“Bonanza” Actress Dead At 82

YouTube / George Johnson

Her work was shown across television screens for decades and will continue to live on in classic collections and boxed sets of some of the most famous and treasured TV shows in American history.

Born just two days after Christmas 1938 in Salt Lake City, this blue-eyed blonde bombshell would go on to become a famous Hollywood star and appear in some of the biggest television hits of all time.

Jean Hale (Coleman) first got her big break in the 1960s after an agent spotted her walking down 5th Avenue and signed her immediately – later landing her a contract with 20th Century Fox!

Not too long before, Jean studied alongside greats like James Caan, Christopher Lloyd, Jessica Walter, and others at the Neighborhood Playhouse School.

This set her up for a long career in feature films, television, and even as the head of her own production company!

Jean Hale Coleman appeared in notable films like McHale’s Navy Joins the Air Force, Taggart, The Oscar, and In Like Flint among others.

Her television credits feature iconic shows like McHale’s Navy, Perry Mason, Batman, Hogan’s Heroes, Hawaii Five-O, Mod Squad, The Survivors, The Virginian, and of course – Bonanza.

According to Deadline, she passed away at her home in Santa Monica, California nearly two months ago on August 3rd, 2021 – but the news just broke today.

Watch some select clips from her career as an incredible actress below and join us in saying a prayer for her family, friends, and fans during this difficult time.