The actor of the show Bonanza, Pernell Roberts, died at the age of 81 years old due to cancer. Accordig to his wife, Eleanor Criswell, Roberts has been fighting cancer for two years.

Pernell Roberts was the lead star of the series Bonanza, where he played the role of Adam Cartwright. He worked on this role from the debut of the show in 1959 until 1965. Bonanza is the next to Gunsmoke as the longest-running TV western. Bonanza is also the first to be broadcast color. The role of Adam Cartwright has captured lots of fans. But despite this, Roberts felt unsatisfied and unfulfilled by his role and so he decided to leave the Bonanza even when the show, during that time, is at its peak.

Pernell Roberts was born and grew up in Waycross, Ga. His acting skills were evident even during his youth as he was an active participant in church and school plays. He took up college in the University of Maryland and Gerorgia Tech although he was not able to earn a degree from either schools. He also became a part of the Marine Corps band located at Quantico, Va.

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