<P> Pernell Elven Roberts , Jr . ( May 18 , 1928 -- January 24 , 2010 ) was an American stage , film and television actor , as well as a singer . In addition to guest - starring in over 60 television series , he was best known for his roles as Ben Cartwright 's eldest son Adam Cartwright on the Western television series Bonanza ( 1959 -- 1965 ) , and as chief surgeon Dr. John McIntyre , the title character on Trapper John , M.D. ( 1979 -- 1986 ) . </P>
<P> Pernell Elven Roberts , Jr . ( May 18 , 1928 -- January 24 , 2010 ) was an American stage , film and television actor , as well as a singer . In addition to guest - starring in over 60 television series , he was best known for his roles as Ben Cartwright 's eldest son Adam Cartwright on the Western television series Bonanza ( 1959 -- 1965 ) , and as chief surgeon Dr. John McIntyre , the title character on Trapper John , M.D. ( 1979 -- 1986 ) . </P>
who played adam in bonanza and where is he
who played adam in bonanza and where is he
Pernell Elven Roberts , Jr .
Pernell Elven Roberts , Jr .