Dallas (TV series)
Encyclopedia
Prime time
Prime time or primetime is the block of broadcast programming during the middle of the evening for television programing.The term prime time is often defined in terms of a fixed time period—for example, from 19:00 to 22:00 or 20:00 to 23:00 Prime time or primetime is the block of broadcast...
soap opera
Soap opera
A soap opera, sometimes called "soap" for short, is an ongoing, episodic work of dramatic fiction presented in serial format on radio or as television programming. The name soap opera stems from the original dramatic serials broadcast on radio that had soap manufacturers, such as Procter & Gamble,...
that revolves around the Ewings, a wealthy Texas
Texas
Texas is the second largest U.S. state by both area and population, and the largest state by area in the contiguous United States.The name, based on the Caddo word "Tejas" meaning "friends" or "allies", was applied by the Spanish to the Caddo themselves and to the region of their settlement in...
family in the oil and cattle-ranching industries. Throughout the series, Larry Hagman
Larry Hagman
Larry Martin Hagman is an American film and television actor, producer and director known for playing J.R. Ewing in the 1980s primetime television soap opera Dallas and Major Anthony "Tony" Nelson in the 1960s sitcom I Dream of Jeannie.-Early life and career:Hagman was born in Fort Worth, Texas...
stars as greedy, scheming oil baron
Baron
Baron is a title of nobility. The word baron comes from Old French baron, itself from Old High German and Latin baro meaning " man, warrior"; it merged with cognate Old English beorn meaning "nobleman"...
J. R. Ewing. The show also starred stage/screen actress Barbara Bel Geddes
Barbara Bel Geddes
Barbara Bel Geddes was an American actress, artist and children's author. She is best known for her role in the television drama series Dallas as matriarch Eleanor "Miss Ellie" Ewing. Bel Geddes also starred in the original Broadway production of Cat on a Hot Tin Roof in the role of Maggie...
as family matriarch Miss Ellie
Miss Ellie Ewing
Eleanor "Miss Ellie" Farlow , is a principal character in the popular American television series Dallas, the matriarch of the rambunctious Ewing family....
, and movie Western
Western (film)
Western is a 1997 road movie directed by Manuel Poirier. It tells the story of the relationship between a Spanish shoe salesman and a Russian hitchhiker as they drive across the French countryide in search of love.-Cast:* Sergi López - Paco Cazale...
actor Jim Davis
Jim Davis (actor)
Jim Davis was an American actor, best known for his role as Jock Ewing in the CBS prime-time soap Dallas, a role which he held up until his death in April 1981.-Biography:...
in his last role as Ewing patriarch Jock Ewing
Jock Ewing
John Ross Ewing, Sr., better known as Jock Ewing, is a character in the popular American television series Dallas, played by Jim Davis and Dale Midkiff in Dallas: The Early Years...
before his death in 1981.
The show debuted in April 1978 as a five-part miniseries
Miniseries
A miniseries , in a serial storytelling medium, is a television show production which tells a story in a limited number of episodes. The exact number is open to interpretation; however, they are usually limited to fewer than a whole season. The term "miniseries" is generally a North American term...
on the CBS network
CBS
CBS Broadcasting Inc. is a major US commercial broadcasting television network, which started as a radio network. The name is derived from the initials of the network's former name, Columbia Broadcasting System. The network is sometimes referred to as the "Eye Network" in reference to the shape of...
, and then was subsequently broadcast for thirteen seasons from April 2, 1978 to May 3, 1991. Dallas was included in Time magazine's 2007 list of "100 Best TV Shows of All-TIME." The show was also famous for its cliffhanger
Cliffhanger
A cliffhanger or cliffhanger ending is a plot device in fiction which features a main character in a precarious or difficult dilemma, or confronted with a shocking revelation at the end of an episode of serialized fiction...
s, including the "Who shot J.R.?
Who shot J.R.?
Who shot J. R.? is an advertising catchphrase that American network CBS created in 1980 to promote the television series Dallas.In the final scene of the 1979–1980 season, the character J. R. Ewing, played by Larry Hagman, was shot by a hidden assailant. The episode, titled "A House Divided", was...
" mystery, and the "Dream Season", in which the entirety of season eight was revealed to have been a dream of one of the characters.
In 2010, TNT (sister company to Warner Bros. Television
Warner Bros. Television
Warner Bros. Television is the television production arm of Warner Bros. Entertainment, itself part of Time Warner. Alongside CBS Television Studios, it serves as a television production arm of The CW Television Network , though it also produces shows for other networks, such as Shameless on...
who are the current copyright owners of the series) announced they were producing a new, updated series of Dallas. The new series is a continuation of the original series and will primarily center around J.R. Ewing
J.R. Ewing
John Ross Ewing, Jr., more commonly known as J. R. Ewing, played by Larry Hagman, was a central, nefarious figure on the hit CBS television series Dallas . J. R...
's son John Ross Ewing III
John Ross Ewing III
John Ross Ewing III was a fictional character on the CBS television series Dallas. He was played by Tyler Banks from 1980-1983; and by actor Omri Katz from 1983 until 1991 and in the Dallas: J.R. Returns reunion TV movie in 1996. In the upcoming series continuation he will be played by actor Josh...
, and Bobby Ewing's adopted son Christopher Ewing, though various stars of the original series will be reprising their roles. The new series is due to air on the TNT channel in mid-2012.
History
The show's central character is John Ross "J.R." Ewing Jr., a greedy, scheming oil baron played by Larry HagmanLarry Hagman
Larry Martin Hagman is an American film and television actor, producer and director known for playing J.R. Ewing in the 1980s primetime television soap opera Dallas and Major Anthony "Tony" Nelson in the 1960s sitcom I Dream of Jeannie.-Early life and career:Hagman was born in Fort Worth, Texas...
(a Fort Worth
Fort Worth, Texas
Fort Worth is the 16th-largest city in the United States of America and the fifth-largest city in the state of Texas. Located in North Central Texas, just southeast of the Texas Panhandle, the city is a cultural gateway into the American West and covers nearly in Tarrant, Parker, Denton, and...
native). J.R. was only intended to be a supporting character when the show premiered, as the series was originally based around J.R.'s brother Bobby and his new bride, Pam
Pamela Barnes Ewing
Pamela Jean "Pam" Barnes is a fictional character in the popular American television series Dallas, played by Victoria Principal and Margaret Michaels.-Early pre-series life:...
. However, J.R.'s machinations became popular with viewers and he quickly became the focus of the series.
Creator David Jacobs
David Jacobs (writer)
David Jacobs in Baltimore, Maryland is a writer for television, most memorable for being the creator of the two dramas Dallas and Knots Landing....
originated the idea for a drama series about four married couples (which would later become the spinoff
Spin-off (media)
In media, a spin-off is a radio program, television program, video game, or any narrative work, derived from one or more already existing works, that focuses, in particular, in more detail on one aspect of that original work...
series Knots Landing
Knots Landing
Knots Landing is an American primetime television soap opera that aired from December 27, 1979 to May 13, 1993 on CBS. Set in a fictitious coastal suburb of Los Angeles in California, the show centered on the lives of four married couples living in a cul-de-sac, Seaview Circle...
), but CBS wanted a glitzy "saga-like" show. Jacobs therefore created Dallas, a series about a wealthy family in the oil business. When Dallas proved to be a hit, CBS reconsidered Jacobs' original idea and turned Knots Landing into a spin-off
Spin-off (media)
In media, a spin-off is a radio program, television program, video game, or any narrative work, derived from one or more already existing works, that focuses, in particular, in more detail on one aspect of that original work...
of Dallas in late 1979.
The Dallas miniseries
Miniseries
A miniseries , in a serial storytelling medium, is a television show production which tells a story in a limited number of episodes. The exact number is open to interpretation; however, they are usually limited to fewer than a whole season. The term "miniseries" is generally a North American term...
that started in April 1978 was shot entirely on location
Filming location
A filming location is a place where some or all of a film or television series is produced, in addition to or instead of using sets constructed on a movie studio backlot or soundstage...
in Dallas
Dallas, Texas
Dallas is the third-largest city in Texas and the ninth-largest in the United States. The Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex is the largest metropolitan area in the South and fourth-largest metropolitan area in the United States...
, Texas, and at the Cloyce Box Ranch
Cloyce Box Ranch
The Cloyce Box Ranch was the site of the original Southfork ranch location, where the initial five episodes of Dallas were filmed. The series left that location at the end of the first season in 1978 due to a request by the property owner...
in Frisco, Texas
Frisco, Texas
Frisco is an affluent city in Collin and Denton Counties in the U.S. state of Texas and a rapidly growing suburb of Dallas. As of the 2010 Census, 116,989 people were living in Frisco up from 33,714 in the previous census. Frisco was the fastest growing city in the United States in 2009, and also...
. Later, most interiors for the show were shot at the MGM
Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer
Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Inc. is an American media company, involved primarily in the production and distribution of films and television programs. MGM was founded in 1924 when the entertainment entrepreneur Marcus Loew gained control of Metro Pictures, Goldwyn Pictures Corporation and Louis B. Mayer...
studios in Hollywood
Hollywood, Los Angeles, California
Hollywood is a famous district in Los Angeles, California, United States situated west-northwest of downtown Los Angeles. Due to its fame and cultural identity as the historical center of movie studios and movie stars, the word Hollywood is often used as a metonym of American cinema...
, with some exteriors being shot at the Southfork Ranch
Southfork Ranch
Southfork Ranch is a conference and event center located near Plano, Texas; it contains the Ewing Mansion, which was the setting for the 1978 - 1991 television series Dallas. The ranch is located at 3700 Hogge Drive in Parker, Texas.-History:...
in Parker, Texas
Parker, Texas
Parker is a city in Collin County, Texas, United States. The population was 1,379 at the 2000 census.-Geography:Parker is located at .According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of , all of it land...
, and other sections of Dallas, until 1989, when rising production costs led to all filming being relocated to California. Typically the cast and crew would spend six to eight weeks filming on-location sequences in the Dallas area during the summer prior to the season, then film the remainder of the season in the Los Angeles area; less than half of the episodes in a given season had on-location sequences filmed in Dallas. MGM built a full-size replica of the Southfork Ranch backyard and pool on one of its soundstages, allowing for filming of "location" shots during the latter part of the season.
Premise
The show is known for its wealth, sex, intrigue, and power struggles. When the series began, the founder of Ewing Oil and patriarch of the Ewing family was John Ross "Jock" Ewing, Sr. (veteran movie actor Jim DavisJim Davis (actor)
Jim Davis was an American actor, best known for his role as Jock Ewing in the CBS prime-time soap Dallas, a role which he held up until his death in April 1981.-Biography:...
), a ruthless oil tycoon who had allegedly cheated his one-time partner, Willard "Digger" Barnes (David Wayne
David Wayne
David Wayne was an American actor with a career spanning nearly 50 years.-Early life and career:...
, later replaced by Keenan Wynn
Keenan Wynn
Keenan Wynn was an American character actor. His bristling mustache and expressive face were his stock in trade, and though he rarely had a lead role, he got prominent billing in most of his film and TV parts....
) out of his share of the company as well as Digger's only love, Eleanor "Ellie" Southworth
Miss Ellie Ewing
Eleanor "Miss Ellie" Farlow , is a principal character in the popular American television series Dallas, the matriarch of the rambunctious Ewing family....
(veteran stage/movie actress Barbara Bel Geddes
Barbara Bel Geddes
Barbara Bel Geddes was an American actress, artist and children's author. She is best known for her role in the television drama series Dallas as matriarch Eleanor "Miss Ellie" Ewing. Bel Geddes also starred in the original Broadway production of Cat on a Hot Tin Roof in the role of Maggie...
