Pernell Roberts
Biography
Pernell Roberts was an American actor who worked in film, television, and the theater, and he also sang. Born in Waycross, Georgia, in 1928, he served in the Marine Corps, attended the University of Maryland without graduating, and made his professional stage debut in 1949 in The Man Who Came to Dinner. After moving to New York City in 1952, he appeared off-Broadway and on Broadway and won a Drama Desk Award in 1955 for an off-Broadway Macbeth. His film debut came in Desire Under the Elms (1958), followed by The Sheepman (1958) and Ride Lonesome (1959). He became best known as Adam Cartwright on Bonanza from 1959 to 1965 and as the title character on Trapper John, M.D. from 1979 to 1986, earning an Emmy nomination in 1981. He guest-starred in more than 60 television series and later toured in musicals, narrated documentaries, and appeared in television movies including The Deadly Tower (1975).
81years old at death
- Born Waycross
- Died Malibu
- Star sign: TaurusThe sign runs April 20 to May 20
- Pernell Elven Roberts Jr. (birth name)Also credited as Pernell Elvin Roberts Jr., Pernell Elvin Roberts and Pernell Elven Roberts
Movie Career
- Films
- 5
- Career span
- 17 years1958 to 1975
Every film, newest first
- 1975The Deadly TowerIMDb rating 6.7
- 1969Four Rode OutIMDb rating 4.5
- 1959Ride LonesomeIMDb rating 7.1
- 1958Desire Under the ElmsIMDb rating 6.5
- 1958The SheepmanIMDb rating 6.8
Genres
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A role that slipped away
Pernell Roberts departed Bonanza following the 1964-65 season. He criticized the show for simple-minded content and for lacking minority actors.
First role
Pernell Roberts began acting professionally on stage in 1949. That debut came at the Olney Theatre in Olney, Maryland, in The Man Who Came to Dinner, alongside Moss Hart and Kitty Carlisle.
Beyond film
Of the original cast, Roberts was the one accomplished singer. While on Bonanza he made a folk music album called Come All Ye Fair and Tender Ladies.
A first
Pernell Roberts played the lead in Trapper John, M.D. for twice as long as Wayne Rogers had played the character on M*A*S*H.
Pernell Roberts movies on Netflix
Worked with
Pernell Roberts shares two films with Leslie Nielsen, and one with each of the others. Pick a number on the chart or a name in the list to see the films they share.
Films together
Leslie Nielsen's page
Ned Beatty's page
Kurt Russell's page
Glenn Ford's page
Shirley MacLaine's page
James Coburn's page
All films by Budd Boetticher
All films by George Marshall
Delbert MannDirector, 1 film, 1958
All films by Delbert Mann
Online
Official profiles and reference pages.