23 Rare ‘Bonanza’ Set Photos With Michael Landon and Cast That Bring the Ponderosa Ranch Back to Life
See candid moments, on-set laughs, and unforgettable memories with the cast of TV’s legendary Western
Long before Yellowstone or the Dutton Ranch were concepts in Taylor Sheridan‘s mind—in fact, long before he was even born—there was the Cartwright family and the Ponderosa Ranch on Bonanza. And insofar as the latter is concerned, it’s hard to overstate just how much of a television institution they became during the show’s 14-season run from 1959 to 1973.
At the height of its popularity, the Cartwrights weren’t just characters on a Western—they were family. Week after week, audiences tuned in to watch Ben, Adam, Hoss and Little Joe navigate frontier life, balancing cattle drives and shootouts with heartfelt lessons in loyalty, morality and the unshakable bond of family. And while those moments on screen were so meaningful, the story behind the camera was just as rich.
The photos collected here pull back the curtain on that world, offering a rare and personal look at the making of one of television’s most beloved series. You’ll find candid moments with stars like Lorne Greene, Dan Blocker, Michael Landon and Pernell Roberts—joking between takes, greeting crowds of adoring fans or sitting down for a quick bite in costume. You’ll also see the crew hard at work setting up shots in the dusty terrain of Nevada or building the studio replica of the Cartwright ranch house, blending the illusion of the Old West with the very real effort it took to bring it all to life.
These images also capture just how far Bonanza’s influence reached—from guest stars like Ida Lupino and Telly Savalas to crossover appearances on series like The Perry Como Show. The Ponderosa became more than just a set—it became a destination, complete with a real-life theme park where fans could walk the same paths as their TV heroes. So saddle up and enjoy.
1. Cowboys and their kin
Western television stars with their sons, in a portrait celebrating Father’s Day in 1961, from left: Dan Blocker of Bonanza with his sons David, 6, and Dirk, 3; Don Collier of Outlaws with baby son Steven James, son Don Jr. and stepson David Richard, both 6; Dennis Weaver of Gunsmoke with sons Rick, 12, Rusty, 2, and Rob, 8; and Michael Landon of Bonanza with son Mark, 12.
2. Script notes
Dan Blocker and Lorne Greene share a candid moment between takes on the set of Bonanza, offering a glimpse into the relaxed camaraderie that defined the long-running Western’s atmosphere behind the scenes. Although Bonanza tackled plenty of drama on screen, life on set was often lighthearted. Blocker, who played the gentle giant Hoss Cartwright, was known for his humor and kindness, and he developed a deep off-camera friendship with Greene. Their chemistry and warmth translated to the screen, helping make the Cartwrights one of television’s most beloved families.
3. Culture clash
4. An Old West Christmas
Dan Blocker, Pernell Roberts, Lorne Greene, and Michael Landon pose in front of a decorated Christmas tree on the Bonanza set, arms full of wrapped presents and festive energy. The Cartwrights may have lived in the 19th century, but the holiday spirit was timeless. Though Bonanza only aired a handful of Christmas-themed episodes, the cast often embraced the season off-screen. NBC frequently used holiday-themed promotional photos like this for TV Guide covers, network promos, or press kits.
5. ‘Bonanza’ on location
An expansive behind-the-scenes look at a Bonanza location shoot near Lake Tahoe reveals the scale of the production—from wardrobe trailers and prop wagons to horses, cast and crew preparing for a day’s work on the Ponderosa.
6. Cowboys and cameras
A crane camera operator prepares for an elevated shot while cast and crew—including who appears to be director William Witney (center, smoking)—gather to discuss the day’s filming on location for Bonanza. The open plains and practical logistics of filmmaking collide in this fascinating glimpse behind the curtain.
7. Now he’s cookin’
Victor Sen Yung poses cheerfully in full costume as Hop Sing, the beloved cook of the Ponderosa, during a publicity shoot for Bonanza. His warmth and humor brought a distinct flavor to the Cartwright household both on screen and off in his more than 100 episodes.
8. Lorne Greene as Ben Cartwright
Lorne Greene flashes a warm smile while stepping onto a wagon on the Bonanza backlot, embodying the steadfast presence of Ben Cartwright—father to the most famous ranch family in TV history. Greene was affectionately known as “Pa” by fans and co-stars alike, a nickname that reflected his off-screen role as a grounding force for the cast. A trained broadcaster and classically trained actor, he brought both gravitas and empathy to Ben Cartwright, creating a character who was as much a moral compass as he was a rancher.
9. Dan Blocker as Hoss Cartwright
Hoss Cartwright was played by Dan Blocker, who takes a break on the rocky shores near Lake Tahoe, where many of Bonanza’s most iconic location shots were filmed. His easy smile and the stunning backdrop offer a peaceful moment between the show’s rugged adventures. Lake Tahoe wasn’t just a striking location for Bonanza—it became a part of the show’s identity. The early use of this area for exteriors gave the series an expansive, cinematic look that helped set it apart from other Westerns of the time.
10. The Cartwrights share a smile
Lorne Greene, Michael Landon, and Dan Blocker lean in close for a cheerful, off-camera moment that speaks volumes about the genuine affection shared by the cast of Bonanza. Their real-life bond helped define the heart of the Cartwright family.
The chemistry among the cast wasn’t just great acting—it was rooted in authentic friendship. Greene, Landon and Blocker developed a deep camaraderie over the course of the series, often spending time together off set and supporting each other through personal milestones and struggles. Michael Landon later reflected that working with Greene and Blocker was like having “two second fathers,” while Greene once described Landon and Blocker as “the sons every father hopes for.”