). Later, the offspring of Jock's brother would claim that their father was integral to the oil boom that created the Ewing dynasty, and sued the estate.
Jock and Miss Ellie raised three sons, J.R. (Larry Hagman
Larry Hagman
Larry Martin Hagman is an American film and television actor, producer and director known for playing J.R. Ewing in the 1980s primetime television soap opera Dallas and Major Anthony "Tony" Nelson in the 1960s sitcom I Dream of Jeannie.-Early life and career:Hagman was born in Fort Worth, Texas...
), Gary
Gary Ewing
Garrison Arthur Ewing was a character in the CBS television series Knots Landing and Dallas. The character of Gary Ewing was played most notably by Ted Shackelford and briefly played by David Ackroyd .-Dallas:...
(David Ackroyd
David Ackroyd
David Ackroyd is an American actor, who first came to prominence in soap operas such as The Secret Storm and Another World. He was born in Orange, New Jersey, a suburb of Newark.-Career:...
and later Ted Shackelford
Ted Shackelford
Ted Shackelford is an American actor best known for his role as Gary Ewing on the CBS television series Knots Landing, in which he starred from 1979–93...
) and Bobby (Patrick Duffy
Patrick Duffy
Patrick George Duffy is an American character actor of stage and film. He is best known for his role on the CBS television drama Dallas, where he played Bobby Ewing from 1978 to 1985 and from 1986 to 1991, Duffy returns to reprise his role as Bobby in a new up-to-date Dallas currently scheduled to...
). J.R., the eldest Ewing son, unscrupulous and unhappily married to a former Miss Texas
Miss Texas
The Miss Texas competition was founded in 1936 as a scholarship contest for young women. The winner represents Texas in the Miss America pageant; three winners have gone on to be crowned Miss America ....
, Sue Ellen Shepard Ewing
Sue Ellen Ewing
Sue Ellen Ewing is a character on the popular American television series Dallas, played by Linda Gray from 1978 to 1989. Sue Ellen was the long-suffering two-time wife of the nefarious J. R. Ewing....
(Linda Gray
Linda Gray
Linda Ann Gray is an American actress, best known for her role as Sue Ellen Ewing on the television prime-time soap opera Dallas.-Career:Prior to acting, Gray began working as a model in the 1960s...
), was frequently at odds with his youngest brother, Bobby, who had the morals and integrity that their daddy's namesake lacked. Middle son Gary was Ellie's favorite as he displayed Southworth (her side of the family) traits. Gary was in disfavor with both Jock and JR, and dismissed as a weak link, though Gary maintained a warm relationship with the other Ewings. Gary married a former waitress Valene "Val" Clements Ewing (later Gibson Waleska Ewing)
Valene Ewing
Valene "Val" Ewing is a fictional character in the American television series Dallas and, more prominently, its spin-off series Knots Landing. She was played by Joan Van Ark....
(Joan Van Ark
Joan Van Ark
Joan Van Ark is an American actress, most notable for her role as Valene Ewing, which she originated on the CBS series Dallas and continued for thirteen seasons on its spin-off, Knots Landing...
), who produced the first heir, the petite and saucy Lucy
Lucy Ewing Cooper
Lucy Ewing Cooper was a character in the popular American television series Dallas, played by Charlene Tilton .Lucy was the saucy daughter of Gary Ewing and Valene Clements Ewing and confused niece of JR Ewing & Bobby Ewing. Lucy was raised on the Southfork Ranch by her grandparents, Jock and Miss...
(Charlene Tilton
Charlene Tilton
Charlene L. Tilton is an American actress and singer. She is best known for playing Lucy Ewing in the television series Dallas.-Career:...
), who displayed a spoiled, boy-hungry personna while residing at Southfork Ranch. Lucy had been sleeping with the ranch foreman, Ray Krebbs
Ray Krebbs
Raymond "Ray" Krebbs, was a character in the popular American television series Dallas, played by Steve Kanaly . Ray Krebbs is the illegitimate son of Texas oil baron Jock Ewing and U.S. Army nurse Margaret Hunter....
(Steve Kanaly
Steve Kanaly
Steven Francis "Steve" Kanaly is an American actor, best known for his role as Ray Krebbs, foreman of the Southfork Ranch, on the television soap opera Dallas from 1978 to 1989. He reprised the role for the final episode of the series in 1991, and again for the made-for-TV reunion movie Dallas:...
). Ray would later be revealed as a half-sibling, an illegitimate son through an extramarital affair Jock had during World War II. Kanaly was unhappy with his small, one dimensional role and considered leaving the show. To add depth to Kanaly's character, Hagman suggested that the writers create a plot wherein Ray becomes half-brother to J.R., Gary, and Bobby, noting his resemblance to Davis. The episode where Ray and half-niece Lucy had a fling is, as Kanaly told Dinah Shore
Dinah Shore
Dinah Shore was an American singer, actress, and television personality...
in an appearance on her show, "prayerfully forgotten, I hope."
Ray had previously engaged in a short fling with Pamela Barnes
Pamela Barnes Ewing
Pamela Jean "Pam" Barnes is a fictional character in the popular American television series Dallas, played by Victoria Principal and Margaret Michaels.-Early pre-series life:...
(Victoria Principal
Victoria Principal
Victoria Principal is an American actress, best known for her role as Pamela Barnes Ewing on the CBS nighttime drama Dallas from 1978 to 1987.-Early life:...
), who was Digger Barnes' (David Wayne
David Wayne
David Wayne was an American actor with a career spanning nearly 50 years.-Early life and career:...
) stepdaughter and Cliff
Cliff Barnes
Clifford "Cliff" Barnes, played by Ken Kercheval, was a character on the popular American television series Dallas. The Barnes family were competitors and sometimes enemies of the Ewing family. Cliff was the son of Willard "Digger" Barnes and Rebecca Barnes Wentworth. J.R. Ewing was Cliff's...
's (Ken Kercheval
Ken Kercheval
Ken Kercheval is an American actor, best known for his role as Cliff Barnes on the television series Dallas....
) half-sister. However, Pam loved Bobby Ewing and the two married. J.R., who loathed the Barnes family, was not happy with Pam living at Southfork and constantly tried to undermine her marriage to Bobby. The feeling of acrimony was mutual from Cliff and he too tried to undermine their marriage, but in time he grew to accept it and Bobby as his brother in law.
The series ended most of its seasons with ratings-grabbing cliffhangers. Some notable cliffhangers included the landmark "Who shot J.R.?" episode (which TV Guide
TV Guide
TV Guide is a weekly American magazine with listings of TV shows.In addition to TV listings, the publication features television-related news, celebrity interviews, gossip and film reviews and crossword puzzles...
ranked #69 on its list of "TV's Top 100 Episodes of All Time"), an unidentified floating female corpse in the Southfork swimming pool, and a blazing house fire.
Original main cast
Larry HagmanLarry Hagman
Larry Martin Hagman is an American film and television actor, producer and director known for playing J.R. Ewing in the 1980s primetime television soap opera Dallas and Major Anthony "Tony" Nelson in the 1960s sitcom I Dream of Jeannie.-Early life and career:Hagman was born in Fort Worth, Texas...
as John Ross "J.R." Ewing, Jr.
J.R. Ewing
John Ross Ewing, Jr., more commonly known as J. R. Ewing, played by Larry Hagman, was a central, nefarious figure on the hit CBS television series Dallas . J. R...
(1978–1991 – entire run)
- Eldest son of Jock and Miss Ellie.
Episodes: 357
Patrick Duffy
Patrick Duffy
Patrick George Duffy is an American character actor of stage and film. He is best known for his role on the CBS television drama Dallas, where he played Bobby Ewing from 1978 to 1985 and from 1986 to 1991, Duffy returns to reprise his role as Bobby in a new up-to-date Dallas currently scheduled to...
as Bobby Ewing
Bobby James Ewing
Robert James Ewing, commonly called Bobby Ewing, is a fictional character central to the long running TV soap opera Dallas. The youngest son of Jock and Ellie Ewing, he was portrayed by actor Patrick Duffy between 1978 and 1991, although both the actor and the character left the show briefly during...
(1978–1985, 1986–1991)
- Youngest son of Jock and Miss Ellie.
Episodes: 327
Linda Gray
Linda Gray
Linda Ann Gray is an American actress, best known for her role as Sue Ellen Ewing on the television prime-time soap opera Dallas.-Career:Prior to acting, Gray began working as a model in the 1960s...
as Sue Ellen Ewing
Sue Ellen Ewing
Sue Ellen Ewing is a character on the popular American television series Dallas, played by Linda Gray from 1978 to 1989. Sue Ellen was the long-suffering two-time wife of the nefarious J. R. Ewing....
(1978–1989, 1991)
- J.R.'s long-suffering alcoholic wife. Although it is commonly believed that Gray was a principal cast member from the start, in reality she had mere guest-star status during the show's short first season (essentially an extended pilot). After impressing the producers with her talent while filming, in particular during an episode when the Ewings were held hostage and Sue Ellen was forced to reprise her Miss Texas "victory parade" in tears for the kidnappers, they decided to make Sue Ellen a lead character once the show was picked up for a full season.
Episodes: 308
Victoria Principal
Victoria Principal
Victoria Principal is an American actress, best known for her role as Pamela Barnes Ewing on the CBS nighttime drama Dallas from 1978 to 1987.-Early life:...
(1978–1987), Margaret Michaels
Margaret Michaels
Margaret Michaels is an American actress best known for appearing as the characters of Pamela Ewing #2 and Jeanne O'Brien on the TV series Dallas, as a tennis player in the Dallas, imitator series Dynasty and on the television serial Santa Barbara.-Career:In the late-1980s, Warner Bros...
(briefly in 1988) as Pamela Barnes Ewing
Pamela Barnes Ewing
Pamela Jean "Pam" Barnes is a fictional character in the popular American television series Dallas, played by Victoria Principal and Margaret Michaels.-Early pre-series life:...
- Bobby's wife, who is often forced to act as a buffer between the two feuding families. The producers' original intent was to center the entire show around the character of Pam, but it became almost immediately clear after the show's short five-episode season that J.R. was the standout character. Although Pam was undeniably a lead character for her ten seasons on the show, she was a "breakout character" to the extent that J.R. was. It was obvious since the pilot that both Pam and JR, until Pam's departure in 1987, were the stars of the show. This was shown in the pilot, "Digger's Daughter."
Episodes: 250
Jim Davis
Jim Davis (actor)
Jim Davis was an American actor, best known for his role as Jock Ewing in the CBS prime-time soap Dallas, a role which he held up until his death in April 1981.-Biography:...
as John Ross "Jock" Ewing, Sr. (1978–1981)
- Founder of Ewing Oil and head of the Ewing family.
Episodes: 75
Barbara Bel Geddes
Barbara Bel Geddes
Barbara Bel Geddes was an American actress, artist and children's author. She is best known for her role in the television drama series Dallas as matriarch Eleanor "Miss Ellie" Ewing. Bel Geddes also starred in the original Broadway production of Cat on a Hot Tin Roof in the role of Maggie...
as Eleanor "Miss Ellie" Southworth Ewing
Miss Ellie Ewing
Eleanor "Miss Ellie" Farlow , is a principal character in the popular American television series Dallas, the matriarch of the rambunctious Ewing family....
(1978–1984, 1985–1990)
- Jock's wife, whose family originally owned Southfork Ranch.
Episodes: 280
Charlene Tilton
Charlene Tilton
Charlene L. Tilton is an American actress and singer. She is best known for playing Lucy Ewing in the television series Dallas.-Career:...
as Lucy Ewing Cooper
Lucy Ewing Cooper
Lucy Ewing Cooper was a character in the popular American television series Dallas, played by Charlene Tilton .Lucy was the saucy daughter of Gary Ewing and Valene Clements Ewing and confused niece of JR Ewing & Bobby Ewing. Lucy was raised on the Southfork Ranch by her grandparents, Jock and Miss...
