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 B. Dan Blocker
N 33° 30.419 W 094° 36.415
15S E 350744 N 3708648
Better known as Hoss Cartwright on the long running TV Western Series "Bonanza"
Waymark Code: WMAW4
Location: Texas, United States
Date Posted: 04/19/2006
Views: 186
Bobby Dan Blocker was born on December 10, 1928 in DeKalb, Texas. Dan found his way to Hollywood and took up acting, landing parts in a number of TV Shows and Movies. His big break came when he was cast a Eric Haas “Hoss” Cartwright in the TV Series, “Bonanza.” The show aired from September 12, 1959 through January 16, 1973. Prior to the start of the 1972 Dan fell ill and went into the hospital for gall bladder surgery. The operation was a success, but during his recuperation period Dan developed a blood clot in his lung and died suddenly and unexpectedly on May 13, 1972 at the age of 43. The death of Dan Blocker was a blow from which Bonanza could not recover and the show was cancelled in January 1973. Dan Blocker is buried in the Woodman Cemetery in his hometown of Dekalb, Texas. (Excerpt from ( visit link)
Description:
Dan Blocker is best remembered for his role as Eric 'Hoss' Cartwright in the TV western Bonanza. He was born in Decal, Texas, the son of Ora Shack and Mary (Davis) Blocker. He attended Texas Military Institute and later graduated from Sul Ross State Teacher's College with a degree in the dramatic arts. He reputedly worked as a bouncer in a beer joint while a student. By all accounts he is remembered from his school days for his size of 6 ft 3 in and weight of 300 pounds, and as being good-natured despite his intimidating size.
Blocker was drafted and served in the Korean War; he later married Dolphia Parker, whom he had met while a student at Sul Ross State, and all of their four children's names began with a 'D'.
Blocker earned a Master's degree and worked at a variety of jobs to support his family including teaching in a high school, some acting and performance work in rodeos.
Dan Blocker died suddenly following routine gall bladder surgery in Los Angeles in 1972. The cast and crew of Bonanza were shaken by his death and it is speculated that the loss of one of the show's most popular characters hastened its end. Bonanza lasted another season, but the final season in which Blocker did not appear is the least-requested in reruns. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dan_Blocker
Date of birth: 12/10/1928
Date of death: 05/13/1972
Area of notoriety: Entertainment
Marker Type: Horizontal Marker
Setting: Outdoor
Visiting Hours/Restrictions: Daily - Dawn to Dusk
Fee required?: No
Web site: [Web Link]
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