How Jonathan Christopher Roberts, the Only Son of Pernell Roberts, Died in a Motorcycle Accident

Jonathan Christopher Roberts was the only son of Pernell Roberts, the actor best known for his roles as Adam Cartwright on Bonanza and Trapper John McIntyre on Trapper John, M.D. Jonathan was born in 1951 to Pernell and his first wife, Vera Mowry, a professor and theatre historian. Jonathan attended Franconia College and had a passion for motorcycles. Sadly, he died in a motorcycle accident in 1989, at the age of 38, leaving his father heartbroken.

The Life and Career of Pernell Roberts

Pernell Roberts was born on May 18, 1928, in Waycross, Georgia. He grew up in a modest family and developed an interest in acting during his high school years. He attended the Universities of Maryland and Georgia Tech, but did not graduate from either. He moved to New York in 1950 and began his acting career on stage, appearing in various plays such as The Glass Menagerie, The Importance of Being Earnest, and Macbeth.

In 1959, he landed his breakthrough role as Adam Cartwright, the eldest son of Ben Cartwright, on the NBC western series Bonanza. The show was a huge success and made Roberts a household name. However, Roberts was unhappy with the quality of the scripts and the lack of creative freedom. He also clashed with the producers over the issues of civil rights and racial diversity. He was an outspoken activist who marched with Martin Luther King Jr. in 1965. He left Bonanza in 1965, after six seasons, and pursued other projects on stage, film, and television.

He returned to prominence in 1979, when he starred as Trapper John McIntyre, the chief surgeon of a San Francisco hospital, on the CBS medical drama Trapper John, M.D. The show was a spin-off of the popular series MAS*H, and Roberts earned an Emmy nomination for his performance in 1981. The show ran for seven seasons, until 1986.

Roberts was married four times in his life. His first marriage to Vera Mowry lasted from 1951 to 1959. His second marriage to Judith LeBrecque lasted from 1962 to 1971. His third marriage to Kara Knack lasted from 1972 to 1996. His fourth and final marriage to Eleanor Criswell lasted from 1997 until his death in 2010.

The Tragic Death of Jonathan Christopher Roberts

Jonathan Christopher Roberts was the only child of Pernell Roberts and Vera Mowry. He was born in 1951, the same year that his parents got married. He grew up in a turbulent household, as his parents separated in 1953 and divorced in 1959. He had a strained relationship with his father, who was often absent due to his busy acting career. He rarely saw him during his childhood and adolescence.

Jonathan attended Franconia College, a liberal arts college in New Hampshire, where he studied sociology and anthropology. He also developed a love for motorcycles, which he inherited from his father, who was an avid rider. He owned several bikes, including a Harley-Davidson and a BMW.

In 1989, Jonathan was involved in a fatal motorcycle accident. The details of the accident are scarce, but it is known that he died on the scene. He was 38 years old. His death was a devastating blow to his father, who had tried to reconcile with him in the previous years. Pernell Roberts was deeply affected by the loss of his only son and never fully recovered from it.

Pernell Roberts died in 2010, at the age of 81, from pancreatic cancer. He was survived by his fourth wife, Eleanor Criswell, and his stepson, Chris. He was cremated and his ashes were scattered in the Pacific Ocean.

The Legacy of Jonathan Christopher Roberts and Pernell Roberts

Jonathan Christopher Roberts and Pernell Roberts were both talented and passionate individuals who left their mark on the world. Jonathan was a bright and curious student who had a keen interest in social sciences and human cultures. He also had a adventurous spirit and a love for motorcycles. He died too young, but he lived his life to the fullest.

Pernell Roberts was a versatile and accomplished actor who starred in two iconic television shows that entertained millions of viewers. He was also a courageous and outspoken activist who fought for civil rights and social justice. He was a loving and devoted husband and father who suffered a great tragedy. He died with dignity and grace, leaving behind a rich and lasting legacy.

Doms Desk

Leave a Comment