(1978–1985, 1988–1990)
- Gary and Val's daughter. Saucy granddaughter of Jock and Miss Ellie, and niece of J.R. and Bobby.
Episodes: 221
Steve Kanaly
Steve Kanaly
Steven Francis "Steve" Kanaly is an American actor, best known for his role as Ray Krebbs, foreman of the Southfork Ranch, on the television soap opera Dallas from 1978 to 1989. He reprised the role for the final episode of the series in 1991, and again for the made-for-TV reunion movie Dallas:...
as Ray Krebbs
Ray Krebbs
Raymond "Ray" Krebbs, was a character in the popular American television series Dallas, played by Steve Kanaly . Ray Krebbs is the illegitimate son of Texas oil baron Jock Ewing and U.S. Army nurse Margaret Hunter....
(1978–1988)
- Ranch foreman; Jock's illegitimate son.
Episodes: 268
Ken Kercheval
Ken Kercheval
Ken Kercheval is an American actor, best known for his role as Cliff Barnes on the television series Dallas....
as Cliff Barnes
Cliff Barnes
Clifford "Cliff" Barnes, played by Ken Kercheval, was a character on the popular American television series Dallas. The Barnes family were competitors and sometimes enemies of the Ewing family. Cliff was the son of Willard "Digger" Barnes and Rebecca Barnes Wentworth. J.R. Ewing was Cliff's...
(1978–1991 – entire run)
- Pam's brother, whose schemes are aimed directly against the Ewings, specifically J.R.
Episodes: 327
Additional cast members
Susan HowardSusan Howard
Jeri Lynn Mooney , better known as Susan Howard, is an American actress, writer, and political activist; best known for portraying the character Donna Culver Krebbs on the soap opera Dallas, Maggie Petrocelli on the television show Petrocelli, and to Star Trek fans for portraying Mara, the first...
as Donna Culver Krebbs
Donna Culver Krebbs
Donna McCullum Culver Krebbs, was a character in the popular American television series Dallas, played by Susan Howard .Donna was an intelligent, well-regarded politician's wife. Donna was married to the much older Sam Culver, a former governor of Texas. During the course of her marriage, she...
(1979–1987)
- Widow of former Texas Senator Sam Culver who has an affair with and later marries Ray.
Episodes: 197
Howard Keel
Howard Keel
Harold Clifford Keel , known professionally as Howard Keel, was an American actor and singer. He starred in many film musicals of the 1950s...
as Clayton Farlow
Clayton Farlow
Clayton Farlow was a main character in the popular American television series Dallas, played by Howard Keel .Clayton Farlow, along with his sister Jessica, were raised on the Southern Cross Ranch in San Angelo, Texas. Jessica was wild in her teenage years and developed a serious violent mental...
(Spring 1981–1991)
- Dignified, and sometimes hot-tempered, oil baron. Miss Ellie's second husband and stepfather of J.R., Gary, and Bobby.
Episodes: 234
Priscilla Beaulieu Presley
Priscilla Presley
Priscilla Presley is an American actress and businesswoman. She is the ex-wife of singer Elvis Presley, and the mother of singer-songwriter Lisa Marie Presley....
(1983–1988), Morgan Fairchild
Morgan Fairchild
Morgan Fairchild is an American actress. She achieved prominence during the late 1970s and early 1980s with continuing roles in several television series, in which she usually conveyed a glamorous image. Fairchild has also performed in live theater and played guest roles in television comedies...
(briefly in 1978), and Francine Tacker
Francine Tacker
Francine Tacker is an American actress known for her brief appearance in the television series Dallas as Jenna Wade. Tacker was the second actress to play the character, succeeding Morgan Fairchild and preceding Priscilla Presley...
(briefly in 1980) as Jenna Wade
Jenna Wade
Jenna Wade Krebbs was a fictional character in the popular American television series Dallas, played most notably by Priscilla Beaulieu Presley . The character of Jenna was briefly played by Morgan Fairchild in 1978 and Francine Tacker in 1980.Jenna was Bobby Ewing's first true love...
- Bobby's first true love and the mother of his only biological child Lucas Wade.
Episodes: 134
Audrey Landers
Audrey Landers
Audrey Landers is a German American actress and singer, who is probably best known for her role as Afton Cooper in the television drama series Dallas and her role as Val Clarke in the film version of A Chorus Line.- Early years :...
as Afton Cooper (1981–1984, 1989)
- Mitch's sister and aspiring singer who becomes Cliff's girlfriend, after a brief affair with J.R., and later mother of his daughter Pamela Rebecca Cooper.
Episodes: 84
Donna Reed
Donna Reed
Donna Reed was an American film and television actress.With appearances in over 40 films, Reed received the 1953 Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress for her performance as the tramp Lorene in the war drama From Here to Eternity. She is also noted for her role in the perennial Christmas...
as Miss Ellie
Miss Ellie Ewing
Eleanor "Miss Ellie" Farlow , is a principal character in the popular American television series Dallas, the matriarch of the rambunctious Ewing family....
(1984–1985)
Episodes: 24
- Matriarch of the Ewing family.
Dack Rambo
Dack Rambo
Norman Jay Rambeau , professionally known as Dack Rambo, was an American actor, most notable for appearing as Walter Brennan's grandson Jeff in the ABC series The Guns of Will Sonnett, as Steve Jacobi in All My Children, as cousin Jack Ewing on CBS's Dallas, and as Grant Harrison on the NBC soap...
as Jack Ewing (Spring 1985–1987)
- A wandering cousin, son of Jock's brother Jason.
Episodes: 51
Sheree J. Wilson
Sheree J. Wilson
Sheree Julienne Wilson is an American actress, primarily known for her roles in soap operas and television...
as April Stevens Ewing
April Stevens Ewing
April Stevens, was a character that appeared in the later seasons of the popular American television series Dallas, played by Sheree J. Wilson ....
(1986–1991)
- Jack's ex-wife, who eventually marries Bobby.
Episodes: 108
George Kennedy as Carter McKay (1988–1991)
- Becomes the head of WestStar oil and the adversary of J.R.
Episodes: 67
Cathy Podewell
Cathy Podewell
Cathy Podewell is an American actress. She played Cally Harper Ewing, the second wife of the character J.R. Ewing, on Dallas from 1988 to 1991.She appeared in the 1988 horror film Night of the Demons...
as Cally Harper Ewing (1988–1991)
- J.R.'s young second wife.
Episodes: 56
Kimberly Foster
Kimberly Foster
Kimberly Foster is an American actress primarily active in the 1980s and 1990s.Foster is best known for her role as Michelle Stevens in the later seasons of the prime-time drama Dallas which she played from 1989 to 1991. Her character was briefly a sister-in-law to Bobby Ewing and later briefly a...
as Michelle Stevens
Michelle Stevens
Michelle Stevens was a character that appeared in the later seasons of the popular American television series Dallas, played by Kimberly Foster from 1989 to 1991....
(1989–1991)
- April's sister, who marries J.R.'s eldest son JamesJames Richard BeaumontJames Richard Beaumont, was a character that appeared in the later seasons of the popular American television series Dallas, played by Sasha Mitchell from 1989 to 1991.-Biography:...
and then Cliff Barnes.
Episodes: 37
Sasha Mitchell
Sasha Mitchell
Sasha Mitchell is an American actor best known for his television roles as James Richard Beaumont on Dallas and Cody Lambert on Step by Step. Mitchell also holds a black belt in Tae Kwon Do.-Personal life:...
as James Richard Beaumont
James Richard Beaumont
James Richard Beaumont, was a character that appeared in the later seasons of the popular American television series Dallas, played by Sasha Mitchell from 1989 to 1991.-Biography:...
(1989–1991)
- J.R.'s illegitimate son with old flame Vanessa Beaumont.
Episodes: 39
Lesley-Anne Down
Lesley-Anne Down
Lesley-Anne Down is a British film and television actress, former model and singer.Down achieved fame as Georgina Worsley in the ITV drama series Upstairs, Downstairs...
as Stephanie Rogers (Spring 1990)
- PR woman who plots to make Cliff a powerful political figure.
Episodes: 7
Barbara Stock
Barbara Stock
Barbara Stock is an American actress, who appeared in the prime-time drama Spenser: For Hire for two non-consecutive seasons as "Susan Silverman", the love interest of "Spenser"...
as Liz Adams (Spring 1990–1991)
- Cliff's girlfriend during the final season.
Episodes: 19
Important secondary characters
Tina LouiseTina Louise
Tina Louise is an American actress, singer, and author. She is best known for her role as the "movie star" Ginger Grant on the television situation comedy Gilligan's Island .-Early life:...
as Julie Gray (1978–1979)
- J.R.'s first secretary, with whom he is personally involved.
Episodes: 5
David Wayne
David Wayne
David Wayne was an American actor with a career spanning nearly 50 years.-Early life and career:...
(1978–1979) and Keenan Wynn
Keenan Wynn
Keenan Wynn was an American character actor. His bristling mustache and expressive face were his stock in trade, and though he rarely had a lead role, he got prominent billing in most of his film and TV parts....
(1979–1980) as Willard "Digger" Barnes: Cliff and Pam's father, former partner and sworn enemy of Jock Ewing. A legendary prospector but erratic personality, it was implied in Dallas: The Early Years
Dallas: The Early Years
Dallas: The Early Years was a made for television movie that first aired on March 23, 1986 on CBS during the eighth season of the TV series Dallas...
that Digger could smell oil underground.
Episodes: 4 (David) Episodes: 10 (Keenan)
Ted Shackelford
Ted Shackelford
Ted Shackelford is an American actor best known for his role as Gary Ewing on the CBS television series Knots Landing, in which he starred from 1979–93...
(1979, 1980, 1981, 1982, 1985, 1991 guest appearances) and David Ackroyd
David Ackroyd
David Ackroyd is an American actor, who first came to prominence in soap operas such as The Secret Storm and Another World. He was born in Orange, New Jersey, a suburb of Newark.-Career:...
(briefly in 1978) as Garrison Arthur "Gary" Ewing
Gary Ewing
Garrison Arthur Ewing was a character in the CBS television series Knots Landing and Dallas. The character of Gary Ewing was played most notably by Ted Shackelford and briefly played by David Ackroyd .-Dallas:...
- Alcoholic black sheep of the Ewing family and Lucy's father, who moves away to California to star in the spinoffSpin-off (media)In media, a spin-off is a radio program, television program, video game, or any narrative work, derived from one or more already existing works, that focuses, in particular, in more detail on one aspect of that original work...
series Knots LandingKnots LandingKnots Landing is an American primetime television soap opera that aired from December 27, 1979 to May 13, 1993 on CBS. Set in a fictitious coastal suburb of Los Angeles in California, the show centered on the lives of four married couples living in a cul-de-sac, Seaview Circle...
.
Episode: 9
Joan Van Ark
Joan Van Ark
Joan Van Ark is an American actress, most notable for her role as Valene Ewing, which she originated on the CBS series Dallas and continued for thirteen seasons on its spin-off, Knots Landing...
as Valene "Val" Clements Ewing (later Gibson Waleska Ewing)
Valene Ewing
Valene "Val" Ewing is a fictional character in the American television series Dallas and, more prominently, its spin-off series Knots Landing. She was played by Joan Van Ark....
(1978, 1979, 1980, 1981, 1991 guest appearances): Gary's wife and Lucy's mother, a central character on Dallas spinoff Knots Landing
Knots Landing
Knots Landing is an American primetime television soap opera that aired from December 27, 1979 to May 13, 1993 on CBS. Set in a fictitious coastal suburb of Los Angeles in California, the show centered on the lives of four married couples living in a cul-de-sac, Seaview Circle...
