Pernell Roberts, the oldest Cartwright brother on “Bonanza” and doctor on Trapper John M.D., died Sunday at the age of 81. Read more on Pernell Roberts’ death below.

Pernell Roberts played the oldest Cartwright brother on the television western “Bonanza” and the lead role on the medical drama series “Trapper John M.D.”

Pernell Roberts began his acting career on stage before moving to Hollywood to be in movies. Roberts’ first movie was “Desire Under the Elms,” which also starred Sophia Loren and Burl Ives.

Pernell landed the role of Adam Cartwright on “Bonanaza” in 1959 and played the oldest son to rancher Ben Cartwright, Lorne Greene.

Roberts left “Bonanza” at the end of the sixth season in 1965, although “Bonanza” stayed on for another eight years.

The actor was married four times but his only son, Chris, was killed in a motorcycle accident in 1989.

His fourth wife, Eleanor Criswill, was at his side when he died on Sunday.

Here’s Pernell Roberts as Cartright Brother in Bonanza:

Pernell Roberts as Trapper John M.D.:

Click thumbnails for larger pictures

You might also like

Evangelist Oral Roberts Has Died At 91 The well-known television evangelist Oral Roberts has died in California at the...

Janet Jackson Remembers To Discuss Janet Jackson On ABC After last night’s ABC interview between Robin Roberts and Janet Jackson, much...

John Tyler High School Stabbing: Teacher Todd Henry Dead (Photo) A Tyler, Texas teacher, Todd Henry, was stabbed early this morning and later died. ...

DJ Matthew Roberts (Photos) Searches For Biological Dad & Discovers It’s Charles Manson! DJ Matthew Roberts decided to search for his father… and imagine his surprise...