Pernell Roberts Bio

Pernell Roberts shot to prominence in 1959 after playing Adam Cartwright in the television series Bonanza. He had over 100 acting credits to his name. He received even more attention for his work on Trapper John, M.D., which he did from 1979 until 1986. In 1981, he was nominated for a Primetime Emmy Award for his portrayal in the series.

Early Life, Age, Parents

Pernell Roberts was born in Waycross, Georgia, on May 28, 1928, as the only child of Pernell Elven Roberts Sr. and Minnie Myrtle Morgan Roberts. Roberts Sr., his father, was a Dr. Pepper salesperson.

Early on, he developed an interest in acting and singing. Roberts used to perform in school plays and sing in local USO concerts when he was a kid. He was a student at the University of Maryland, but he did not complete his studies. He had previously enrolled at Georgia Tech but had not completed his studies there. Roberts began his military service in the United States Marine Corps in 1946.

Pernell Roberts’ Wiki And Professional Career

In 1949, Pernell Roberts made his professional theatrical debut in the Olney Theater’s production of The Man Who Came to Dinner. The next year, the actor relocated to Washington, D.C., where he secured a number of performing roles in a range of plays.

Robert signed a deal with Columbia Pictures in 1957. A year later, he landed his first big-screen role in Desire Under the Elms, which was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Cinematography. Roberts’ biggest break came in 1959 when he was cast in the classic Western TV series Bonanza, after a long career in movies and television programs. Until 1965, he played Ben Cartwright’s urbane eldest son Adam Cartwright in the series.

Roberts rose to prominence after playing chief surgeon Dr. John McIntyre on Trapper John, M.D. from 1979 until 1986. In the series, he appeared alongside Gregory Harrison, Charles Siebert, and Madge Sinclair. In 1973, he was nominated for a Joseph Jefferson Award for his performance in Welcome Home at the Ivanhoe Theatre.

Similarly, In 1997, Pernell appeared alongside Dick Van Dyke, Barry Van Dyke, and Victoria Rowell in an episode of Diagnosis: Murder.

Pernell Roberts’ Net Worth and Earnings

At the time of his death, Roberts was reported to have a net worth of roughly $10 million. He amassed a sizable fortune from his varied performances, particularly in television and film. In 2003, Roberts purchased a home in Northridge for $631,000. The house was listed for $750k in 2014. It is unknown whether the house has been sold or is still on the market.

Marriage, Son, Wife, and Relationship of Pernell Roberts

Pernell Roberts married four times in his life. On January 4, 1951, he married Vera Mowry for the first time. Vera, his wife, was a Washington State University professor. In October 1951, the Roberts couple welcomed their first child, a son named Jonathan Christopher Roberts. Jonathan, their son, tragically perished in a motorcycle accident in 1989. In 1959, the couple divorced after eight years of marital bliss.

Roberts later married his second wife, Judith Roberts, on October 19, 1962, and they were married for nine years until divorcing. On June 1, 1972, the actor and his third wife, Kara Knack, exchanged vows. In 1996, the pair divorced as well. In 1999, Roberts married Eleanor Criswell, his fourth wife, after three previous marriages. He died on January 24, 2010, and they were together until then.

The Death And Age Of Pernell Roberts

Pernell Roberts, who lived in Malibu, California, died of pancreatic cancer on January 24, 2010, at the age of 81. His corpse was cremated when he died, and the ashes were given to his family.

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