.
Episodes: 8
Mary Crosby
Mary Crosby
Mary Frances Crosby is an American actress. She is most often credited as simply Mary Crosby for her performances.-Early life:...
(1979–1981, 1991) and Colleen Camp
Colleen Camp
Colleen Celeste Camp is an American actress and film producer, known for her performances in two installments of the Police Academy series and as Yvette the Maid in the 1985 black comedy Clue. She was also the first actress to play Kristin Shepard in U.S. prime time soap opera Dallas in 1979.Camp...
(briefly in 1979) as Kristin Shepard
Kristin Shepard
Kristin Shepard was a character in the popular American television series Dallas, played most notably by Mary Crosby and briefly played by Colleen Camp...
: Sue Ellen's scheming sister, who has an affair with J.R. Was revealed to be the one who shot J.R. in the infamous "Who Shot J.R.?" Cliffhanger.
Episodes: 28
Randolph Powell
Randolph Powell
Randolph Powell is an American actor, best known for his roles on television.He was a leading cast member of the science fiction series Logan's Run and played Alan Beam in the soap opera Dallas.-External links:...
as Alan Beam (1979–1980)
- Smooth-talking, ambitious lawyer who works for J.R. and was briefly engaged to Lucy.
Episodes: 18
Jared Martin
Jared Martin
Jared Martin is an American film and television actor.-Acting career:Born in Queens, New York to Charles E. Martin a cover artist for The New Yorker, and his wife, Florence, Jared Martin began acting at the age of ten, when his parents gave him the choice of either learning to play the piano, or...
as Steven "Dusty" Farlow (1979–1982, 1985, 1991)
- Clayton's adopted son and Sue Ellen's sometimes lover. Biological son of Jessica Farlow.
Episodes: 34
Leigh McCloskey
Leigh McCloskey
Leigh Joseph McCloskey is an American film and television actor.-Career:McCloskey was classically trained as an actor at the Juilliard School in Lincoln Center, New York. As an actor, he is perhaps most widely known for his role as Mitch Cooper on the CBS soap opera Dallas...
as Mitch Cooper (1980–1982, 1985, 1988)
- Lucy's husband and Afton's brother.
Episodes: 46
William Smithers
William Smithers
William Smithers is an American actor, perhaps best known for his recurring role as Jeremy Wendell in the television series Dallas. He appeared in the series in 1981 and from 1984 to 1989...
as Jeremy Wendell (1981, 1984–1989)
- Head of the powerful WestStar Oil and proverbial thorn in J.R.'s side.
Episodes: 49
Susan Flannery
Susan Flannery
Susan Flannery is an American soap opera actress. She is known for her role Stephanie Forrester on The Bold and the Beautiful and for her role as Dr. Laura Spencer Horton on Days of our Lives ....
as Leslie Stewart (1981)
- A public relations agent who works with Ewing Oil and secretly tapes her conversations with J.R.
Episodes: 11
Priscilla Pointer
Priscilla Pointer
Priscilla Pointer is an American stage, film and television character actress. She began her career in the theater, including productions on Broadway. Later, Pointer moved to Hollywood to act in films and on television...
as Rebecca Blake Barnes Wentworth (1981–1983)
- Mother of Pam, Cliff and Katherine
Episodes: 44
Morgan Brittany
Morgan Brittany
Morgan Brittany is an American film and television actress. She is possibly best known for her role in the 1980s primetime soap opera Dallas, where she portrayed Katherine Wentworth, the scheming younger half-sister of Pamela Ewing and Cliff Barnes.-Early career:Under her birth name, Brittany...
as Katherine Wentworth (1981–1985, 1987)
- Wicked half-sister of Pam and Cliff, who falls in love with Bobby, then tries to kill him.
Episodes: 57
Lois Chiles
Lois Chiles
Lois Cleveland Chiles is an American actress and former fashion model known for her role as Dr. Holly Goodhead in the 1979 James Bond film Moonraker.-Early life:...
as Holly Harwood (1982–1983)
- Oil heiress who becomes involved in a complex scheme with J.R. and causes Sue Ellen to drink again.
Episodes: 25
Timothy Patrick Murphy
Timothy Patrick Murphy
Timothy Patrick Murphy, born in Hartford, Connecticut, was an American actor, perhaps best known for his role as "Mickey Trotter" on the popular CBS prime time soap opera Dallas during the 1982–83 season....
as Mickey Trotter (1982–1983)
- Ray's rebellious cousin who becomes involved with Lucy.
Episodes: 27
John Beck
John Beck (actor)
John Beck is an American actor. He grew up in Joliet, Illinois. Renowned as a gritty actor with plenty of presence on set, he is ultimately best-known worldwide for playing the role of Mark Graison in Dallas during the mid-1980s, but is also well-known for several other roles in which he...
as Mark Graison (Spring 1983–1984, 1985–1986)
- Pamela's beau after her first divorce from Bobby whom Pam vows to marry in Spring 1984 due to his contraction of a fatal disease
Episodes: 67
Omri Katz
Omri Katz
Omri Haim Katz is an American actor. His TV and film credits include Eerie, Indiana; Matinee; Adventures in Dinosaur City; Hocus Pocus; and the CBS prime time soap opera Dallas, in which he played the role of John Ross Ewing III, the son of J.R...
(1983–1991) and Tyler Banks (1980–1983) as John Ross Ewing III
John Ross Ewing III
John Ross Ewing III was a fictional character on the CBS television series Dallas. He was played by Tyler Banks from 1980-1983; and by actor Omri Katz from 1983 until 1991 and in the Dallas: J.R. Returns reunion TV movie in 1996. In the upcoming series continuation he will be played by actor Josh...
- J.R. and Sue Ellen's son.
Episodes: 133
Christopher Atkins
Christopher Atkins
Christopher Atkins is an American actor, who became famous with his costarring debut role in the 1980 film The Blue Lagoon.-Early life:...
as Peter Richards (1983–1984)
- Twenty-year old lover of Sue Ellen and mentor to little John Ross.
Episodes: 27
Shalane McCall
Shalane McCall
Shalane McCall is a former child actress, best known for appearing for five seasons on the hit CBS prime time soap opera Dallas playing Charlotte "Charlie" Wade, the daughter of Jenna Wade ....
as Charlie Wade (1983–1988)
- Jenna's daughter.
Episodes: 86
Alexis Smith
Alexis Smith
Alexis Smith was a Canadian-born stage, film, and television actress. She appeared in several major Hollywood movies in the 1940s and had a notable career on Broadway in the 1970s, winning a Tony Award in 1972.-Life and career:...
as Lady Jessica Farlow Montford (1984, 1990)
- Clayton's criminally insane sister and biological mother of Dusty Farlow.
Episodes: 11
Deborah Shelton
Deborah Shelton
Deborah 'Debbie' Shelton is an American beauty queen and actress who held the Miss USA title and appeared on Dallas for three seasons.-Pageants:In 1970 Shelton competed in the Miss Virginia USA pageant to spite her then boyfriend...
as Mandy Winger (1984–1987)
- A model who becomes one of J.R.'s many mistresses. She was previously involved romantically with Cliff Barnes.
Episodes: 62
Jenilee Harrison
Jenilee Harrison
Jenilee Harrison is an American actress possibly best known for her role as replacement blonde roommate Cindy Snow on the hit sitcom Three's Company from 1980–1982 and Jamie Ewing in Dallas from 1984–1986.- Early years :...
as Jamie Ewing Barnes (1984–1986)
- Daughter of Jock's brother Jason who Cliff marries to gain control of her share of Ewing Oil. She later divorces Cliff, moves to California
Episodes: 69
Fredric Lehne
Fredric Lehne
Fredric Lehne is an actor who has appeared in over 200 films, mini-series, and television shows as well as many stage productions including works by Shakespeare, Molière and Ibsen on Broadway...
as Eddie Cronin (1984–1985): Lucy's lover.
Episodes: 19
Daniel Pilon
Daniel Pilon
Daniel Pilon is a Canadian-born actor, known for his role in Dallas as Naldo Marchetta. He has also appeared in daytime soap operas such as Ryan's Hope, Guiding Light and Days of our Lives....
as Renaldo Marchetta (1984–1985)
- Jenna's ex-husband and Charlie's father.
Episodes: 9
Joshua Harris
Joshua Harris (actor)
Joshua Harris an American born actor, turned professional baseball player, turned producer/director, was born on November 27, 1978.-Overview:Joshua started his career at the age of 6 and enjoyed many years of great roles on top television shows and films. Joshua worked on TV and films from 1984 to...
(1985–1991) and Eric Farlow (1983–1985) as Christopher Ewing
- Bobby and Pam's adopted son, biological son of Kristin Shepard and Jeff Farraday.
Episodes: 92
Martha Scott
Martha Scott
Martha Ellen Scott was an American actress best known for her roles as mother of the lead character in numerous films and television shows.-Early life:...
as Patricia Shepard (1979 and 1985)
- Sue Ellen and Kristin's money hungry mother.
Episodes: 10
Barbara Carrera
Barbara Carrera
Barbara Carrera is a Nicaraguan-born American film and television actress as well as a former model. She is best known for her roles as Bond girl Fatima Blush in Never Say Never Again and as Angelica Nero on the soap opera Dallas.-Early life:Barbara Kingsbury was born in San Carlos, Río San Juan,...
as Angelica Nero (1985–1986)
- Exotic businesswoman who dangerously tangles with J.R.
Episodes: 25
Steve Forrest as Ben Stivers/Wes Parmalee (1986)
- Ranch hand who claims to be Jock.
Episodes: 15
Jack Scalia
Jack Scalia
Jack Scalia is an American actor. He has had many roles in television series , television movies, and feature films.-Early life:...
as Nicholas Pearce (1987–1988, 1991)
- Stockbroker who becomes infatuated with Sue Ellen.
Episodes: 12
Andrew Stevens
Andrew Stevens
Andrew Stevens is an American executive, film producer, director and former actor.-Early life:Andrew Stevens was born Herman Andrew Stephens in Memphis, Tennessee...
as Casey Denault (1987–1989)
- Young hustler who works for J.R., romances Lucy in order to use her money.
Episodes: 32
Leigh Taylor-Young
Leigh Taylor-Young
Leigh Taylor-Young is an American actress who has appeared on stage, screen, and television.-Early life:Leigh Taylor-Young was born on January 25, 1945 in Washington, D.C. Her last name is an amalgamation of the last names of her father, a diplomat, and her stepfather, a successful Detroit executive...
as Kimberly Cryder (1987–1988)
- Daughter of the largest owner of WestStar stock, whom J.R. tries to marry in order to gain control of the company.
Episodes: 20
Beth Toussaint
Beth Toussaint
Elizabeth Toussaint is an American actress. She is best known for her television performances.-Biography:Toussaint appeared in the 1984 music video for Bon Jovi's song "She Don't Know Me", Bob Seger's 1986 song "Like a Rock", and in the 1987 music video for SAGA's song "Only Time Will Tell".From...
as Tracy McKay Lawton (1988–1989)
- Carter McKay's daughter who becomes involved with Bobby.
Episodes: 17
Jeri Gaile
Jeri Gaile
Jeri Gaile is an American actress, best known for playing Rose McKay in the television drama series Dallas from 1989 to 1991. Gaile is currently Director of the Spotlight Awards program for the Los Angeles Music Center....
as Rose Daniels McKay (1988–1991)
- Carter's young wife.
Episodes: 15
Ian McShane
Ian McShane
Ian David McShane is an English actor, director, producer, voice artist, and comedian.Despite appearing in numerous films, McShane is best known for his television roles, particularly the BBC's Lovejoy and HBO's Western drama Deadwood...
as Don Lockwood (1989)
- English film director who helps produce Sue Ellen's idea for an unflattering film about J.R., eventually Sue Ellen moves to London and marries him.