11. The fans truly loved ‘Bonanza’
Lorne Greene and Michael Landon greet a massive crowd of fans during a public appearance, joined by guest star Ida Lupino in period costume. Events like these were common throughout Bonanza’s peak years, reflecting the show’s powerful connection with its audience.
12. More with Ida Lupino
Pernell Roberts (who would later star in Trapper John, M.D.) and Michael Landon share a laugh with Ida Lupino between takes on the Bonanza set. With folding chairs and cast hats in hand, the image captures a quiet, behind-the-scenes moment amid the bustle of a location shoot.
13. Capturing an eerie moment
Michael Landon, in full costume as Little Joe Cartwright, stands pensively beside a real gravestone during a Bonanza location shoot—capturing the blend of Western drama and emotional depth that often defined the series. While Bonanza featured plenty of action and family bonding, it also didn’t shy away from darker themes like grief, justice, and loss. Episodes dealing with death were among the show’s most powerful, and Landon often found himself at the emotional center of those stories.
14. ‘Hoss and the Leprechauns’
Dan Blocker lifts four guest actors—Felix Silla, Roger Royal, Harry Monty, and Frank Delfino—during filming of the delightfully offbeat episode “Hoss and the Leprechauns” (Season 5, Episode 15, aired December 22, 1963), a comedic departure, letting Blocker lean into his gift for physical comedy as Hoss becomes convinced he’s stumbled upon actual leprechauns. Silla, it should be noted, would go on to play Cousin Itt on the 1960s TV series The Addams Family.
15. ‘Who loves ya, Baby?’
Before becoming a household name as Kojak, Telly Savalas made a memorable guest appearance on Bonanza in the 1964 episode “Maestro Hoss.” Known for his intense screen presence, Savalas played a flamboyant con man who clashes with the Cartwrights.
16. Unbreakable bond
Dan Blocker, Michael Landon, and Lorne Greene pose in full costume for a promotional photo during one of Bonanza’s later seasons. Their genuine warmth and iconic Western garb made them instantly recognizable as Hoss, Little Joe and Ben Cartwright—the heart of the Ponderosa. As the series progressed and cast changes occurred, the bond between these three actors became even more central to Bonanza’s storytelling.
17. ‘Whose baby is this?’
Lorne Greene holds a very grown-up-looking “baby” in this memorable moment from the whimsical Bonanza episode “Hoss and the Baby” (Season 6, Episode 19, aired January 31, 1965). The actor’s beaming expression says it all in this delightfully unusual scene. Bonanza occasionally leaned into playful, offbeat plots, and “Hoss and the Baby” is one such example—featuring Hoss taking care of an abandoned baby he finds on the trail. For certain comedic moments (like this one), stand-ins or adult actors were sometimes used for visual gags or exaggerated reactions. Lorne Greene, known for his strong paternal image, often played these scenes with heartfelt sincerity—even when the scripts called for a wink at the audience. It’s part of what made him so beloved: his ability to make even the most unexpected moments feel grounded in warmth.
18. One more with Ida
Guest star Ida Lupino, appearing in “The Bride” (which aired February 7, 1965), prepares for a scene while cast and crew—including Lorne Greene—gather on set during a Bonanza location shoot. A pioneering actress and director, Lupino brought true star power to her appearance on the series.
19. The Ponderosa Ranch
An aerial view of the original ranch house near Lake Tahoe used in exterior shots of Bonanza, later developed into the iconic Ponderosa Ranch theme park. The peaceful, pastoral setting became one of television’s most recognizable homes.
20. No downtime for Ben Cartwright
Lorne Greene enjoys a bite to eat with fans during a public appearance, showcasing the actor’s approachable off-screen personality. Whether at a county fair, parade or promotional stop, Greene was known for taking time with admirers of all ages.
21. A ‘Bonanza’ theme park
Lorne Greene addresses a crowd of visitors at the Ponderosa Ranch in Incline Village, Nevada, during one of the show’s fan events. Standing in front of the replica Cartwright home, Greene embodied his character’s values both on and off screen.
Opened in 1967, the Ponderosa Ranch theme park became a pilgrimage site for Bonanza fans, offering a recreation of the Cartwright homestead complete with saloons, horse trails, and Western-themed attractions. Lorne Greene frequently appeared at the ranch for fan appreciation days, where he would meet families, sign autographs and speak with warmth and humility. He once said, “The Ponderosa represents something good and lasting. If we’ve given people a place to dream, we’ve done our job.” The park remained in operation until 2004, a lasting tribute to the legacy Greene and his castmates built.
22. Tourist trap
A crew member works atop the Bonanza studio facade of the Ponderosa Ranch house, part of the NBC backlot attraction in Hollywood. Signage invited visitors to “See NBC TV’s Bonanza’s Ponderosa Ranchhouse,” underscoring the show’s cultural status as a tourist draw and TV institution.
23. Perry Como and the Cartwrights
Lorne Greene, Perry Como, and Dan Blocker saddle up for a musical sketch on Perry Como’s Kraft Music Hall, circa 1961. Donning Bonanza costumes, the trio traded the Ponderosa for playful parody, complete with choreographed backup cowboys and rolling “horses.”
During the early 1960s, TV stars frequently crossed genre lines to appear on popular variety shows, and the cast of Bonanza was no exception. Greene and Blocker’s appearance alongside Perry Como was part of an NBC promotional push, bringing the Cartwrights into new settings and audiences. Greene, who had a successful recording career himself (including the spoken-word hit “Ringo”), was right at home in a musical variety environment.
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