At 72, Lorne Greene Reveals Who He Hated on Bonanza the Most

At 72 years old, Lorne Greene, the legendary actor best known for his iconic role as Ben Cartwright on Bonanza, has finally revealed details about his time on the set of the beloved western television series.

In a candid and unexpected admission, Greene shared which co-star he disliked the most during the long-running show, offering fans a rare glimpse into the dynamics of the Bonanza cast.

The revelation has taken many by surprise, considering the show’s reputation for its family-friendly themes and strong on-screen chemistry between the actors.

Bonanza, which aired from 1959 to 1973, remains one of the most iconic and influential television shows in American history.

The series followed the lives of the Cartwright family on their sprawling Nevada ranch, with Lorne Greene portraying the patriarch, Ben Cartwright, and his three sons—Adam, Hoss, and Little Joe—played by Pernell Roberts, Dan Blocker, and Michael Landon, respectively.

The show was immensely popular during its time and remains a favorite among classic TV fans. However, Greene’s recent revelation about his personal conflicts with one of his co-stars sheds new light on the behind-the-scenes relationships that shaped the show’s production.

The Behind-the-Scenes Drama: Greene’s Honest Admission

In a rare and candid interview, Lorne Greene, who is now 72 years old, spoke about the challenges he faced while working on Bonanza, including the friction he experienced with one of his co-stars.

While Greene’s character, Ben Cartwright, had a strong bond with his on-screen sons, the actor admitted that not all of his relationships with his fellow cast members were as harmonious.

When asked who he had the most difficulty working with during his time on Bonanza, Greene didn’t hesitate to name Pernell Roberts, who played the eldest son, Adam Cartwright.

“I hate to say it, but it was Pernell Roberts,” Greene confessed, his tone unexpectedly blunt. “He was a talented actor, but he was very difficult to work with. He had strong opinions about everything, and sometimes, that made it hard to get along with him.”

Greene went on to explain that Roberts, who was known for being a method actor, often clashed with the rest of the cast, particularly when it came to the direction of the show and the portrayal of their characters.

“Pernell had a very specific vision of his role, and sometimes, he felt that the show wasn’t giving him the depth he wanted,” Greene shared. “It led to some tension, especially on set. While we all respected his talent, it was hard to get past the friction that existed.”

The Strained Relationship Between Greene and Roberts

The admission from Lorne Greene sheds light on the complex relationships behind the scenes of Bonanza, which was often praised for its portrayal of family unity.

Despite the on-screen chemistry between the Cartwright family, Greene and Roberts’s off-screen relationship was far from perfect. According to Greene, Roberts’s discontent with the show eventually led to his departure after the sixth season, which was a pivotal moment in Bonanza’s history.

Roberts left the show in 1965, citing dissatisfaction with his character and the lack of depth in his role. His departure left the Cartwright family with just two sons, Hoss and Little Joe, and the dynamic of the show shifted as a result.

While Greene acknowledged that Roberts’s departure was a loss for the show, he also admitted that the tensions between the two actors made it difficult to maintain a working relationship.

“Pernell’s exit was a difficult moment for the show,” Greene said. “But at the same time, it was clear that he wasn’t happy anymore. We tried to make it work, but sometimes, things just don’t align.”

The Impact of Roberts’s Departure on Bonanza

Pernell Roberts’s departure from Bonanza marked the beginning of a new era for the show. While the series continued to be successful after Roberts left, many fans felt that the show lost a significant piece of its original magic.

Without Adam Cartwright, the Cartwright family dynamic shifted, and the show’s focus became more centered around Ben and his two remaining sons.

For Lorne Greene, the shift was bittersweet. While he understood Roberts’s decision to leave, Greene still valued the contributions Roberts had made to the show.

“Pernell brought a level of intensity to his character that made Bonanza unique,” Greene reflected. “He was a very serious actor, and that gave the show a different energy. It was unfortunate that we couldn’t make it work, but I always respected his dedication to his craft.”

Greene’s Perspective on the Legacy of Bonanza

Despite the behind-the-scenes tensions, Lorne Greene expressed nothing but pride in the legacy of Bonanza and the impact it had on television history.

The show, which became the second-longest-running prime-time TV series of its time, continues to be a beloved classic. Its portrayal of family values, loyalty, and the challenges of life in the Old West resonated with audiences, and it remains a staple of classic TV reruns to this day.

For Greene, the legacy of Bonanza is one of great accomplishment, both professionally and personally. “I’m proud of the work we did on Bonanza,” he said.

“We made something that has lasted. It was a great experience, despite the ups and downs with some of the cast. But in the end, we were a family, and we made something that still connects with people today.”

Conclusion: A Legacy of Professionalism and Respect

Lorne Greene’s revelation about his relationship with Pernell Roberts provides a rare glimpse into the complexities of life on set during the golden age of television. While Bonanza was celebrated for its depiction of family unity, the realities of the actors’ relationships were far more complicated.

Greene’s honesty about his difficulties with Roberts highlights the challenges of working in the entertainment industry, where creative differences and personal struggles can often affect the dynamics of a show.

Despite the tension between them, Lorne Greene’s respect for Roberts’s talent and the lasting legacy of Bonanza speaks volumes about his professionalism.

The show’s enduring popularity is a testament to the strength of its storytelling and the unforgettable characters, including the formidable Ben Cartwright, brought to life by Lorne Greene.

While the behind-the-scenes tensions may have existed, the public’s love for the Cartwright family remains undiminished, and Bonanza continues to be remembered as one of television’s greatest triumphs.

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