Episodes: 13
J. Eddie Peck
J. Eddie Peck
John Edward Peck is an American film and television actor, known professionally as J. Eddie Peck.He lived in Joplin, Missouri during the 1970s and graduated from Joplin Parkwood High School in 1976. He attended Missouri Southern State University.Much of Peck's work has been on both daytime and...
as Tommy McKay (1989)
- Son of Carter McKay, a drug dealer.
Episodes: 13
Gayle Hunnicutt
Gayle Hunnicutt
Gayle, Lady Jenkins , known by her birth name Gayle Hunnicutt, is an American actress.-Personal life:Hunnicutt was born in Fort Worth, Texas, the daughter of Colonel Sam Lloyd Hunnicutt and Virginia Hunnicutt, and attended the University of California, Los Angeles. She worked as a fashion model...
as Vanessa Beaumont (1989–1991)
- Mother of J.R.'s eldest son James Richard BeaumontJames Richard BeaumontJames Richard Beaumont, was a character that appeared in the later seasons of the popular American television series Dallas, played by Sasha Mitchell from 1989 to 1991.-Biography:...
, an old flame of J.R., briefly attempts to rekindle their romance after J.R. has married Cally.
Episodes: 13
Susan Lucci
Susan Lucci
Susan Victoria Lucci is an American actress and entrepreneur, best known for portraying Erica Kane on the daytime drama All My Children. The character is considered an icon, and Lucci has been called "Daytime's Leading Lady" by TV Guide, with New York Times and Los Angeles Times citing her as the...
as Hilary Taylor/faux Sheila Foley (1990–1991)
- Psychotic kidnapper who causes April's death as April and Bobby honeymoon in Europe.
Episodes: 6
Deirdre Imershein as Jory Taylor (1991)
- Daughter of Hilary Taylor who becomes romantically involved with Bobby Ewing.
Episodes: 8
Barbara Eden
Barbara Eden
Barbara Eden is an American film and television actress and singer who is best known for her starring role in the sitcom I Dream of Jeannie.-Early years:...
as Lee Ann De La Vega (1990–1991)
- An old girlfriend of J.R. who plots revenge against him for making her have an abortion, making her unable to have children.
Episodes: 5
Gene Evans
Gene Evans
Gene Evans was an American actor.He was born in Holbrook, Arizona, but reared in Colton, California. His acting career began while he was serving in World War II. He performed with a theatrical troupe of GIs in Europe. Evans made his film debut in 1947 and appeared in dozens of movies and...
as Garrison Southworth (January 1979): Ellie's long lost brother who is afflicted with a terminal illness and returns to Southfork to live out the rest of his life. Gary Ewing
Gary Ewing
Garrison Arthur Ewing was a character in the CBS television series Knots Landing and Dallas. The character of Gary Ewing was played most notably by Ted Shackelford and briefly played by David Ackroyd .-Dallas:...
is named after him.
Episodes: 1
Sandy Ward as Jeb Ames (1978–1979)
- One of J.R.'s business associates, involved in a deal based on the infamous Red Files.
Episodes: 5
John Ashton
John Ashton (actor)
John David Ashton is an American actor born in Springfield, Massachusetts, and graduate of the University of Southern California School of Theatre.John Ashton attended Enfield High School in Enfield, Connecticut....
(1978–1979) and Ed Nelson
Ed Nelson
Edwin Stafford Nelson is an American actor.Nelson has appeared in numerous television shows, more than fifty motion pictures, and hundreds of stage productions. Until 2005, he was teaching acting and screenwriting in his native New Orleans at two local universities there...
(briefly in 1978) as Willie Joe Garr
- One of J.R.'s business associates, involved in a deal based on the infamous Red Files.
Episodes: 6
Lisa LeMole as Susan (1978)
- J.R.'s second secretary.
Episodes: 5
Meg Gallagher
Meg Gallagher
-Biography:Marcella E. Gallagher was born around 1950, one of fourteen children. She attended Rosemont School of the Holy Child and Pine Manor College in Massachusetts before moving to New York City when she was 19. She was best known for her supporting role as Louella Caraway Lee in television hit...
as Louella Caraway Lee (1978–1981)
- J.R.'s third secretary.
Episodes: 37
Jeanna Michaels
Jeanna Michaels
Jeanna Michaels is an American actress most notably recognized for her role as Lydia Saunders on NBC's soap opera Santa Barbara. She portrayed the role from 1988 to 1989...
(1979–1981) and Donna Bullock (briefly in 1978) as Connie Brasher
- Bobby's first secretary.
Episodes: 32
Don Starr
Don Starr
Don Starr was an American actor, best known for his portrayal of oil baron "Jordan Lee" in the television series Dallas. Other TV credits include: The High Chaparral, Little House on the Prairie, The Rockford Files, Charlie's Angels, The Incredible Hulk, Knots Landing, V: The Final Battle, Hill...
as Jordan Lee (1978–1990)
- A member of the cartel.
Episodes: 88
Fern Fitzgerald
Fern Fitzgerald
Fern Fitzgerald is an American actress, best known for her recurring role in the television series Dallas as oil cartel businesswoman Marilee Stone. She appeared in the original productions of Chicago and A Chorus Line on Broadway.-External links:*...
as Marilee Stone (1979–1987, 1989)
- Promiscuous female member of the cartel, whose husband committed suicide after losing money in a deal with J.R.
Episodes: 73
Barbara Babcock
Barbara Babcock
Barbara Babcock is an American character actress. She is perhaps best known for her roles as Grace Gardner on Hill Street Blues for which she won an Emmy Award for Outstanding Lead Actress—Drama Series in 1981 and her role as Dorothy Jennings on Dr...
as Liz Craig (1978–1982)
- Pam's boss at The Store.
Episodes: 16
John Zaremba
John Zaremba
John Zaremba was an American actor most noted for supporting roles on science fiction films and TV series....
(1978–1986) and Dan Ammerman (briefly in 1978) as Dr. Harlen Danvers
- The Ewing family physician.
Episodes: 13
Dennis Patrick
Dennis Patrick
Dennis Patrick was a well-respected American character actor best known for his works in television shows such as Jason McGuire and Paul Stoddard in Dark Shadows, Somerset, Vaughn Leland in Dallas, movies such as Joe...
as Vaughn Leland (1979–1984)
- Cattleman's Bank executive.
Episodes: 19
George O. Petrie
George O. Petrie
George O. Petrie was an American television actor.-Biography:He was born in New Haven, Connecticut. On The Honeymooners he had recurring character roles throughout the series...
as Harv Smithfield (1979–1991)
- The Ewing family's attorney.
Episodes: 50
Tom Fuccello
Tom Fuccello
Tom Fuccello was an American actor, who was born in Newark, New Jersey.Initially a theatre actor, Fuccello appeared in Broadway productions of Butterflies Are Free, The Unknown Soldier And His Wife, and Are You Now, or Have You Ever Been? in the 1970s...
as Senator Dave Culver (1979–1984, 1986, 1988, 1989, 1991)
- Donna's stepson.
Episodes: 35
Jeff Cooper as Dr. Simon Ellby (1979–1981)
- Sue Ellen's psychiatrist.
Episodes: 19
E.J. André as Mr. Eugene Bullock (1979–1983)
- Elderly international shipping tycoon.
Episodes: 6
Karlene Crockett as Muriel Gillis (1979–1983)
- Lucy's nerdy best friend.
Episodes: 12
Morgan Woodward
Morgan Woodward
Morgan Woodward is an American actor.He is probably best known for his recurring role in Dallas as Marvin "Punk" Anderson...
as Punk Anderson (1980–1987)
- Oil executive and Jock's best friend.
Episodes: 55
Stephen Elliott
Stephen Elliott (actor)
Stephen Elliott was an American actor. His best known role was that of crime boss, Burt Johnson, in the hit 1981 film Arthur.-Theatre:Elliott's first acting engagement was at the New York Neighborhood Playhouse in 1946...
as Scotty Demarest (1980, 1985, 1987)
- The Ewing family's criminal attorney.
Episodes: 14
Joanna Cassidy
Joanna Cassidy
Joanna Cassidy is an American film and television actress. She is known for her role as the replicant Zhora in the Ridley Scott's film Blade Runner...
(1980–1981) and Andra Akers (briefly in 1979) as Sally Bullock
- Wife of Eugene Bullock.
Episodes: 2
Anne Francis
Anne Francis
Anne Lloyd Francis was an American actress, best known for her role in the science fiction film classic Forbidden Planet , and as the female private detective in the television series Honey West . She won a Golden Globe and was nominated for an Emmy award for her role in Honey West...
as Arliss Cooper (1981)
- Mother of Mitch and Afton, Lucy's mother-in-law.
Episodes: 4
Sherill Lynn Rettino
Sherill Lynn Rettino
Sherill Lynn Rettino was an American television actress best known for her recurring role in the television series Dallas as Jackie Dugan, Pamela Ewing 's co-worker at The Store, and later Cliff Barnes 's secretary at Barnes-Wentworth Oil...
as Jackie Dugan (1979–1981, 1982, 1983–1991)
- Pam's co-worker at The Store, later Cliff's secretary at Barnes-Wentworth Oil, eventually JamesJames Richard BeaumontJames Richard Beaumont, was a character that appeared in the later seasons of the popular American television series Dallas, played by Sasha Mitchell from 1989 to 1991.-Biography:...
' secretary at Ewing Oil.
Episodes: 158
Deborah Tranelli
Deborah Tranelli
Deborah Marie Tranelli is an American actress and singer.Tranelli is best known for her recurring role in the television series Dallas as Phyllis, secretary to Bobby Ewing . She appeared in the series from 1981 to its end in 1991...
as Phyllis Wapner (1981–1991)
- Bobby's second secretary.
Episodes: 130
Debbie Rennard
Deborah Rennard
Deborah Rennard is an American actress. She remains best known for her recurring role in Dallas as J.R. Ewing's secretary Sylvia "Sly" Lovegren. She appeared in the series from 1981 to 1991 and also in the film J.R. Returns...
as Sylvia "Sly" Lovegren (1981–1991)
- J.R.'s fourth secretary.
Episodes: 164
Roseanna Christiansen as Teresa (1982–1987, 1989–1990, 1991)
- The Ewing's maid.
Episodes: 96
Alice Hirson
Alice Hirson
Alice Hirson is an American actress best known for her roles on television.She appeared regularly in soap opera with roles as Stephanie Martin on The Edge of Night, as Marcia Davis on Somerset, and as Eileen Riley Siegel on One Life to Live...
as Mavis Anderson (1982–1988)
- Punk's wife and Miss Ellie's best friend.
Episode: 26
Danone Simpson as Kendall Chapman (1982–1991)
- Ewing Oil receptionist.
Episodes: 89
Martin E. Brooks
Martin E. Brooks
Martin E. Brooks is an American character actor known for playing scientist Dr. Rudy Wells in the television series The Six Million Dollar Man and its spin-off, The Bionic Woman, from 1975 onward .Brooks reprised the role of Wells in three television movies: The Return of the...
as Edgar Randolph (1983–1984)
- Government worker in charge of Offshore Oil Field auctions that JR drives to sanitarium from blackmail about his troubled past.
Episodes: 10
.
Family tree
Deaths and departures
By the time the series ended, most of the family had departed:- Jock EwingJock EwingJohn Ross Ewing, Sr., better known as Jock Ewing, is a character in the popular American television series Dallas, played by Jim Davis and Dale Midkiff in Dallas: The Early Years...
(Jim DavisJim Davis (actor)Jim Davis was an American actor, best known for his role as Jock Ewing in the CBS prime-time soap Dallas, a role which he held up until his death in April 1981.-Biography:...
