Pernell Roberts, the man who brought Adam Cartwright to life on the iconic television series *Bonanza*, was a figure of undeniable charisma and conviction.

While he appeared calm and confident on screen, beneath that smooth exterior lay a man unafraid to voice his opinions, regardless of the consequences.

In an era when many Hollywood stars played it safe, Pernell took a different path—one defined by honesty over popularity.

He believed that integrity mattered more than fame, even if it meant sacrificing friendships, roles, and respect within the industry.

At numerous Hollywood gatherings, he made it clear that there were certain individuals he simply could not tolerate.

These were actors whose arrogance and lack of integrity clashed with his deeply held values.

Today, we’ll explore the five Hollywood figures that Pernell Roberts couldn’t stand, along with the shocking stories behind each feud.

Once you hear them, your perception of these stars will never be the same again.

### The Early Life of Pernell Roberts

Born on May 18, 1928, in Waycross, Georgia, Pernell Roberts grew up during the Great Depression, a time that shaped his character and outlook.

As the only child of a hardworking father and a nurturing mother, he developed a love for music and performance early on.

Despite his natural talent, acting was not initially part of his plan.

After high school, he enrolled at Georgia Tech to pursue a practical career in engineering but soon realized his heart lay elsewhere.

In 1946, he joined the United States Marine Corps, where he found solace in music, playing in the Marine Corps band.

After his service, Pernell decided to follow his passion for acting, enrolling at the University of Maryland and immersing himself in theater.

In the early 1950s, Roberts moved to New York City, where he attended the American Academy of Dramatic Arts.

His determination paid off in 1952 when he landed his first stage role in *The Man Who Came to Dinner*.

This marked the beginning of a remarkable career defined by his refusal to conform to Hollywood’s expectations.

By 1958, he made his film debut in *Desire Under the Elms*, starring alongside legends like Sophia Loren.

However, it was his role as Adam Cartwright in *Bonanza* that catapulted him to stardom.

The show became one of television’s biggest successes, and Pernell quickly became a household name.

Yet, despite the fame, he felt a growing disconnect between his public persona and his true self.

Pernell Roberts was never one to shy away from confrontation, especially when it came to his fellow actors.

His most notable feud was with Michael Landon, the youngest star of *Bonanza*.

Initially, their relationship was friendly, but as Landon’s ambition grew, so did the tension between them.

Roberts saw Landon as manipulative and self-centered, particularly as he began rewriting scenes to elevate his character, Little Joe.

In a moment of frustration, Roberts confronted Landon, stating, “You’re not trying to make the show better. You’re trying to make yourself bigger.”

From that point on, their relationship soured, leading to years of silence and resentment.

Roberts later remarked on Landon’s continued success with *Little House on the Prairie*, saying, “It’s more of the same. He’s still playing cowboy, still playing saint.”

This remark highlighted the depth of Roberts’ feelings about Landon’s perceived lack of authenticity.

Pernell’s feud with Dan Blocker, who played Hoss Cartwright, stemmed from disappointment rather than anger.

In the early days of *Bonanza*, the two were close, both passionate about their craft.

However, as Roberts became more vocal about the show’s shortcomings, Blocker chose to play the peacemaker, which Roberts found disheartening.

He felt that Blocker should have stood by him, especially regarding the show’s treatment of Native American characters.

Roberts once told a reporter, “Dan had the heart, but not the spine. He chose comfort over conscience.”

Their friendship gradually crumbled, marked by unspoken tension and disappointment.

Roberts’ conflict with Chuck Connors, the star of *The Rifleman*, ignited at a charity event.

Connors’ dismissive behavior towards the crew and his arrogance deeply offended Roberts, who valued humility and respect.

Witnesses reported that Roberts stood quietly as Connors scolded a young assistant, showcasing a side of Connors few had seen.

When they met backstage, Roberts didn’t hold back, calling Connors a fraud obsessed with fame.

The confrontation ended any chance of friendship, with Roberts privately referring to Connors as “all hat, no soul.”

To Roberts, Connors embodied everything wrong with Hollywood: charm on camera but cruelty off it.

Perhaps the most personal conflict Roberts faced was with Lorne Greene, who played his on-screen father, Ben Cartwright.

Though their on-screen bond appeared warm, behind the scenes, it was fraught with tension.

Roberts felt stifled by Greene’s conservative approach to the show, which he believed lacked depth and social relevance.

Roberts once remarked, “I just couldn’t spend the rest of my life taking my hat off and saying, ‘Yes, pa.’”

As the seasons progressed, the air between them grew colder, culminating in Roberts’ decision to leave *Bonanza* at its peak.

Pernell Roberts was not just an actor; he was a man of fierce conviction.

He walked away from fame and fortune to pursue authenticity and purpose.

His refusal to conform to Hollywood’s expectations defined his legacy, inspiring future generations of actors.

Though he faced personal heartbreak and loss, including the tragic death of his only son, he remained steadfast in his principles.

Roberts passed away on January 24, 2010, leaving behind a legacy of integrity and courage.

His life serves as a reminder that sometimes the bravest act is simply to walk away.

Pernell Roberts may have left this world, but his voice continues to resonate with those who admire his talent and principles.

Through his story, we learn that the pursuit of truth often comes at a cost, but it is a pursuit worth making.