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Blocker’s legacy as a talented actor and beloved personality continues to live on through his memorable portrayal of Hoss Cartwright in Bonanza and his contributions to the entertainment industry.
In today’s article, we take a look at his life as we find out more about what actually led to his demise.
Dan Blocker’s Biography
Bobby Dan Davis Blocker, better known as Dan Blocker, was born on December 10, 1928, in De Kalb, Texas.
Ora “Shack” Blocker and Mary Arizona (Davis) Blocker were his parents. Blocker’s interest in speech and theatre began at a young age, and he followed it at Hardin-Simmons University and Sul Ross State University, where he got a degree in speech and drama.
Blocker played football in college and was known for his imposing height, standing at 6 feet 4 inches and weighing 300 pounds.
Despite his frightening appearance, he was appreciated for his affable and good-natured disposition. Blocker worked as a rodeo performer and a bar bouncer in addition to his schooling.
Blocker began his teaching career as an English and theatre instructor in Sonora, Texas, after finishing his education.
Later, he relocated to Carlsbad, New Mexico, where he taught sixth grade and coached at Eddy Elementary School. Blocker finally relocated to California with his wife Dolphia to pursue his acting goals.
During the Korean War, Blocker’s acting career was momentarily halted when he was drafted into the United States Army.
From December 1951 to August 1952, he served as an infantry sergeant in Korea and was awarded the Purple Heart for combat wounds. Blocker received several other medals and accolades for his service.
Blocker returned to his acting career after serving in the military. He appeared on television shows such as “Gunsmoke,” “Colt.45,” and “Waggon Train.”
Blocker earned the part that would make him famous as Eric “Hoss” Cartwright on the NBC television series Bonanza in 1959.
Blocker played the sweet and endearing Hoss role for 415 episodes before his sad demise. He tackled the part with a mentality influenced by a Stephen Grellet quote: “We shall pass this way on Earth but once, if there is any kindness we can show, or good act we can do, let us do it now, for we will never pass this way again.”
In 1963, Blocker launched a profitable company in addition to his acting career. He became a minority shareholder in the Bonanza Steakhouse restaurant chain and served as its promotional spokesman.
He was also a car aficionado, owning a 1965 Chevrolet Chevelle SS396 “Z-16” as well as a race car known as the “Vinegaroon.”
Dan Blocker’s Cause Of Death
Blocker died on May 13, 1972, at the age of 43, from a pulmonary embolism caused by gallbladder surgery.
Fans all over the world were startled and grieved by his demise.
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