) was the first to depart, with the actor's death in 1981. - Bobby Ewing was constantly heartbroken, having lost (by death) both Pamela Ewing and April Stevens EwingApril Stevens EwingApril Stevens, was a character that appeared in the later seasons of the popular American television series Dallas, played by Sheree J. Wilson ....
and also Jenna WadeJenna WadeJenna Wade Krebbs was a fictional character in the popular American television series Dallas, played most notably by Priscilla Beaulieu Presley . The character of Jenna was briefly played by Morgan Fairchild in 1978 and Francine Tacker in 1980.Jenna was Bobby Ewing's first true love...
(ultimately to brother Ray) after realizing he still loved Pam. His 1985 "death" and subsequent absence for one season was explained away as the infamous "dream" year, which effectively erased anything that had happened during 1985-1986. - Pamela Ewing was severely injured in a car accident in the 1986–1987 season finale, and left Bobby and Christopher due to her apparent inability to let them see her in such a physically disfigured fashion. Nevertheless, while Victoria Principal never returned again to the series as Pam during its final four years before cancellation, Margaret Michaels, a Principal look-alike, played the character in the season premiere of 1988–1989.
- Donna Culver KrebbsDonna Culver KrebbsDonna McCullum Culver Krebbs, was a character in the popular American television series Dallas, played by Susan Howard .Donna was an intelligent, well-regarded politician's wife. Donna was married to the much older Sam Culver, a former governor of Texas. During the course of her marriage, she...
and Ray KrebbsRay KrebbsRaymond "Ray" Krebbs, was a character in the popular American television series Dallas, played by Steve Kanaly . Ray Krebbs is the illegitimate son of Texas oil baron Jock Ewing and U.S. Army nurse Margaret Hunter....
divorced in 1987, the former moving to Washington, D.C. Ray then subsequently left Dallas with his new wife, Jenna, bound for Europe by the fall of 1988. - Lucy Ewing returned to Southfork in spring 1988, but then left again two years later for Europe as well.
- Sue Ellen EwingSue Ellen EwingSue Ellen Ewing is a character on the popular American television series Dallas, played by Linda Gray from 1978 to 1989. Sue Ellen was the long-suffering two-time wife of the nefarious J. R. Ewing....
left Dallas in 1989 to move to London with her new film-director boyfriend and then-husband. - Barbara Bel Geddes left the series in 1984, replaced as Miss EllieMiss Ellie EwingEleanor "Miss Ellie" Farlow , is a principal character in the popular American television series Dallas, the matriarch of the rambunctious Ewing family....
for one season by Donna ReedDonna ReedDonna Reed was an American film and television actress.With appearances in over 40 films, Reed received the 1953 Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress for her performance as the tramp Lorene in the war drama From Here to Eternity. She is also noted for her role in the perennial Christmas...
, returning the following year in a high-profile public relations debacle that left Reed infuriated and in litigation with series producers. At the end of 1990, Miss Ellie and Clayton left Dallas, traveling and presumably later settling in Europe, near Ray & Jenna. Miss Ellie did not return for the final season. - Clayton FarlowClayton FarlowClayton Farlow was a main character in the popular American television series Dallas, played by Howard Keel .Clayton Farlow, along with his sister Jessica, were raised on the Southern Cross Ranch in San Angelo, Texas. Jessica was wild in her teenage years and developed a serious violent mental...
returned only briefly in the final season, clearing up business that included deeding Southfork to Bobby.
Cliffhangers
Dallas was notable for its cliffhangers. Throughout the series' run, nearly every season ended with some sort of cliffhanging ending designed to drive ratings up for the season premiere the following year.Miniseries cliffhanger:
Although this really was not a cliffhanger, the end of the fifth episode of the original Dallas miniseries saw J.R. go up to the loft of the barn to talk to Pam, who had gone up there to find Lucy, who she believed was up there having a tryst with ranch foreman Ray. J.R., intoxicated, tries to convince her to tell Bobby not to leave the ranch. However, she does not want to be bothered, and, in trying to escape J.R., she falls from the loft, landing square on her stomach. Pam, who is pregnant, miscarries her unborn child. Later, Sue Ellen questions J.R. as to whether it was really an accident or did he mean for Pam to fall on purpose, however, J.R. does not answer her, leaving it up to the viewer to decide.
Season One cliffhanger:
Sue Ellen's drinking problem has landed her in a sanitarium, where she is pregnant with a child she believes is Cliff Barnes'. She escapes from the sanitarium, gets drunk, and then gets into a severe car accident, putting her life and the baby's life in danger. The doctors deliver the baby, named John Ross Ewing III
John Ross Ewing III
John Ross Ewing III was a fictional character on the CBS television series Dallas. He was played by Tyler Banks from 1980-1983; and by actor Omri Katz from 1983 until 1991 and in the Dallas: J.R. Returns reunion TV movie in 1996. In the upcoming series continuation he will be played by actor Josh...
(after J.R (John Ross, Jr.). and Jock (John Ross, Sr.)), but he is very small on delivery and is not out of the woods yet. Neither is his mother, who, as the episode ends, is clinging to life. A very distraught J.R. is watching his wife at the end of the episode in tears, saying that she's "just gotta live."
Season Two cliffhanger:
To cap off a season where J.R. has angered nearly everyone in the state of Texas, someone comes into his office late at night and shoots him twice.
Season Three cliffhanger:
Cliff finds a body in the Southfork pool while heading to a late-night business meeting with Bobby. He goes to see who it is (factors point to Pam although there is no definitive evidence to that effect), and when he looks back up J.R. is standing on the balcony over the pool, near the area where the person fell. Believing J.R. is responsible Cliff says to his rival, "She's dead. You bastard."
Season Four cliffhanger:
Cliff Barnes' year had not been a good one. Sue Ellen, with whom he'd had an off and on relationship, decided to return to J.R. and marry him again. In addition, J.R. helped to nearly drive Cliff's mother's tool and die company into bankruptcy, which cost Cliff his job. He attempts suicide with an overdose of pills and a guilt-ridden Sue Ellen rushes to his bedside as Cliff lays in a coma. J.R. tries to convince Sue Ellen that it was not anybody's fault but Cliff's for what happened, but Sue Ellen disagrees and says she does not know if she can remarry J.R. if Cliff dies.
Season Five cliffhanger:
A drunk Sue Ellen and Ray Krebbs' cousin Mickey Trotter are involved in an accident, in a car belonging to J.R., just outside Southfork. Sue Ellen emerges unhurt, but Mickey is paralyzed and in a coma. Ray finds out that the driver of the other car was Walt Driscoll, J.R.'s rival. He also learns that Driscoll deliberately caused the accident, thinking that J.R. was driving, as a means of revenge for being put in jail by J.R. earlier in the year. An angered Ray comes to Southfork late at night demanding answers from J.R., who was not expecting to see him. J.R. asks him what is going on and Ray says he's going to kill J.R. for what happened. J.R. throws a candle holder at Ray, which misses him and knocks over another candle holder with lit candles in it. As the two brawl, the candles ignite a fire and the smoke starts to creep into both John Ross and Sue Ellen's bedrooms. J.R. notices the fire and tries to break free of Ray, finally knocking him out with a telephone, and runs upstairs to try to save his wife and son. Ray recovers and runs after J.R. but is consumed by smoke and falls. J.R. is hit with a falling beam as he gets upstairs and both men are unconscious as Southfork burns.
Season Six cliffhanger:
Just like in season two, J.R. was crossing people left and right. And just like in season two, a mysterious figure broke into his office at Ewing Oil at night. Someone is sitting in his office chair with their back to the potential assassin, who fires three shots at this person. The person slumps out of the chair and falls on the floor, and the audience sees that Bobby Ewing has been shot.
Season Seven cliffhanger:
Bobby, who has been divorced from Pam for two years and is engaged to Jenna Wade, decides that he wants to remarry his ex-wife instead and Pam agrees. The next morning, as the two are getting set to leave, someone drives a car at a high rate of speed toward Pam. Bobby shoves her out of the way just before she is hit, but cannot get out of the way of the car in time to save himself and is hit and severely injured. Bobby is rushed to the hospital where he later dies. (In the Season Nine premiere, Bobby's death and all of Season Eight would be revealed as a dream that Pam was having)
Season Eight cliffhanger:
Evil businesswoman Angelica Nero intends to kill J.R. and his cousin Jack for double crossing her, but J.R. has her apprehended by the police. Unfortunately, Angelica has already put her plans into motion. She has her henchman attach a car bomb to Jack's car, which explodes with Jamie inside. After hearing this on the phone, J.R. runs out of his office to go to Jack's apartment. As he leaves the office, Sue Ellen arrives in the other elevator looking for him. As soon as she enters J.R.'s office, a time bomb left by Angelica goes off, and the entire floor that houses Ewing Oil explodes, showering debris onto the street below. The scene then shifts to Pam in bed, the day after her marriage to Mark Graison. Pam wakes up to hear the shower running. Assuming it's Mark, she opens the shower door, only to find Bobby Ewing, alive and well. (In the Season Nine premiere, Bobby's death and all of Season Eight would be revealed as a dream that Pam was having). It should be noted however, that with the exception of Bobby's death, all other major "facts" of Season Eight somehow come to pass to preserve the over all continuity of other story lines.
Season Nine cliffhanger:
Pam, on her way home from the doctor's office after finding out she can finally conceive a baby, crashes into the fuel tank of a semi-truck, engulfing her car in a fiery explosion.
Season Ten cliffhanger:
J.R. and Sue Ellen's new beau Nicholas Pearce fight in J.R.'s penthouse hotel suite, and during the course of the fight Pearce goes over the balcony and falls to his death. Shocked by what she has just seen and believing that J.R. has killed her lover, Sue Ellen then picks up a gun from the floor and shoots J.R. three times. She then picks up the phone and tells the police she would like to report a double murder.
Season Eleven cliffhanger:
Sue Ellen prepares to leave Dallas for good, but before she does she has one last surprise for her ex-husband J.R. Sue Ellen has made a biographical motion picture about her marriage to him (with actors portraying them and the other Ewings) and previews the film to J.R. who is shocked by what he has just seen. Sue Ellen tells J.R. that she is leaving Dallas, but if he ever crosses her again in the future- or even if she wakes up on the wrong side of bed one morning-she will release the film and J.R. will be made "the laughing stock of Texas" and ruined forever. She then leaves Dallas, triumphant at last.
Season Twelve cliffhanger:
After deliberately committing himself into a sanitarium in order to persuade a patient (Clayton's sister Jessica) to sign over her voting majority in Weststar Oil, J.R.'s plan backfires when Cally Harper, his latest scorned woman, and his illegitimate son James Beaumont coerce him into signing a property waiver before they will allow him to be released. Once he does, James tears up J.R.'s release papers anyway leaving him trapped in the sanitarium with no means of escape.
Season Thirteen cliffhanger:
After finally losing Ewing Oil to Cliff Barnes, control of Southfork to Bobby, and being abandoned by his wife and children, a drunk and despondent J.R. begins walking around the ranch alone with a loaded gun wishing he had never been born. A gunshot is later fired in J.R.'s bedroom as Bobby returns to Southfork, and he rushes up to J.R.'s room and gasps, saying "Oh, my God!" as the series ends. (See below for more information.)
