The Legacy of Pernell Roberts: Revealing the Life and Career of a TV Icon
Pernell Roberts was a famous actor known for his remarkable roles in various TV shows. However, his passing in 2010 left fans wondering about the details of his life and career. In this blog post, we’ll take a journey through the life and legacy of this TV icon. Through this post, we aim to provide readers with a glimpse of the person behind the screen and the impact he left on American TV.
Early Life of Pernell Roberts
Pernell Elven Roberts Jr. was born on May 18, 1928, in Waycross, Georgia, United States. His father was a Dr. Pernell Elven Roberts, so he was named after him. He grew up in the same city and attended the University of Maryland. However, he spent most of his early life traveling because of his father’s role as a veterinarian.
Despite facing several difficult times, Roberts always had a passion for acting. In 1950, he moved to New York to pursue his dream of becoming an actor. Eventually, his hard work paid off, and he got his first acting job on television.
Pernell Roberts on Bonanza
Roberts got his major breakthrough in the 1960s as Adam Cartwright, in the popular TV series Bonanza. The show was set in Nevada, where Roberts portrayed the eldest son of the Cartwright family. During this time, Roberts became a household name and was considered one of the most handsome actors in America.
Despite the success of Bonanza, Roberts left the show in 1965 due to his dissatisfaction with the writers and producers. However, his decision didn’t affect his legacy as Adam Cartwright, a character that he masterfully portrayed for six seasons.
The Impact of Pernell Roberts on TV
Roberts’ portrayal of Adam Cartwright was unconventional for the time, breaking away from the typical image of cowboys as tough and insensitive. He humanized the cartwrights and made them more relatable to audiences. His performance earned him critical acclaim and set the stage for other actors who would follow in his footsteps.
In addition to Bonanza, Roberts made several other notable appearances on TV shows like Trapper John M.D., Matlock, and FBI: The Untold Stories.
Pernell Roberts’ Personal Life
Roberts was married four times, and he had a son from his first marriage. His marriages were often tumultuous, and his relationships with the media were encumbered. He was known to be a private person, keeping his personal life away from the spotlight.
The Philanthropic side of Pernell Roberts
Roberts was not just an actor but also a philanthropist. He was an active member of several organizations, including the Screen Actors Guild and the American Cancer Society. In 1967, Roberts established the Pernell Roberts Foundation, which focused on providing funding for cancer research.
FAQs
Q: What was Pernell Roberts’ most famous role?
A: Adam Cartwright in Bonanza is Pernell Robert’s most famous role.
Q: How many seasons did Roberts play Adam Cartwright on Bonanza?
A: Pernell Roberts played Adam Cartwright on Bonanza for six seasons.
Q: Which philanthropic organizations was Roberts associated with?
A: Pernell Roberts was a member of the Screen Actors Guild and the American Cancer Society.
Q: How did Roberts pass away?
A: Roberts passed away at the age of 81 from pancreatic cancer.
Q: Did Roberts have children?
A: Yes, Roberts had one son from his first marriage.
Q: What is the Pernell Roberts Foundation?
A: Established by Pernell Roberts, the foundation funded cancer research.
Q: Why did Roberts leave Bonanza?
A: Roberts left Bonanza over dissatisfaction with the show’s writers and producers.
Conclusion
Pernell Roberts was a gifted actor who left behind a lasting legacy in American TV. Through his iconic role as Adam Cartwright, he set the stage for actors who followed in his footsteps. Although his career in showbiz had its ups and downs, he was always a fighter and never stopped pursuing his passion for acting. His philanthropic work is also a testament to the kind of person he was and continues to inspire many. Let us celebrate the life and career of this outstanding TV icon, Pernell Roberts.