Age and date of death
Lorne Greene was 76 years old when he passed away on 11 September 1987. He died from complications following heart surgery and pneumonia at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles, California. The following table summarizes key verified attributes related to his death.
| Attribute | Verified Detail | Source Type |
|---|---|---|
| Date of death | 11 September 1987 | Obituary records |
| Age at death | 76 years old | Obituary records |
| Place of death | Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA | Reputable news reports |
| Immediate cause | Complications after heart surgery and pneumonia | Reputable news reports |
Biographical context
Before his death, Greene was best known for his leading role as Ben Cartwright on the long-running television series Bonanza (1959–1973) and for his later work in science fiction, notably as Commander John Koenig in Space: 1999. His career spanned radio, film, and television, establishing him as a dependable character actor with strong audience recognition.
Confirming the facts
Reports of Greene’s death were widely covered in September 1987 by major newspapers and television news outlets. Official records and contemporaneous obituaries confirm the date and location, while medical details reflect statements from family or hospital sources available at the time. Cross-checking these records helps clarify misunderstandings about alternate dates or causes.
Common points of confusion
- Confusing his role age with his actual age at death: He portrayed Ben Cartwright for many years, but his real age at death was 76.
- Misremembering the date: Some recall a different year or month, but the confirmed date is 11 September 1987.
- Speculation about health: While he had heart surgery shortly before passing, the immediate causes were surgical complications and pneumonia.
Clarifying legacy and remembrance
Greene’s legacy endears him to audiences through reruns and syndication, and he remains a familiar figure to many who grew up watching Bonanza and Space: 1999. Commemorations typically highlight his distinctive voice, commanding screen presence, and longevity in the industry rather than the circumstances of his death.
Reliable sourcing and next steps
For further verification, consult digitized newspaper archives, authoritative obituary databases, and network television history records. These sources consistently list 11 September 1987 as the date of death and 76 as his age. When citing this information, prefer primary archival records and reputable references over informal republished content.