https://www.metv.com/stories/dan-blockers-background-helped-him-with-his-role-in-bonanza

Blocker was wild about the Old West.

Michael Landon had some odd jobs before he found fame on Bonanza (https://www.metv.com/stories/michael-landon-had-some-odd-jobs-before-he-found-fame-on-bonanza)

Hard work really does pay off—and in Landon's case, it paid well.