Dan Blocker was an American actor best known for his role as Hoss Cartwright on the popular television series Bonanza. Born on December 10, 1928, in De Kalb, Texas, he became a beloved figure in American television during the 1960s. Blocker was known for his large stature and gentle demeanor, which made him a perfect fit for the character of Hoss, the kind-hearted middle son of the Cartwright family. Before his acting career, Blocker served in the Korean War and later earned a degree in drama from Sul Ross State University. His talent and charm endeared him to audiences, and he became a cultural icon until his untimely death on May 13, 1972.