Dolphia Parker was the wife of actor Dan Blocker, best known for playing Hoss Cartwright on the hugely popular Western TV show Bonanza.
Throughout Dan’s successful career on the long-running show from 1959 to 1973, Dolphia stood by his side as a devoted partner.
Together, they had four kids, continuing the family’s involvement in show business even after Dan’s untimely passing in 1972.
This article will share more about Dolphia, who she was beyond just being Dan Blocker’s wife, what her life was like, and the legacy she left behind raising their family in Hollywood.
Who is Dolphia Parker?
Dolphia Parker was the wife of actor Dan Blocker, known for playing Hoss on the hit Western series Bonanza.
They met in college at Sul Ross State University in Texas, where Dolphia was studying acting and Dan played football.
The two wed in 1952 and had four kids together.
While Dan found fame on Bonanza, Dolphia supported her family privately from behind the scenes.
After Dan’s passing in 1972, she co-authored a Bonanza companion book, sharing behind-the-scenes show secrets and trivia with fans.
Throughout their marriage and after, Dolphia stood by Dan’s side as a loving partner and mother dedicated to their family in Hollywood.
Dolphia Parker Age
Dolphia Parker was born in 1933, in Texas, USA. She is currently 90 years old, as of November 2023.
Dolphia Parker Career
In her youth, Dolphia showed promise as an actress while studying at university, appearing in plays and taking on small roles in TV shows and movies.
Though she had talent, she chose not to pursue acting as a full-time career to focus on her family and support her husband’s career in entertainment.
She accompanied Dan to industry events and helped with his business ventures, like co-owning a popular steakhouse chain.
In 1999, Dolphia worked with her son David to publish a Bonanza companion book, sharing behind-the-scenes anecdotes and interviews through photos and fun facts that provided fans with deeper insight into the iconic Western series.
She committed herself to her family both on and off screen throughout Dan’s success.
Dolphia Parker’s Personal Life
Dolphia devoted herself to her family, marrying Dan in 1952 at age 19.
They shared over 20 happy years until his passing in 1972, during which they had four children born between 1957 and 59.
As a mother, Dolphia raised Dirk, David, Debra, and Danna with love, values, and support.
She encouraged their dreams as they also pursued careers in entertainment.
Deeply loyal to Dan even after his death, Dolphia never remarried and lived a private life surrounded by family, including her eight grandchildren and two great-grandkids.
Throughout her journey, from young love to raising sons who followed in their father’s footsteps, Dolphia prioritized nurturing her close-knit clan above all else.
Dolphia Parker Children
Dolphia Parker’s children, Dirk, David, Debra, and Danna, all have ties to the entertainment industry.
Dirk, known for portraying Detective Hitchcock on Brooklyn Nine-Nine, has an extensive acting career in movies like Poltergeist and TV shows such as Star Trek and The X-Files.
Married to actress Jessica Tuck, they have a daughter named Ruby.
David, an Emmy Award-winning producer for Don King: Only in America, has produced projects like Into the Wild, The Orville, and The Umbrella Academy.
Married to designer Tracy Hutson, they have two sons, Dashiell and Hudson.
Debra, a painter, exhibited her work in galleries, married musician John Lee, and has a son named Henry.
Danna, a sculptor, married filmmaker Morgan Higby Night and has a daughter named Parker.
Dolphia Parker Husband
Dolphia Parker was married to Dan Blocker, a renowned American actor, and Korean War veteran famous for his role as Hoss Cartwright in the beloved Western series Bonanza.
Born on December 10, 1928, in De Kalb, Texas, Dan Blocker was the youngest of four children and gained fame as the gentle middle son of Ben Cartwright on Bonanza, which aired from 1959 to 1973.
Beyond his acting career, Blocker was a successful businessman, philanthropist, and family man.
He passed away on May 13, 1972, at the age of 43, leaving behind a legacy celebrated with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame and a statue in O’Donnell, Texas.
His death, attributed to a pulmonary embolism after gallbladder surgery, was deeply mourned by family, friends, co-stars, and fans.
Dolphia Parker’s Net Worth
Dolphia Parker maintains a private life away from the public eye, making her net worth unpublicized.
Estimated at around $10 million as of November 2023, her wealth is mainly derived from her inheritance from her late husband, Dan Blocker, who had a net worth of about $5 million when he passed away.
Additionally, she earns income from her acting career, book sales, and investments. Despite her considerable wealth, she leads a modest and serene life, directing funds towards her properties, travels, hobbies, and charitable activities, surrounded by family and friends.
Conclusion
Dolphia Parker, widow of the beloved TV actor Dan Blocker, known for his role as Hoss Cartwright on Bonanza, has led a life filled with love, family, and adventure.
Mother to four accomplished children in the entertainment industry, Dolphia co-authored the book Bonanza: The Definitive Ponderosa Companion, offering insights into the show.
Preferring a quiet life since her husband’s 1972 passing, she remains one of the oldest surviving spouses from the Bonanza cast, witnessing the evolving Hollywood landscape.
Dolphia’s inspiring story has made her a revered phenomenon and legend, touching the lives of many.