Hoss's real name
In 1959 Dan Blocker was casted by David Dortort
as brawny, earnest, loveable Hoss Cartwright.
The character's actual name was Eric.
Bonanza legend has it
that Hoss got his unusual nickname when
he weighed over
50lbs at a couple of months.
"Hoss" is a Norwegian nickname,
meaning "good luck".