Pernell Elvin Roberts 1928-2010
Pernell Roberts, who played Adam Cartwright on the long running TV series Bonanza, died of pancreatic cancer at his home in Malibu, California on January 24, 2010 at the age of 81. He was the last surviving Bonanza cast member, preceded in death by Lorne Greene, Dan Blocker and Michael Landon.
Roberts was on the hit western from 1959-1965, leaving after the sixth season following heated disagreements with show writers. He went on to star as chief surgeon on Trapper John, M.D. from 1979-1986. Roberts made his last TV appearance in 2001 on an episode of Diagnosis Murder.
The actor was known for his activism and participated in the Selma to Montgomery marches in 1965. He successfully pressured NBC to discontinue the practice of hiring white actors to portray minority characters.
Roberts married four times. His first marriage was in 1951 to Vera Mowry, a professor at Washington State University. They had one child Jonathan Christopher Roberts. He died in a motorcycle accident in 1989 at the age of 38.
The actor was later married to Judith Anna LeBreque from 1962-1971. His third marriage to Kara Knack spanned 1972-1996. He is survived by his current wife Eleanor Criswell.
View more photos and a touching video tribute below.