Bonanza Cast Overview
The long-running NBC western series Bonanza aired from 1959 to 1973 and became one of the most-watched shows of its era. The series centered on the Cartwright family, led by Ben Cartwright, and their ranch, the Ponderosa, near Virginia City, Nevada. The show was produced by NBC Productions and later by Lorne Greene Productions, and it consistently ranked among the top-rated programs in the United States during the 1960s. The main cast included Lorne Greene, Dan Blocker, Michael Landon, Pernell Roberts, and David Canary. As of the newest available public records, the question of which Bonanza star is still alive focuses on a small number of surviving actors from the principal and recurring roles. Lorne Greene, Dan Blocker, and Pernell Roberts have passed away, while Michael Landon died in 1991. David Canary, who played Candy Canady, died in 2015. The surviving cast members who have been publicly documented in recent years include actors who appeared in supporting or later recurring roles, and their current status is tracked through entertainment industry databases and official network archives. For background on the show's production history and ratings performance, see the NBCUniversal media archives and the Paley Center for Media records on Bonanza.
The series finale aired on January 16, 1973, after 14 seasons and 431 episodes, making it one of the longest-running western series in American television history. Bonanza was broadcast in more than 50 countries and remained in syndication for decades, contributing to ongoing public interest in the cast. The show's theme song, written by Jay Livingston and Ray Evans, became iconic, and the series was among the first to be released on home video formats. According to Nielsen historical data and network press releases, Bonanza regularly placed in the top five of the seasonal ratings during its peak years. The show's longevity and cultural impact mean that updates about the surviving actors continue to attract significant search interest, especially around anniversaries and retrospective programming. The surviving members of the Bonanza cast are frequently referenced in documentaries, streaming platform descriptions, and network anniversary specials.
Surviving Bonanza Cast Members
Based on the most recent publicly available information, the surviving Bonanza actors include those who filled supporting roles during the show's run and later appearances. One notable surviving figure is actress and singer Michele Lee, who appeared in a guest role, and other supporting actors who have been documented in entertainment databases and recent interviews. The status of which Bonanza star is still alive is updated through public records, obituaries, and official studio announcements. The Bonanza Wiki and IMDb maintain detailed cast lists that are cross-referenced with news outlets and official estate statements. The surviving actors have occasionally participated in western conventions, charity events, and television retrospectives, keeping them in the public eye. The network's official Bonanza page and the Paley Center for Media provide verified cast information and episode guides.
David Canary's death in 2015 marked the end of an era for the core recurring cast, and since then the surviving members have been fewer in number. Public appearances and interviews with the remaining actors are covered by outlets such as The Hollywood Reporter and the Television Academy Foundation's archive. The surviving Bonanza actors have been involved in western heritage organizations, film festivals, and fan events, where they discuss their time on the show. The show's streaming availability on platforms like Peacock and Amazon Prime has renewed interest in the cast, and official network materials continue to list the surviving actors with their current roles and activities. The Bonanza official page on NBC.com and the Television Academy's online archive provide current credits and biographical updates for the surviving cast members.
Current Status and Public Activities
The surviving Bonanza actors are tracked through public records, entertainment industry databases, and official studio announcements. Their current activities include appearances at