Gregory Harrison was Roberts' childhood television hero. He co-starred alongside him in "Trapper John, M.D." (1979)
After he happily left his role on "Bonanza" (1959), he turned his back on Hollywood wisdom and well-meant advice, hence, he returned to stage acting. It would take 14 years for Roberts to revitalize his career with a comeback to television with "Trapper John, M.D." (1979).
After his guest-starring role on "Diagnosis Murder" (1993), he retired from acting at age 66.
An avid political liberal, Roberts often complained about the mostly white complexion of the "Bonanza" cast, and the stereotypical ethnic roles that were displayed (in particularly, "Hop Sing", the house servant, played by Victor Sen Yung).
Beat out 2 other actors, Wayne Rogers and John Forsythe, for the lead role of the title character in "Trapper John, M.D." (1979).
Before he was a successful actor, he was a butcher, a forest ranger, and a railroad riveter.
Before he was a successful actor, he was a Sunday School teacher in church in his hometown of Waycross, Georgia.
Before he was an actor, he also worked briefly as an apprentice with the Atlantic Coastline Railroad after graduating from high school.
Best known by the public for his role as Adam Cartwright on "Bonanza" (1959), and for his starring role as the title character in "Trapper John, M.D." (1979).
During his high school years, he played the horn, acted in school and church plays, and sang in local USO shows - pursuing a wide range of occupations before pursuing acting.
First wife Dr. Vera Mowry was a professor at Washington State University.
Graduated from Waycross High School in Waycross, Georgia, in 1945.
Had a penchant for martial arts; was known for giving demonstrations at the annual Circus of the Stars (1977) (TV), from the 1970s through the 1980s.
Had a son, Jonathan Christopher, nearly a year after he wed Vera Mowry, his first wife.
Had a talent for singing, and was especially fond of performing folk music.
Had always detested his role on "Bonanza" (1959), as well as the show itself.
Had appeared in each and every episode of "Trapper John, M.D." (1979), with the exception of 1.
Had attended but did not graduate from Georgia Institute of Technology in Atlanta.
Had left his role on "Bonanza" (1959), at the end of the sixth season in 1965, were because of two things: He was very unhappy with the way his character was going and for refusing to renegotiate his contract, for the following eight seasons.
Had made over 40 guest appearances on television.