| Hoss Cartwright | |
|---|---|
 Dan Blocker as Hoss Cartwright on NBC-TV's "Bonanza". | |
| Biographical information | |
| Full Name: | Eric Warren "Hoss" Cartwright |
| Occupation: | Rancher, bodyguard, protector |
| Gender: | Male |
| Race/Ethnicity: | American / Caucasian |
| Hair color: | Sandy brown |
| Eye color: | Blue |
| Born: | c.1836 |
| Died: | |
| Personal | |
| Family/Relatives: | Ben Cartwright (father) Inger Cartwright (mother) Marie Cartwright (mother) Adam Cartwright (brother) Little Joe Cartwright (brother) Jamie Hunter Cartwright (brother) |
| Spouse | None |
| Romances/Domestic Partners: | |
| Children: | None |
| Profile | |
| Appeared on: | Bonanza (TV Series) |
| First Episode: | "A Rose for Lotta" (Series pilot) |
| Last Episode: | "One Ace Too Many" (Season 13 finale) |
| Portrayed by: | Dan Blocker |
Eric Warren "Hoss" Cartwright is the large, but handsome second son of Ben Cartwright. Hoss may be intimidating to anyone who first sets eyes on him but the expression “gentle giant” applies perfectly to his case. Hoss, quiet on the surface, deep down is loveable and gentle, loyal to a fault. However, those who mean harm to anyone or anything Hoss cares about will face his wrath.
Hoss’ mother, Inger, was of Scandinavian heritage. Ben met her on his way west with young Adam. Adam’s mother had died, and Adam took to the kind, loving Inger right away. Unfortunately, Hoss never got to know his own mother as she died shortly after Hoss was born. Traveling west, the wagon train the Cartwrights had joined was attacked by Native Americans and Inger was killed.
That said, Hoss' great strength is matched by few in Nevada and is a force to be reckoned with in a fight when called upon. Furthermore, while Hoss may not have the fastest gun around, he is still a good shot as well.
His younger brother Joe always pulls him into crazy schemes that does more harm than good. Though Hoss is somewhat simple in his approach to life, he loves beautiful things and horses. Women always look past him and at Adam or Joe, but those who do find time to love a giant will find a jewel so rare it will surprise them greatly. Hoss is living proof that a handsome man can come in any size.