Dan Blocker Bio, Family, Career, Wife, Net Worth, Death

Dan Blocker is an American television actor and Korean War veteran. Besides, many people also recognized his role as “Hoss Cartwright” in the long-running NBC western TV series “Bonanza”. Along with him, stars like Lorne Greene and Pernell Roberts had also worked on the show.

However, the actor died at the age of 43 due to a pulmonary embolism, a blockage (hemorrhage) in the pulmonary arteries of the lungs, following gallbladder surgery. Scroll down to find out more about the veteran actor and Korean War scholar.

DAN BLOCKER: BIO, FAMILY, EDUCATION

The veteran actor was born as ‘Bobby Dan Davis Blocker’ on December 10, 1928 in De Kalb, Texas, USA. He was born to parents Ora ‘Shack’ Blocker and Mary Arizona Blocker. Later they moved to O’Donnell, South Lubbock, West Texas and began operating a store. No information about his siblings maybe he may be the unmarried child of his parents.

Additionally, he had attended the Texas Military Institute. After that, in 1946, he played football at Southern Baptist-affiliated Hardin–Simmons University in Abilene, Texas. That year he transferred to Sul Ross State Teacher’s College in Alpine, Texas. During this time, he became a star football player in college and graduated in 1950. Thereafter, he spent two years in the United States Army after being drafted in the Korean War. However, after completing his duties, he enrolled to earn a Masters in Dramatic Arts.

Also, while still a student, he had worked as a rodeo and bouncer at a bar. Additionally, he also worked as an English and drama teacher in Sonora, Texas. Additionally, he was also a sixth grade teacher and coach at Eddy Elementary School in Carlsbad, New Mexico from 1953 to 1958.

DAN BLOCKER: CAREER AND LIFE ACHIEVEMENTS

Before starting his acting career, he already acquired a prestigious pride by working in the American army. During his military service in the United States Army, he had been awarded Purple Heart as well as the National Defense Service Medal, Korean Service Medal, United Nations Service Medal, among other medals.

He began to appear on the screen since 1957, in that year he starred in the American comedy ‘Three Stooges’ and in the series ‘Outer Space Jitters’. He also worked on the show as ‘Gunsmoke’, an episode of ‘A Time to Die’ and ‘Colt.45’. He has appeared in series guest roles as ‘The Restless Gun’, ‘The Rifleman’, ‘The Young Captives’, ‘The Errand Boy’ and ‘Something for a Lonely Man’, among others.

However, the actor gained wide recognition for his role as ‘Eric’ Hoss ‘Cartwright’ on the NBC series ‘Bonanza’. He appeared in all 415 episodes and portrayed the sweet character on the show. During this time, he also featured in several series and film projects. Some of them are; “Come Blow Your Horn” with Frank Sinatra, sequel to “Tony Rome” “Lady in cement”.

Gradually, he also ventured into a food business and started a chain of restaurants, by the name of “Bonanza Steakhouse”. Consequently, the restaurants were opened partially in ownership and also appeared as a spokesperson for the restaurants and the franchise.

DAN BLOCKER: PERSONAL LIFE, WIFE AND DEATH

Returning to his personal life, he had married his college sweetheart Dolphia Parker. The couple first met when they were students at Sul Ross State University. But there is not much information about their wedding date or their dating history. However, the couple remained together from their marriage in 1952 until Dan’s disappearance.

Together, the duo had welcomed four children; actor Dirk Blocker, Hollywood producer David Blocker and twin daughters Debra Lee and Danna Lynn. Additionally, his son, David, won a 1998 Emmy for producing “Don King: Only in America.”

He was also one of the celebrities interested in politics and joining the campaign trail. He had supported the re-election of Pat Brown as Governor of California in 1966. Additionally, he had supported former US Senator Eugene J. McCarthy of Minnesota and many others.

Unfortunately, the humble person left the world at the age of 43 on May 13, 1972 in Los Angeles. He died of a pulmonary embolism following gallbladder surgery. After his disappearance, his remains were interred in a family plot at Woodmen Cemetry in addition to his mother, father and sister.

DAN BLOCKER: FORTUNE AND SOCIAL MEDIA PROFILES

Today, the American actor is also known as a veteran and a top performer in the industry. Therefore, at the time of his disappearance, he had an estimated net worth of around $5 million, which is $25 million for the current period. Moreover, he had made his entire fortune from his acting career and was also drafted into the United States Army during the Korean War.

Speaking of social networking sites back in the 70s era, then it would be hard to say because at that time, media communications were only television or radio. Other than there weren’t many options to communicate, it would be manually like newspapers, books, or digital screens. So all these social media platforms were introduced after his disappearance, otherwise he will surely use these media.

DAN BLOCKER: BODY MEASUREMENTS, HEIGHT, WEIGHT

During his lifetime, his intimidating size and human nature were remembered. Hence, he has a height of 6 feet 4 inches or 1.93 meters and weighs around 140 kg. He had blue eye color with brown hair without a forehead.