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Entertainment • Actor

Lorne Greene

Lorne Greene was a Canadian actor, broadcaster, and singer best known for playing Ben Cartwright on the television series *Bonanza* and Commander Adama on *Battlestar Galactica*.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 26, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Lorne Greene was a Canadian actor, broadcaster, and singer best known for playing Ben Cartwright on the television series Bonanza and Commander Adama on Battlestar Galactica. Born in Ottawa, Ontario, he first became known in Canadian radio before moving into U.S. film and television. He was appointed an Officer of the Order of Canada in 1969.

Early life and education

Greene was born in Ottawa in 1915 and attended Queen's University in Kingston, Ontario. He initially studied chemical engineering before shifting toward languages and theatre.

Broadcasting career

Before becoming widely known as an actor, Greene worked in Canadian radio and became a leading CBC newscaster. During the Second World War, he earned the nickname "The Voice of Doom" for his authoritative delivery. His deep voice made him one of the best-known broadcasters in Canada.

Acting career

Greene moved into film, stage, and television in the United States during the 1950s. He achieved his greatest fame as Ben Cartwright on Bonanza, which ran from 1959 to 1973, and later appeared as Commander Adama in the original Battlestar Galactica television series.

Other work and honours

In addition to acting, Greene recorded music and released the hit song "Ringo" in the 1960s. He also hosted nature programming. His contributions to the arts were recognized with an honorary doctorate from Queen's University and appointment as an Officer of the Order of Canada in 1969.

Key facts

  • Lorne Greene was born in Ottawa and studied at Queen's University.
  • He became a prominent CBC radio newscaster during WWII, earning the nickname "The Voice of Doom."
  • His best-known role was Ben Cartwright on Bonanza (1959–1973).
  • He later starred as Commander Adama in Battlestar Galactica.
  • He released the hit song "Ringo" in the 1960s and was appointed an Officer of the Order of Canada.
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Canadian context

Greene was born in Ottawa, studied at Queen's University, became a major figure in Canadian broadcasting, and was later recognized with the Order of Canada.

Frequently asked questions

Who was Lorne Greene?
Lorne Greene was a Canadian actor, broadcaster, and singer best known for Bonanza and Battlestar Galactica.
What was Lorne Greene's birth name?
His birth name was Lyon Himan Green.
What role made Lorne Greene famous?
He became internationally famous as Ben Cartwright on the Western series Bonanza.
Did Lorne Greene work in broadcasting before acting?
Yes. He worked as a CBC radio newscaster before building his acting career.
What honours did Lorne Greene receive in Canada?
He was appointed Officer of the Order of Canada in 1969.
When did Lorne Greene die?
He died on September 11, 1987, in Santa Monica, California.

References

  1. Queen's University Encyclopedia — https://www.queensu.ca/encyclopedia/g/greene-lorne
    Supports: Birth in Ottawa, education at Queen's, early theatre and broadcasting career, Bonanza, Battlestar Galactica, honorary doctorate.
  2. The History of Canadian Broadcasting — https://broadcasting-history.ca/personalities/greene-lorne/
    Supports: Canadian radio career, CBC newscasting, nicknames, Queen's attendance, later television work, singing.
  3. IMDb — https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0001296/bio/
    Supports: Birth and death dates/places, birth name, major roles, and Order of Canada.
  4. Britannica — https://www.britannica.com/biography/Lorne-Greene
    Supports: Canadian actor identification and Ben Cartwright role in Bonanza.