Dan Blocker wasn’t born with a silver spoon in his mouth; the young Texan actor had to prove that he was a capable performer. During an interview with the Associated Press, Blocker revealed that he was bitten by the acting bug during his senior year of college when he performed in a play. With aspirations to become a teacher originally, Blocker quickly discovered that acting was an easier way to earn a living.

“I had kids to support, so an agent got me three days' work in Gunsmoke,” Blocker said. “After Gunsmoke, I took three days on the Jane Wyman Theater because I couldn’t turn down the money. After a Playhouse 90, I withdrew from UCLA and never quite got around to going back.”

Today, we know Blocker for roles like Hoss Cartwright, the big man from Bonanza with a heart of gold. Much like his character, Blocker frequently recognized his own privilege as a member of the Hollywood elite. The actor never forgot his roots and made sure to show his appreciation for everyday heroes.

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“There are people who work so much harder than I do for so much less,” said the actor. “Like every teacher in the country. It’s a damned shame. Our values are all loused up. A man who has devoted his life to what’s important in life - children and their education - should be making 25 times what I do...I know a man who’s been teaching for 25 years and just now has enough saved up for a trip to Japan with his wife. He has devoted his life to something valuable, whereas I’ve devoted mine to making money.”