Lorne Green played Ben Cartwright, the owner of a 600,000 acre ranch in Sierra Nevada. Three times a widower, each wife gave Ben a son. Adam, the oldest, was serious and darkly handsome. Hoss, the middle son, was 6'4" and 300 pounds with a soft heart. Little Joe, the youngest, was a mischief maker that never meant any real harm. All four of the main characters were highly principled, but each had their own methods for problem solving. The Cartwrights usually fought among themselves before coming together to face the common enemy.

Before Bonanza, Lorne Greene (1915-1987) was best known as the Canadian Broadcasting Company's primary announcer during World War II. His official nickname was "The Voice of Canada", but listeners dubbed him "The Voice of Doom" because of his solemn delivery of war news, much of it bad.

Lorne Greene is also remembered for his portrayal of Commander Adama, in the television series Battlestar Galactica (1978-1979).

Signed photos of Lorne Greene sell in the range of $75 - $100. Signatures sell for about half that.

Before taking on the role of Little Joe, Michael Landon (1936-1991) was the best known as the unfortunate kid who became a monster in the B-movie horror classic, I Was a Teenage Werewolf."

Michael Landon was born Eugene Orowitz. He found the name more phonetically pleasing Michael Landon by searching his phone book.

"I Was a Teenage Werewolf" was more successful than anybody thought it would be. Because of the attention it received, Landon was able to stay busy working in movies like "God's Little Acre" and "The Legend of Tom Dooley."

In March 1959, David Dortort chose Landon to play the role of Little Joe. Bonanza became a bonanza for Landon. He made millions from the series and then went on to star in the enormously successful "Little House on the Prairie" and "Highway to Heaven."

Landon died on July 1, 1991, at age 54.

Signed photos sell in the range of $175- $225. Signatures sell for about $75. He was a friendly signer in person and he often answered fan mail.

Prior to Bonanza, Pernell Roberts (1928-) did most of his work as a stage actor. He didn't really enjoy his time on Bonanza. Roberts didn't like calling Lorne Greene "Pa", since there was only a thirteen year age difference between them. He left after six years, calling the series "junk TV." Unfortunately, he was so identified with the Adam character that he had difficulty finding other good roles. Fourteen years later, he landed the title role in the series, Trapper John, MD. Trapper John had a successful seven season run.

One would think that there would be a ton of Pernell Roberts signed material on the market because of his lengthy career and long life, but that is not the case. He has never been fan-friendly. Signed photos of Pernell Roberts sell for as much as $100. Signatures sell for around $50.

Dan Blocker (1928-1972) played Hoss, the middle son, who was a big man with a tender heart. Hoss was the central character in many of the most sentimental Bonanza episodes, as well as the most outlandish comedies. He was equally adapt at making us laugh or at tugging at our heartstrings.

Dan Blocker, unlke his Hoss character, valued formal education. He held a Master's degree, and he worked as a school teacher prior to his acting career. He was also an astute businessman who became part owner of the Bonanza Steakhouse chain.

He is best remembered for Bonanza, but he was busy actor actor before he landed the role of Hoss, primarily in television. Zorro, Zane Grey Theater, Sgt. Preston of the Yukon, Cheyenne, Tales of Wells Fargo, Wagon Train, Colt 45 Maverick, and Richard Diamond, Private Detective are just a few of the series where Dan Blocker found work.

Blocker's went against type in the film Lady in Cement 1968.) He plays tough guy bartender Waldo Gronsky who hires Tony Rome to find his missing girlfriend. He received favorable reviews for his work in the film.

Blocker died just before filming for the 1972-1973 season of Bonanza. Bonanza during its last few seasons had fell in the ratings and the death of Hoss sealed the series fate. It was cancelled midway through the season. The last season, without Hoss, is the least requested season in syndication.

A signed photo of Dan Blocker as Hoss is worth in the neighborhood of $500. A signature is worth between $250 - $350. His autograph is the key to completing the Bonanza cast. It is the toughest to find and the most valuable.