Final episode
In this episode, titled "Conundrum" (originally aired on CBS, May 3, 1991), J.R. is contemplating committing suicide. Southfork was taken out of his control and given to Bobby by Miss Ellie, while Cliff Barnes now had control of Ewing Oil. Clayton had given J.R. voting rights at Weststar, but J.R. was tricked into believing he would become Chairman of Weststar by Carter McKay. J.R. had sold his half of Ewing Oil to Cliff to take over Weststar, but old foe and stepbrother Dusty Farlow revealed that he had sold his Weststar shares to McKay, thus making McKay the majority stockholder. McKay fired J.R. from Weststar after revealing that he had set him up (McKay had sent two Weststar directors to J.R. and convinced him to sell Ewing Oil to pave the way for a Weststar takeover that would never happen). John Ross, his own son, disowned him and moved to London to be with his mother. Now, drunk and despondent, J.R. walks around the pool with a bourbon bottle and a loaded gun, when suddenly another person comes into view...a spirit named Adam (portrayed by Joel GreyJoel Grey
Joel Grey is an American stage and screen actor, singer, and dancer, best known for his role as the Master of Ceremonies in both the stage and film adaptation of the Kander & Ebb musical Cabaret. He has won the Academy Award, Tony Award and Golden Globe Award...
), whose "boss" has been watching J.R. and likes him. Adam proceeds to take him on a journey to show him what life would have been like for other people if he had not been born. Among what he shows him:
- Without J.R., Gary became the oldest Ewing son, and the youngest was Jason (who would have been born had J.R. never been around; Jason never appeared in the TV series as he did not really exist).
- With Gary in charge of Ewing Oil upon Jock's retirement, the company went bankrupt. Stress from it killed Jock, and Miss Ellie died of a broken heart two years later; she never meets Clayton Farlow.
- Jason, a shady real estate developer swindled Gary and Bobby out of their shares in the company and Southfork, and proceeded to tear the compound down and build tract houses on it called Southfork Estates. Also the most hated Brother. Bobby tells Jason he never forgot the $500,000 (Possibly from the amount he had from what was left of Ewing Oil after liquadition sale of the Ewing Building) he blew and destroyed Bobby's savings on a bad real estate deal which led to Bobby being a hustler and Jason confirmed that was the only real estate he ever had lost money. Which also led to Jason being a big shady Real Estate Developer much worst then JR ever was
- Having never met Pam, Bobby continued his wild ways from before and ended up as a down-on-his-luck hustler who was behind on alimony payments to his wife Annie and kids J.R., Bobby, and Ellie. He also ends up behind on his gambling debts to Carter McKay, who owns casinos in Las Vegas. (McKay was fired by Jeremy Wendell at Westar.)
- Gary became a successful divorce lawyer who never married, and thus never had Lucy Ewing, J.R.'s niece. (He does eventually meet Valene Clements, his wife in the real world, but nothing ever comes of it other than a date whose outcome was never discussed.)
- Without having met J.R., Cally Harper never left her poor roots, and ends up as a battered wife who lives with her husband in a shack, where she kills him and (according to Adam) will be convicted and sentenced to life in prison as no one would believe she was beaten.
- Without J.R. in the way and forcing him to be a part of the Ewing/Barnes rivalry, Cliff Barnes was able to earn a law degree and enter politics, becoming Vice President of the United States and later Acting President due to a stroke suffered by the President.
- Since J.R. was never born (and thus, never shot), Kristin Shepard never met him (and, thus, never died), and became a successful con artist in Los Angeles. She poses as a hooker initially and then a police officer, which sees her accept a bribe from an embarrassed customer.
- Having never met J.R., Sue Ellen has become a successful soap opera star, with Nicholas Pearce (who was never killed off) as her loving husband.
- With J.R. out of the picture and Jock dying before he could find out, Ray Krebbs never knew of his Ewing blood ties. After an injury he suffered in a Ewing Oil-sponsored rodeo, Ray became a down on his luck ranchhand, forcing to work two or three jobs to support his family, who are loving and very supportive of him. He does have a son called Jock.
After one final scene where Bobby settles his gambling debts with McKay, Adam eggs J.R. on to kill himself. J.R. will not do it, as he does not want Adam to be sent back to heaven with his job incomplete. Adam laughs at this, saying "Angel? What makes you think I'm from heaven?" A startled J.R. wakes up, gun and bourbon still in hands, and the scene appears to be a dream... only Adam returns, appearing to J.R. in his mirror, dressed entirely in red, and continuing to egg him on. J.R. slowly raises the loaded gun to his head, unaware that Bobby has returned home. The gun goes off while Bobby is in the hallway, and he rushes to J.R.'s room. He looks into the room, gasps, "Oh, my God," and the series ends on that note with the fate of J.R. never settled (although it eventually would be five years later, in the reunion movie, Dallas: J.R. Returns
Dallas: J.R. Returns
Dallas: J.R. Returns is the first of the two Dallas reunion movies to air after the series went off the air. It originally aired on CBS on November 15, 1996, and recently was rerun as part of TV Land's salute to 50 years of Warner Bros. Television....
). It was believed J.R. killed himself, although in later years it was revealed he had shot the mirror (although no glass was heard).
Production details
Dallas originally aired on Saturday nights when it debuted as a regular series. Within a month, the show was moved to Sunday nights, where it would stay until halfway through the season, when it took a Friday-night slot. Dallas remained on Fridays until the show ended in 1991, alternating between 9 p.m. and 10 p.m. airings.The "Who Done It?" episode of Dallas that revealed "Who shot J.R.?
Who shot J.R.?
Who shot J. R.? is an advertising catchphrase that American network CBS created in 1980 to promote the television series Dallas.In the final scene of the 1979–1980 season, the character J. R. Ewing, played by Larry Hagman, was shot by a hidden assailant. The episode, titled "A House Divided", was...
", the famous 1980 cliffhanger
Cliffhanger
A cliffhanger or cliffhanger ending is a plot device in fiction which features a main character in a precarious or difficult dilemma, or confronted with a shocking revelation at the end of an episode of serialized fiction...
, received the highest domestic ratings at that point with over 90 million American viewers tuning in for the answer. The last episode of M*A*S*H in 1983 finally had more viewers than Dallas. The final episode of The Fugitive
The Fugitive (TV series)
The Fugitive is an American drama series produced by QM Productions and United Artists Television that aired on ABC from 1963 to 1967. David Janssen stars as Richard Kimble, a doctor from the fictional town of Stafford, Indiana, who is falsely convicted of his wife's murder and given the death...
, broadcast in August 1967, was watched by a higher percentage of television-owning Americans (72%), although it had lesser absolute numbers. Internationally Dallas still holds the record for the most watched episode with nearly 360 million viewers tuning in to see who shot J.R.
Films
A prequelPrequel
A prequel is a work that supplements a previously completed one, and has an earlier time setting.The widely recognized term was a 20th-century neologism, and a portmanteau from pre- and sequel...
story, Dallas: The Early Years
Dallas: The Early Years
Dallas: The Early Years was a made for television movie that first aired on March 23, 1986 on CBS during the eighth season of the TV series Dallas...
, was a made-for-TV movie that first aired on March 23, 1986 on CBS
CBS
CBS Broadcasting Inc. is a major US commercial broadcasting television network, which started as a radio network. The name is derived from the initials of the network's former name, Columbia Broadcasting System. The network is sometimes referred to as the "Eye Network" in reference to the shape of...
during the eighth season of the TV series.
There were also two made-for-TV reunion movies that aired on CBS
CBS
CBS Broadcasting Inc. is a major US commercial broadcasting television network, which started as a radio network. The name is derived from the initials of the network's former name, Columbia Broadcasting System. The network is sometimes referred to as the "Eye Network" in reference to the shape of...
several years after the series ended, Dallas: J.R. Returns
Dallas: J.R. Returns
Dallas: J.R. Returns is the first of the two Dallas reunion movies to air after the series went off the air. It originally aired on CBS on November 15, 1996, and recently was rerun as part of TV Land's salute to 50 years of Warner Bros. Television....
(1996) and Dallas: War of the Ewings
Dallas: War of the Ewings
Dallas: War of the Ewings was the second of the two Dallas reunion movies. It aired on CBS on April 24, 1998, a little less than a year and a half after the first movie, Dallas: J.R...
(1998).
Broadcast History
| Season | Time Slot |
|---|---|
| 1 (1978) | Sunday at 10:00 pm |
| 2 (1978-1979) | Saturday at 10:00 pm (September 23 - October 28, 1978) Sunday at 10:00 pm (November 5, 1978 - January 14, 1979) Friday at 10:00 pm (January 26 - April 6, 1979) |
| 3 (1979-1980) | Friday at 10:00 pm |
| 4 (1980-1981) | |
| 5 (1981-1982) | Friday at 10:00 pm (October 9 - November 27, 1981) Friday at 9:00 pm (December 4, 1981 - April 9, 1982) |
| 6 (1982-1983) | Friday at 9:00 pm |
| 7 (1983-1984) | |
| 8 (1984-1985) | |
| 9 (1985-1986) | |
| 10 (1986-1987) | |
| 11 (1987-1988) | |
| 12 (1988-1989) | |
| 13 (1989-1990) | Friday at 9:00 pm (September 22, 1989 - March 16, 1990) Friday at 10:00 pm (March 30 - May 11, 1990) |
| 14 (1990-1991) | Friday at 10:00 pm (November 2 - December 21, 1990) Friday at 9:00 pm (January 4 - May 3, 1991) |
Ratings
| Season | Premiere | Finale | Episodes | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Miniseries | April 2, 1978 | April 30, 1978 | 5 | #44 |
| Season 1 | September 23, 1978 | April 6, 1979 | 24 | #40 |
| Season 2 | September 21, 1979 | March 21, 1980 | 25 | #6 |
| Season 3 | November 7, 1980 | May 1, 1981 | 23 | #1 |
| Season 4 | October 9, 1981 | April 9, 1982 | 26 | #1 |
| Season 5 | October 1, 1982 | May 6, 1983 | 28 | #2 |
| Season 6 | September 30, 1983 | May 18, 1984 | 30 | #1 |
| Season 7 | September 28, 1984 | May 17, 1985 | 30 | #3 |
| Season 8 | September 27, 1985 | May 16, 1986 | 31 | #6 |
| Season 9 | September 26, 1986 | May 15, 1987 | 29 | #11 |
| Season 10 | September 25, 1987 | May 13, 1988 | 30 | #22 |
| Season 11 | October 28, 1988 | May 19, 1989 | 26 | #29 |
| Season 12 | September 22, 1989 | May 11, 1990 | 27 | #43 |
| Season 13 | November 2, 1990 | May 3, 1991 | 23 | #61 |
| JR Returns Dallas: J.R. Returns Dallas: J.R. Returns is the first of the two Dallas reunion movies to air after the series went off the air. It originally aired on CBS on November 15, 1996, and recently was rerun as part of TV Land's salute to 50 years of Warner Bros. Television.... |
November 15, 1996 | 1 | #10 | |
| War Of The Ewings Dallas: War of the Ewings Dallas: War of the Ewings was the second of the two Dallas reunion movies. It aired on CBS on April 24, 1998, a little less than a year and a half after the first movie, Dallas: J.R... |
April 24, 1998 | 1 | #23 | |
DVD releases
Season 1 on DVD is the original mini-series. When the show went to formal production as a regular weekly series, what is on DVD referred to as Season 2 was Season 1 of the weekly series.The show is rated M in Australia and M in New Zealand for its low-level violence.
