The number one show on television should be the most informative, educational and exciting show. 'Bonanza' is not that show.
Pernell Roberts
I wanted to work strictly as a freelance actor, and that's the way it turned out.
I've never been career-oriented. Did I ever want to be a star? What's a star? Is that something in the heavens? That's the only definition that comes to my mind. And the most important goals in my life have been to move gently, to be at ease with the mystery of what it's all about.
There has been an obvious effort to play it safe, to make 'Bonanza' a good family show that would offend no one and hit a consistent level of mediocrity.
Materialism isn't the panacea that so many people think it is.
As you decline in years, you decline in the marketplace.
I feel I am an aristocrat in my field of endeavor. My being part of 'Bonanza' was like Isaac Stern sitting in with Lawrence Welk.
You don't have to have the capitalistic profit motive philosophy.
My problems with 'Bonanza' were problems of communication. What we discussed would be, never was. I thought it would be a sophisticated show. Instead it never went beyond the comic strip level.
Money Isn't that important to me.
Money isn't that important to me. My needs are primarily artistic. Mainly I'm interested in my own peace of mind, in knowing who I am and what I am.
When money becomes more important than any other standard, then we're all in trouble.
I was so unhappy during the last months on 'Bonanza' I was really neurotic. I was anti-social.
If you're locked into a philosophy of nickels and dimes, then you have a pretty limited approach to life. I don't need a lot of money to live with dignity.
Stuck as Adam Cartwright, I was only able to use about one-tenth of my ability.
I don't have the psychological stamina to last under artistic compromises over a prolonged period of time. I get hostile and vindictive. It wears me down.
I didn't leave 'Bonanza' in pursuit of any particular goal. I left for my own good.
I stay out of typecasting ruts.
I work when, and where I want to.
How much does one person need to live? I've never needed or wanted that much.
As we get older, we become more political in terms of survival. We realize a certain amount of cunning is necessary and that you just end up a victim when you are totally honest in an environment where those around you arent. It's a matter of remaining true to yourself while continuing to move forward.
When I finish a movie, I get in my camper and drive around the country.
I've worked a lot in Europe, particularly Spain, which I like very much.
I take parts when I feel like it.
I am living with my limitations and have no intention of becoming a writer.
I don't have a battery of agents to surround me in a cocoon.
For a long time after I left 'Bonanza,' I was considered too independent. That meant I got the rejects other actors could afford turning down. I did theater which I loved, but it cannot pay the bills.
