Dan Blocker Loved Being Hoss, But Hated Rehearsal

by: Nina Ross
April 1, 2023

Dan Blocker was a legendary actor, best known for his iconic portrayal of Hoss Cartwright in the hit TV series, Bonanza. He was loved by millions of fans all over the world, who adored his larger-than-life personality, his warm-hearted nature, and his brilliant sense of humor. Dan Blocker was truly one of a kind, and his memory lives on to this day.

As a lifelong fan of Bonanza, I’ve always been fascinated by the behind-the-scenes stories of the show. And one of the most intriguing aspects of Dan Blocker’s career was his love-hate relationship with rehearsal.

On the one hand, Dan Blocker loved being Hoss. He loved the character’s kind heart, his fierce loyalty to his family and friends, and his gentle, down-to-earth demeanor. He loved the way Hoss could make people laugh, even in the most difficult situations. He loved the way Hoss could stand up for what was right, even when it meant going against the odds.

But on the other hand, Dan Blocker hated rehearsal. He found it tedious, boring, and time-consuming. He felt that rehearsing took away from the spontaneity and energy of his performances, and that it stifled his creativity. He wanted to be free to explore his character’s emotions and reactions in the moment, without being bound by a rigid script or predetermined blocking.

Despite his dislike of rehearsal, however, Dan Blocker was a consummate professional. He always showed up on time, knew his lines inside and out, and gave his all to every scene. He respected his fellow actors and crew members, and was always willing to lend a helping hand or a sympathetic ear.

In the end, it was Dan Blocker’s passion for his craft that made him such a beloved and enduring figure in the world of entertainment. Whether he was playing Hoss Cartwright or any of his other memorable roles, he always gave his absolute best, and he always left a lasting impression on his audience.

So here’s to you, Dan Blocker, and to all the memories you’ve given us over the years. You may have hated rehearsal, but you loved being Hoss, and we loved watching you. Thank you for everything, and may you rest in peace.