Son Of Late ‘Bonanza’ Star Dan Blocker Is Also An Actor

Jul 29, 2021

Dirk Blocker of the hit television show "Brooklyn Nine-Nine" happens to look a lot like his father, Dan Blocker. The connection between Dirk and his father is more than just a physical one; they also had the same job as well. Dan, also an actor, was known for his role in the TV classic "Bonanza." 

"Bonanza" was an American Western television series that aired on NBC from September 12, 1959, to January 16, 1973. The show is the network's longest-running western and the second-longest-running western series on U.S. television, behind "Gunsmoke." The series was about the wealthy Cartwright family who lives near Virginia City, Nevada, and is set in the 1860s. "Bonanza" also starred Lorne Greene, Pernell Roberts, and Michael Landon.

Eric Cartwright, more affectionately known as "Hoss", was the character Dan Blocker brought to life. Hoss was a tender-hearted being who was a little shy and gullible. He also had a soft spot for children. The character was a hit with younger Americans. Dan says his inspiration came from reading words from Stephen Callet. Callet's instructions were to show kindness to everyone you encounter because you only get one life on earth.

Dan played the role of Hoss for thirteen years before a pulmonary embolism claimed his life in 1972. He was 43 years of age. Dolphia Parker Blocker was Dan's wife from 1952 until he died 20 years later. The couple was blessed with two sons and two daughters through their union. Both sons, David and Dirk, followed their father into Hollywood. David works as a producer while Dirk chose to be in front of the camera.

Dan was born in Texas and enlisted in the military to serve his country in 1951. Dan was honorably discharged from the military, but not before earning a purple heart for the injuries he sustained in battle. Following his time in the military, Dan began his acting career in a "Three Stooges" short. His big break came in 1959 when he landed the "Bonanza" role.

Dan and Dolphia met when he was a student at Sul Ross State University. All of their children's names begin with the letter "D" and include Dirk, David and twins Debra Lee and Danna Lynn. David is a successful producer, and even won an Emmy in 1988 for "Don King: Only in America." Dirk is the only other actor in the family. 

Dirk has spent most of his career in television series including his present role as Detective Hitchcock on "Brooklyn Nine-Nine." Dirk's character provides comic relief to the other characters on the show and fans have fallen in love with his sense of humor. Dirk has also appeared in other well-known television shows like "Walker, Texas Ranger" and "Beverly Hills 90210".

The actor's biography on NBC's website says that Dirk went back to school to finish his bachelor's degree so he could teach Kindergarten through 12th grade. Dirk is married to Danielle Aubuchon and the couple reside in Southern California. He is also the father of two children of his own, reports Allmovie.com, and is a replica of his late father, Dan. The similarity in appearances between Dirk and his father has caused unsuspecting viewers to do a double-take on many occasions.

Do you see the resemblance between Dirk Blocker and his dad Dan? Would you be able to tell them apart if they were the same age? Send this article to your friends and family. They will be astonished by the resemblance between the father and son duo.