21. The Cartwright Curse
Every woman that Cartwright fell in love with either ended up dead or left town. It became a joke among the show’s actors and fans and there was obviously a “Cartwright Curse.” We would have settled for just one marriage that lasted but this dad was obviously cursed to raise his kids as a strong father figure with no mom in sight.
22. Fake Hair
Many of the actors on the show wore toupees, including Blocker, Roberts, and Green. Landon’s hair, however, was all real.
23. Equal Screen Time
The four men of the Bonanza household share the same screen time. The production wanted that no one of the four overshadowed the other three. Every script was closely scrutinized to make sure there were four stars during every episode. It paid off and led to a very well-balanced show that offered the chance for every star to shine.
24. The Show’s Title Is Slang
The name Bonanza was a slang term used by miners to describe a large mineral deposit or ore. The term is also synonymous with the word “jackpot.” A real-life bonanza was discovered right by the Cartwright’s ranch in the famous Comstock Lode.