John Goddard(I)

Was offered the role of Adam Cartwright on Bonanza (1959), but rejected the offer.

[In an interview with Western Clippings] I would say that the biggest regret of my career was not accepting the role of Adam Cartwright in Bonanza. My agent gave me two options: Bonanza or Johnny Fletcher, the latter of which was based on the bestselling novel by Frank Gruber. I chose the starring role on Johnny Fletcher. It was a big mistake. Johnny Fletcher remained unsold while Bonanza aired for years. I shouldn't dwell on the past though.