Step right up, classic TV aficionados! It’s time to saddle up for a trip back to the golden age of television and test your knowledge of one of the most beloved Westerns of all time: Bonanza. We recently challenged our community with a ‘Name That Star’ quiz, and now it’s time to reveal the answers and share a fascinating behind-the-scenes secret!
The Challenge: Which Cartwright Son Was Played by Michael Landon in 1959?
Our quiz asked you to identify an iconic actor and guess which legendary Cartwright son he played when Bonanza first premiered in 1959. Here were your options:
- A: Adam Cartwright
- B: Hoss Cartwright
- C: Ben Cartwright
- D: Little Joe Cartwright
The suspense was palpable, and your comments were buzzing with theories! Now, let’s unveil the correct answer.
Revealing the Legend: Michael Landon’s Iconic Role
If you guessed D: Little Joe Cartwright, you hit the bullseye! The actor featured in our ‘Name That Star’ quiz was indeed the one and only Michael Landon, who portrayed the fiery, passionate, and often impetuous youngest Cartwright son, Joseph “Little Joe” Cartwright.
Michael Landon was a television legend, renowned not just for his acting but also for his talents as a director and writer. He achieved the incredible feat of starring in three back-to-back historic hit TV dramas across three decades: Bonanza (1959-1973), Little House on the Prairie (1974-1983), and Highway to Heaven (1984-1989). His legacy in television is truly unmatched!
A Secret from the Ponderosa: Michael Landon’s Hidden Boost!
Now, for the exclusive behind-the-scenes secret we promised! While Michael Landon commanded the screen with his presence, he harbored a little insecurity about his height. Standing at just 5 feet 9 inches tall, Landon felt intensely self-conscious next to his towering screen family on the Ponderosa. Imagine standing beside Dan Blocker (Hoss), who famously stood 6-foot-4 and weighed over 300 pounds, or Lorne Greene (Ben), who was over 6 feet tall!
To avoid looking diminutive, especially in wide shots that showcased the vast landscapes of the Ponderosa, Michael Landon had a clever trick up his sleeve. He secretly wore custom-made cowboy boots fitted with discreet 4-inch lifts! This little boost helped him stand taller amongst his imposing co-stars, ensuring Little Joe always looked the part of a formidable Cartwright son. What a fascinating piece of Hollywood trivia!
Join the Conversation!
Did you know this secret? Share your thoughts and any other classic TV trivia you know in the comments below! And keep an eye out for our next ‘Name That Star’ challenge!
