How do you explain a gap in your resume? Acting can be a contentious business. Even the most successful performers may have no idea when or where their next job will come from. Actors must learn never to expect consistency or reliability. Some people thrive off that lightning-fast pace, while others may crumble under the pressure.

Pernell Roberts and Michael Landon both experienced the same sort of success when the two actors starred on Bonanza together. However, Roberts, dissatisfied with recent scripts, departed the Western in 1965, a full eight years before the series had wrapped filming. After the series, Roberts experienced a dry spell where his acting opportunities were limited. “There were some difficult times,” Roberts said during an interview with the Edmonton Journal, “when you hang in and try not to be afraid. I took work wherever I could find it.”

Roberts' hard times wouldn’t last forever; the actor later starred in the hit series, Trapper John, M.D.

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Landon, on the other hand, stayed on the series until its final episode in 1973. During his time on the series, the actor also wrote a few episodes, including "A Dream to Dream" and "To Die in Darkness.”

Landon was even responsible for what would become Bonanza’s final episode, titled “The Hunter.” He would go on to work as a writer and director, in addition to continuing his work as an actor.

With his pivot into behind-the-scenes work, Landon felt like he was in the driver’s seat of his career, rather than in the backseat.

“I know actors who panic when a project is over,” said Landon, “who are convinced they’ll never work again. I’ve been very fortunate. It’s easier to protect your career if you are in control of your material.”