Kathie Browne (above) was added to the Bonanza cast for a few episodes to provide an escape from the Ponderosa for one restless son, Adam. (Pernell Roberts). On December 8th, 1963, the romance began in an emotion packed episode in which Kathie played a new and very nervous widow, afraid to acknowledge that she'd really hated her husband and wished him dead. Adam lent a calm hand, and by show's end, a romance had begun.

The change in casting came because of Pernell's constant agitation about wanting out of the show. If he had left, a marriage would've been a logical way to shuffle him off into the sunset. However, NBC did not let him out of his contract at the time.

David Dortort, Bonanza's producer, wanted to add dimension to the show. That statement could also be read as "further insurance". So Guy Williams was brought onboard. Originally, Guy was scheduled to play Ben Cartwright's younger brother, but because of his age, it made more sense to cast him as Ben's nephew. In 1964, Guy appeared in five episodes as cousin Will Cartwright. Guy left after the five because he felt he was being used and didn't want to get in the middle of the whole Pernell Roberts situation.

In David Greenland's Bonanza book, he writes that this story of Guy's leaving the series is only partially true. Greenland did say that NBC had no intention of letting Pernell go, but that their main concern was whether or not fans would accept a married Cartwright brother. Fan mail proved that this concern mattered and NBC listened. So in the end, it was Will and Laura who rode off into the sunset.

"We've made some changes on the Ponderosa, and Ben Cartwright and his three sons, Adam, Hoss and Little Joe, are all for them. We hope the viewer will be as happy.

First off, we've decided that it might be nice to hear wedding bells on the ranch. This would enable the show to move in new, fresh directions, and incidentally, answer the wishes of many of the audience. So, we're thinking in terms of Adam getting married.

Why Adam? I was the one responsible for this decision, and I believe that it is Adam who is most ready for marriage, for three reasons:

First, he's the oldest son. Second, he has a greater maturity than either Little Joe or Hoss. An adult, true love is the kind I feel that the show needs. Third, Adam is the leading-man type, ready for a mature love story, not the mere flirtation.

We've already picked Adam's bride, and she's worked in several episodes. She's actress Kathie Browne, a rare girl, and so far she's done an excellent job.

I interviewed Kathie first for the role, and she read extremely well. Then I listened to readings by six other top actresses. Kathie stood out among all of them.

Kathie has worked on Bonanza twice in the past. On one show, she played in a comedy episode. She was very expert, and I remembered this, for to be good at comedy is most important. It shows an understanding of timing.

The other Bonanza Kathie did was a dramatic tale in which she had a love situation very similar to the one we envision for her. However, in that one, Adam was not the man involved.

Briefly, the way we see Kathie's character of Laura Dayton is a true pioneer woman. She must be able to convey the strength and courage of the pioneer. Kathie is all this. But don't think this will be the usual love affair.

In this case, the concept of Laura is as a girl with deep psychological problems. Loving her must not be one of those uncomplicated things that one sees on most series. Adam must be confronted with the need to help her and in doing so, finds a deeper love.

This is why she was made a widow with a seven-year-old girl. The child also has problems, but in spite of her problems, Laura Dayton is a character with exceptional warmth and deep human feeling.

The character of Laura will evolve in stages. One writer will pick up where another left off. Each time a new writer is doing a show, he or she will have to carefully review what has been done before him. So far, four writers have worked in succession on presenting the character. As yet, we have not found the right child for the role of her daughter.

But that's not the only news from the Ponderosa. We've also decided to bring in a brother for father Ben. We've picked Guy Williams to play the part of Ben's brother. We think Guy will fit into the Cartwright family just right. He's already played in one western series, Zorro, and he's a fine actor. He'll be the big boy of the family. Guy stands 6' 3".

He's a good man, but a troubled man with a great need for help. He's a "loner" and because of his confusion and problems, we'll be able to tell more powerful stories.

We won't rush Adam into a marriage with Laura. Their romance will take time. They'll discover each other's strengths and weaknesses naturally, so that when marriage comes, it will be right and real." --David Dortort