jerry ...You made a great video.
Jerry.... All of your posts are fantastic!!! I never miss any, when I see your name on a documentary. I enjoy the music you choose, the slight southern twang, and you can hear the caring in your voice.
Kinda lost you there for a while...love that you go to the place in history.
Love your layed back voice. I always learn a lot.
You are an American Treasure.
Thank you for all the stories and background glimpses.
:) David II
Thank you David for watching. Jerry
Honestly, this is one of the most enjoyable clips I have ever seen, yes we all loved Hoss..the way this was presented was like being there, told the story without crapping on & knew the family history, seems a shame we have our life we grow old & die ,every thing we have learnt all our memory's are gone forever, I wonder at times about all this but I suppose to have lived once is better than not at all...
He is my great, cousin. My Mom sadly passed and we got none of the photos. She had some of his family. Remember a photo of Mary and twins. I was very young, last I saw these photos. ty.
What a beautiful, thought-filled video. I always wondered about the life of Dan Blocker. He seemed like a nice guy and I never heard anything bad about him. Gone too soon. Thanks for posting.
Nicely done. Dan Blocker was a great character actor.
Lovely documentary about the late great Dan Blocker. Thanks for doing this it was very touching.
It's AMAZING how much I learn from your research Jerry. ... I was a little kid when Dan Blocker died and it was a big news item because he was so young ... but I never knew it was because of a botched gall bladder surgery. ... poor bugger ... only 43.
Thank you Mr Skinner for sharing with us Bonanza fans Dan 'Hoss' Blocker his life story, a life that was cut short so prematurely. RIP
Love the vid--very homey and warm! Dan Blocker was a wonderful guy. No one could've played Hoss Cartwright as good as Dan did, imo. The show was great (still on some channels/stations). The whole family was a sweet symbol of the goodness of Americans and, also, of the American dream! Thank you for the neat vid, sir! You did well!
What a great documentary. I learned a lot from this. I loved Bonanza. I was too young to remember the first run, since the series debuted the year I was born, but with the re-runs, I became obsessed. I was in love with Adam, but Hoss was my favourite character. I loved the episodes that centered around Hoss and Little Joe. Those two were hilarious, together. I was reading an article where one of the producers had said that Dan was the most beloved of all the cast members. He said Dan never complained and never caused any headaches for the production team.
Wonderful commentary and very interesting stories... I Love Hoss for Bonanza. I love Michael London from Little house on the prairie! Brings back so many memories growing up😊
+Chris M. Thank you Chris, we all loved Bonanza. Jerry
I have only recently discovered your videos and I enjoy them so much. It seems to me you put a lot of heart,soul, research and travel into them. There's none of the mean spiritedness of alot t.v. documentaries. Thankyou for making them and I hope you continue the great work.
That was so informative on Dan blocker I never knew the real story if him and thanks to the narrator I finally have the full story about one of my favorite country western stars. Pete W New Jersey
I cannot think of Dan Blocker without thinking of my grandmother. She was raised up in the poverty stricken Appalachians--illiterate and tough as a strip of rawhide. She raised nine of her own children and countless others, and all called her "Ma".
She seldom watched TV, but she would in no way ever miss a single episode of "Bonanza". She didn't call it that, though. To her it was, "The Cartwrights": as if it were an actual family whom she had yet to meet.
Of course, her favorite Cartwright was Hoss, and many's the time she would remark while watching him, "What a man."
I echo that sentiment about Dan Blocker, now, Ma: What a man, indeed.
Great tribute, Jerry.
Bilge Pump, does it really matter the way he says 1958?
I mean really ; life is short an he should be able to say it
as he likes , geese !Its the old way of saying an that is how some
ppl were raised to say it.
So Thank you Jerry I really enjoy the way u do the videos an present them.
It is as if you are telling a story to me like we are just talking as friends do .
Merry Christmas an take Care , God Bless u
Melody:-) :-) :-) :-)