What Happened To The Original Cast Of Dallas?

Ken Kercheval


Ken Kercheval began his acting career on Broadway before transitioning to television in the 1960s. He gained recognition for his role as Cliff Barnes on the hit series Dallas, where he portrayed the rival of J.R. Ewing. Alongside Larry Hagman, Kercheval was one of the few actors to remain part of the cast for the entire original 13-season run of the show. He reprised his role as Cliff in the 2012 reboot, appearing in all three seasons.
In addition to his television work, Kercheval appeared in various TV movies in the 1990s and returned to the stage in the mid-2000s, notably playing The General in U.K. productions of White Christmas from 2006 to 2011.
Barbara Bel Geddes


Barbara Bel Geddes concluded her acting career portraying the role of Miss Ellie Ewing, the matriarch of Dallas. She retired from both screens and stages in 1990, following her 12-season run on the CBS soap opera. Unfortunately, she passed away from lung cancer in 2005 at the age of 82.
Prior to her iconic role in Dallas, Bel Geddes had already made a name for herself as a star. She received accolades for her performance in the Broadway production Deep Are the Roots. Throughout the 1950s and 1960s, she also found success in other theatrical productions such as The Moon Is Blue, Cat on a Hot Tin Roof, and Mary, Mary.
In Hollywood, Bel Geddes garnered critical praise for her work in both film and television. She was even nominated for a Best Supporting Actress Academy Award for her role in the 1948 film I Remember Mama. Additionally, she appeared in several Alfred Hitchcock projects, including the 1958 psychological thriller Vertigo and various episodes of his anthology series Alfred Hitchcock Presents.

Patrick Duffy


Patrick Duffy is widely recognized for his portrayal of Bobby Ewing, J.R.’s older brother, in the iconic television series Dallas. His character’s death and subsequent resurrection caused quite a stir among fans. Following the conclusion of Dallas, Duffy ventured into the world of sitcoms, starring alongside Suzanne Somers in Step by Step, which aired from 1991 to 1998.
In 2006, Duffy made a return to the soap opera genre, taking on the role of Stephen Logan in The Bold and the Beautiful. Although he left the show after five years, he made a brief comeback in 2022 for a two-episode appearance. Interestingly, his real-life girlfriend Linda Purl joined him on-screen as his love interest. It is worth noting that Duffy’s wife of over four decades, Carlyn Rosser, sadly passed away from cancer in 2017.
In addition to his television work, Patrick Duffy has also made appearances in films such as You Again (2010) and Lady of the Manor (2021). His talent and versatility have allowed him to leave a lasting impact on both the small and big screens.
Linda Gray


Following her role as Sue Ellen Ewing on Dallas, Linda Gray appeared alongside Sylvester Stallone in the 1991 comedy Oscar. Transitioning to the stage in the early 2000s, she graced productions of The Graduate on both the West End and Broadway.
Gray’s television credits include appearances on Melrose Place, its spinoff Models Inc., and 90210, another spinoff within the same franchise. She revisited her iconic Dallas character in the TV movies J.R. Returns and War of the Ewings, as well as in the continuation of the series on TNT in 2012.
In more recent years, Gray has continued to build her TV career with roles in the Hallmark film A Perfect Wedding and the CW comedy series Significant Mother. Her soap opera success extends to the UK, where she portrayed Tabitha Maxwell-Brown on Britain’s Channel 4 show Hollyoaks.
Steve Kanaly


Steve Kanaly, renowned for his portrayal of Jock Ewing’s illegitimate son Ray Krebbs, showcased his versatility by taking on the role of Seabone Hunkle in the soap opera All My Children from 1994 to 1995. In addition to his stint on Dallas, Kanaly also made an appearance in one of the Dallas-based TV movies and made a guest appearance in four episodes of the recent reboot.
Howard Keel


A celebrated singer and actor, left an indelible mark on the entertainment industry before his passing in 2004. He gained widespread recognition for his portrayal of Clayton Farlow on Dallas. Keel’s talent extended beyond the small screen, as he continued his successful musical career by releasing more albums and captivating audiences with his performances in theatrical shows and MGM musicals.
Although Keel’s pace slowed down in the mid-90s following his time on Dallas, his contributions to the industry were not forgotten. Even after his unfortunate demise due to colon cancer, Keel’s remarkable talents were acknowledged. In 2019, he was posthumously honored by being inducted into the esteemed Western Performers Hall of Fame.
Victoria Principal


Victoria Principal departed from Dallas in 1987, following a nine-year run on the show. In a recent interview with PEOPLE, she noted a noticeable drop in the series’ overall quality. Despite her absence, Dallas carried on without her character, Pamela Barnes. Principal then made guest appearances on various shows and took on leading roles in TV movies, many of which were created by her production company.
In the early 2000s, Principal shifted her focus away from acting and towards her wellness initiatives. She launched her own skincare line, Principal Secret, and authored four books centered on personal health.
Charlene Tilton


Charlene Tilton began her portrayal of Lucy Ewing as a teenager, capturing the hearts of many with her charming appearance. Despite this, Tilton admitted in 2023 to PEOPLE that she did not realize her own beauty during her early years as a child star.
Following her time on Dallas, Tilton ventured into both major and minor film projects. She returned to the iconic soap opera for its revival in 2012, but has since expanded her repertoire with diverse character roles. Nowadays, the matured actress can be seen in television movies for faith-based streaming platforms and cable networks such as the Hallmark Channel.

Priscilla Presley


Priscilla Presley, renowned for her acting career, notably portrayed the character Jenna Krebbs in the television series Dallas, becoming the third actress to do so. From 1983 to 1988, she captivated audiences as Bobby Ewing’s former fiancé. Following her time on Dallas, Presley ventured into the world of film, starring in the popular Naked Gun franchise. Additionally, she made appearances in other notable shows such as Melrose Place, Touched by an Angel, and Spin City before taking a step back from acting.
Despite her hiatus from the screen, Presley has remained active in the entertainment industry, dedicating her efforts to commemorate her late ex-husband, Elvis Presley. She contributed to the production of the 1998 drama Finding Graceland and served as the executive producer for a posthumous album release featuring his archival recordings in 2015. More recently, she collaborated on the creation of the animated series Agent Elvis for Netflix, where she will lend her voice to the animated version of herself.
Beyond her professional endeavors, Presley’s personal life has undergone significant changes since her time on Dallas. She has embraced the role of a grandmother, with her only daughter, Lisa Marie Presley, giving her four grandchildren. Tragically, Lisa Marie passed away at the age of 54 in January 2023. In 2022, Lisa Marie’s daughter, Riley Keough, joyfully welcomed Priscilla’s first great-grandchild, marking a new chapter in the family’s journey.

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What Happened To The Original Cast Of Dallas?