Had one son, Jonathan Christopher Roberts (b. October 1951, d. 1989), with 1st wife Vera Mowry.
He had seven hobbies: golfing, swimming, reading literature, playing tennis, cooking and running. He also enjoyed singing in his spare time.
He sang in several episodes of "Bonanza" (1959) and appeared on 2 record albums with the "Bonanza" (1959) cast as well as 1 solo album.
He was nominated for a 1973 Joseph Jefferson Award for Best Guest Artist for his performance in the play, "Welcome Home", at the Ivanhoe Theatre in Chicago, Illinois.
His ex-"Bonanza" (1959) co-star, Michael Landon, died of pancreatic cancer, the same disease Roberts succumbed to, years after.
His fine baritone was put to use frequently on stage in a number of musicals including "The King and I," "The Music Man," 'Kiss Me Kate," "Camelot" and "The Sound of Music". He played Rhett Butler in a short-lived 1973 musical version of "Gone With the Wind".
His parents, Pernell Elvin Roberts Sr., was a Dr. Pepper salesman; died in 1980, and Minnie 'Betty' Myrtle Morgan, was a housewife; died 8 years later in 1988.
His second ex-wife Judith Roberts guest-starred with him on an episode of "Trapper John, M.D." (1979).
His son, Jonathan Christopher Roberts died in 1989 in a motorcycle accident.
Like his ex-"Bonanza" (1959) co-star, Michael Landon, Roberts himself had also resided in Malibu, California, where he died.
Moved to Washington, D.C., in 1950, taking some odd jobs while performing with the Arena Stage Theater for two years.
Often expressed regrets in his later years about leaving "Bonanza" (1959) when he did.
Once referred to his "Trapper John, M.D." (1979) co-star, Gregory Harrison, a young rebel, when the show started.
Parents: father, Pernell Elvin Sr.; mother, Betty Roberts.
Played the character of "Trapper John, M.D." (1979) longer than Wayne Rogers would.
Prior to his retirement, he updated the George Fallon character on an episode of "Diagnosis Murder" (1993), he played decades after "Mannix" (1967).
Recorded a solo album of folk songs on RCA Victor, "Come All Ye Fair and Tender Ladies," in 1962.
Remained good friends with Gregory Harrison, during and after "Trapper John, M.D." (1979).
Roberts (born May 18, 1928) was only 13 years, 3 months, 6 days younger than Lorne Greene (born February 12, 1915), who played his television father, Ben Cartwright, on "Bonanza" (1959).
Roberts (born May 18, 1928) was only 6 months, 22 days older than Dan Blocker (born December 10, 1928), who played his television middle brother, Hoss Cartright, on "Bonanza" (1959).