| DVD Season | Common Season Count | Ep # | Region 1 | Region 2 (UK) | Region 2 (Germany) | Region 4 | Comments | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Seasons 1 & 2 | Mini-Series & Season 1 | 29 | August 8, 2004 | November 1, 2004 | May 20, 2005 | October 22, 2004 | The first-and-second-seasons DVD box set has five double-sided DVDs, which contain the 5 episodes from the miniseries and the 24 episodes from the first regular season. The Region 1 release includes a "Soap Talk" Dallas reunion special. Both Region 1 and Region 2 have three commentaries by actors Larry Hagman and Charlene Tilton, and series creator David Jacobs. | |
| Season 3 | Season 2 | 25 | August 9, 2005 | September 26, 2005 | September 16, 2005 | October 19, 2005 | The third-season DVD box set has five double-sided DVDs, which contain the 25 episodes from that season. It includes commentaries by Patrick Duffy and Linda Gray on two major episodes and the special documentary Who Shot J.R.?: The Dallas Phenomenon. | |
| Season 4 | Season 3 | 23 | January 24, 2006 | May 22, 2006 | June 16, 2006 | May 5, 2006 | The fourth-season DVD box set has four double-sided DVDs, which contain the 23 episodes from that season. It includes a cast reunion special from 2004: Dallas Reunion: The Return To Southfork, which aired on CBS on November 7, 2004. | |
| Season 5 | Season 4 | 26 | August 1, 2006 | November 17, 2006 | November 17, 2006 | December 6, 2006 | The fifth-season DVD box set has five double-sided DVDs, which contain the 26 episodes from that season. It includes a documentary called: A Living Landmark: A Tour of the Real Southfork Ranch. | |
| Season 6 | Season 5 | 28 | January 30, 2007 | February 19, 2007 | March 2, 2007 | June 5, 2007 | The sixth-season DVD box set has five double-sided DVDs, which contain the 28 episodes from that season. It includes a documentary that delves into the legacy of Dallas then and now. | |
| Season 7 | Season 6 | 30 | July 31, 2007 | September 17, 2007 | August 17, 2007 | TBA | The seventh-season DVD box set has five double-sided DVDs, which contain the 30 episodes from that season. It includes the story behind the iconic Dallas theme song and is titled The Music of Dallas. | |
| Season 8 | Season 7 | 30 | February 12, 2008 | February 18, 2008 | March 28, 2008 | TBA | The eighth-season DVD box set has five double-sided DVDs, which contain the 30 episodes from that season. The special feature is called Dallas Makeover – Travilla Style and deals with the Emmy award winning costumes of the show. | |
| Season 9 | Season 8 | 31 | July 15, 2008 | September 22, 2008 | August 15, 2008 | TBA | The ninth-season DVD box set has four double-sided DVDs, which contain the 31 episodes from that season. The special features include the documentary Seasons of Change, an in depth look at the most famous dream sequence of all time, the entire ninth season, and its impact on the storylines, the fans, and stars. There is also a look back at Season 8 to examine the effect of Barbara Bel Geddes' departure for a year, and her eventual return. | |
| Season 10 | Season 9 | 29 | January 13, 2009 | January 19, 2009 | January 16, 2009 | TBA | The tenth-season DVD box set has three double-sided DVDs, which contain the 29 episodes from that season. The opening episode, "Return to Camelot" is the two part syndicated version. This set contains no special features, unlike previous releases. | |
| Season 11 | Season 10 | 30 | April 21, 2009 | July 20, 2009 | July 17, 2009 | TBA | The eleventh-season DVD box set has three double-sided DVDs, which contain the 30 episodes from that season. The opening episode, "After the Fall" is the two part syndicated version. This set contains no special features, just as the previous release. | |
| Season 12 | Season 11 | 26 | January 19, 2010 | March 1, 2010 | March 5, 2010 | TBA | The Complete Twelfth Season DVD box set has three double-sided DVDs, which contain the 26 episodes from that season. Like Seasons 10 and 11, this set contains no special features. | |
| Season 13 | Season 12 | 27 | April 13, 2010 | September 13, 2010 | November 5, 2010 | TBA | The Complete Thirteenth Season DVD box set has three double-sided DVDs, which contain the 27 episodes from that season. Like Seasons 10, 11, & 12, this set contains no special features. | |
| Season 14 | Season 13 | 23 | January 18, 2011 | March 21, 2011 | January 21, 2011 | TBA | The Complete Fourteenth Season DVD box set has five single-sided DVDs, which contain the 23 episodes from that season. This is the first-ever season to contain single-sided discs. | |
| Dallas: The Movie Collection | TV Movies | 4 | April 12, 2011 | TBA | July 8, 2011 | TBA | The Early Years, J.R. Returns, The War Of The Ewings, Dallas Reunion: Return to Southfork |
N.B.: The Early Years is labelled as being widescreen. It is in 16x9 anamorphic mode, but only by placing black bars on either side of the original 1:33:1 image.
Syndication
Dallas began airing on SoapNetSOAPnet
SOAPnet is an American cable television channel that broadcasts current and past soap operas and primetime dramas, along with some original programming. The channel launched on January 20, 2000, and is owned by Disney-ABC Television Group, a subsidiary of The Walt Disney Company...
in 2003, but has been off that network since August 2008 following SoapNet's decision not to renew their rights to it. Previously the show aired on TNN
Spike TV
Spike is an American cable television channel. It launched on March 7, 1983 as The Nashville Network , a joint venture of WSM, Inc...
.
Dallas was syndicated to local stations beginning in the 1980s, but it is unclear as to what markets still air the series.
On January 1, 2011, CMT aired the Show for 1 day.
It has been announced for the UK channel CBS Drama that the entire series is to be shown starting on the 30th September 2011.
New series
In 2010, the TNT channel announced they had ordered a pilotTelevision pilot
A "television pilot" is a standalone episode of a television series that is used to sell the show to a television network. At the time of its inception, the pilot is meant to be the "testing ground" to see if a series will be possibly desired and successful and therefore a test episode of an...
for the continuation of the Dallas series. The new series will center primarily around John Ross and Christopher Ewing, the now-grown sons of J.R. and Bobby. After viewing the completed pilot episode, TNT proceeded to order further episodes (10 in all) to be screened in mid-2012. The new series will also feature several stars of the original series (including Larry Hagman, Patrick Duffy and Linda Gray) reprising their original roles.
Tie-ins
- A Dallas comic strip ran in newspapers during the 1980s, illustrated by cartoonist Dick KulpaDick KulpaDick Kulpa is an American cartoonist best known for his work for Cracked and Weekly World News.-Early career:Dick Kulpa got his start in the cartooning business on Christmas Day in 1969 when his hometown Illinois weekly newspaper, the Loves Park Post, published his first cartoon strip, Double Eagle...
and distributed by the L.A. Times Syndicate. - There was a 1980s computer game based on the series called Dallas QuestDallas QuestDallas Quest is an adventure game created by James Garon and published by Datasoft for the Commodore 64 computer in 1984. It is based on the Dallas TV series...
. - On November 7, 2004, CBS aired a prime-time special enitled Dallas Reunion: The Return to Southfork, in which the stars reminisced about their work on the series (by coincidence, actor Howard KeelHoward KeelHarold Clifford Keel , known professionally as Howard Keel, was an American actor and singer. He starred in many film musicals of the 1950s...
, who played Clayton FarlowClayton FarlowClayton Farlow was a main character in the popular American television series Dallas, played by Howard Keel .Clayton Farlow, along with his sister Jessica, were raised on the Southern Cross Ranch in San Angelo, Texas. Jessica was wild in her teenage years and developed a serious violent mental...
, had died earlier that same day). The special was later included as a bonus feature on the season 4 and "TV Movies Collection" DVD sets.
Legacy
In 2007, British comedian Justin Lee CollinsJustin Lee Collins
Justin Lee Collins, commonly known as JLC, is an award-winning English comedian and television presenter.A Bristolian, he's well known for his strong West Country accent, shaggy appearance and colourful shirts....
went about searching for all the stars of Dallas to bring them back together for a special reunion party. The show was broadcast at 9 p.m. Sunday, May 27, 2007, on UK television network Channel 4
Channel 4
Channel 4 is a British public-service television broadcaster which began working on 2 November 1982. Although largely commercially self-funded, it is ultimately publicly owned; originally a subsidiary of the Independent Broadcasting Authority , the station is now owned and operated by the Channel...
as part of the Bring Back...
Bring Back...
Bring Back... is a British television series comprising one-off shows where Justin Lee Collins tries to locate people from music, TV or film backgrounds to reunite them for a one-off performance or get-together...
series. After hunting down most of the main cast by any means necessary (e.g., climbing over security fences and ambushing hotels), Collins managed to interview them and gain more knowledge about some of the decisions made throughout the show's seasons. The participants amongst the cast were Larry Hagman, Linda Gray, Patrick Duffy, Ken Kercheval, Charlene Tilton, Susan Howard and Mary Crosby. He held his own Oil Baron's Ball, where unfortunately none of the main cast turned up. However, in a surprise move, the actor who played baby Christopher (Eric Farlow) turned up.
On November 8, 2008, a reunion to commemorate the show's 30th anniversary was held at Southfork Ranch
Southfork Ranch
Southfork Ranch is a conference and event center located near Plano, Texas; it contains the Ewing Mansion, which was the setting for the 1978 - 1991 television series Dallas. The ranch is located at 3700 Hogge Drive in Parker, Texas.-History:...
in Parker, Texas
Parker, Texas
Parker is a city in Collin County, Texas, United States. The population was 1,379 at the 2000 census.-Geography:Parker is located at .According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of , all of it land...
, reuniting original cast members Larry Hagman
Larry Hagman
Larry Martin Hagman is an American film and television actor, producer and director known for playing J.R. Ewing in the 1980s primetime television soap opera Dallas and Major Anthony "Tony" Nelson in the 1960s sitcom I Dream of Jeannie.-Early life and career:Hagman was born in Fort Worth, Texas...
, Patrick Duffy
Patrick Duffy
Patrick George Duffy is an American character actor of stage and film. He is best known for his role on the CBS television drama Dallas, where he played Bobby Ewing from 1978 to 1985 and from 1986 to 1991, Duffy returns to reprise his role as Bobby in a new up-to-date Dallas currently scheduled to...
, Linda Gray
Linda Gray
Linda Ann Gray is an American actress, best known for her role as Sue Ellen Ewing on the television prime-time soap opera Dallas.-Career:Prior to acting, Gray began working as a model in the 1960s...
, Ken Kercheval
Ken Kercheval
Ken Kercheval is an American actor, best known for his role as Cliff Barnes on the television series Dallas....
, Steve Kanaly
Steve Kanaly
Steven Francis "Steve" Kanaly is an American actor, best known for his role as Ray Krebbs, foreman of the Southfork Ranch, on the television soap opera Dallas from 1978 to 1989. He reprised the role for the final episode of the series in 1991, and again for the made-for-TV reunion movie Dallas:...
and Charlene Tilton
Charlene Tilton
Charlene L. Tilton is an American actress and singer. She is best known for playing Lucy Ewing in the television series Dallas.-Career:...
. Other cast members in attendance were: Susan Howard
Susan Howard
Jeri Lynn Mooney , better known as Susan Howard, is an American actress, writer, and political activist; best known for portraying the character Donna Culver Krebbs on the soap opera Dallas, Maggie Petrocelli on the television show Petrocelli, and to Star Trek fans for portraying Mara, the first...
, Audrey Landers
Audrey Landers
Audrey Landers is a German American actress and singer, who is probably best known for her role as Afton Cooper in the television drama series Dallas and her role as Val Clarke in the film version of A Chorus Line.- Early years :...
, Mary Crosby
Mary Crosby
Mary Frances Crosby is an American actress. She is most often credited as simply Mary Crosby for her performances.-Early life:...
, and Sheree J. Wilson
Sheree J. Wilson
Sheree Julienne Wilson is an American actress, primarily known for her roles in soap operas and television...
. The front and back lawn of the fictional Ewing family home played host to a massive barbecue filled with people from the Dallas area, across the U.S. and around the world (who paid as much as $1,000) to reminisce and celebrate the series, as well as meeting with cast members. During the festivities, Kercheval said he was shocked to see the continued support for the show 17 years after it last aired. "I don't understand it," he said. "The staying power. Who knew?" Linda Gray also fondly remembered her time on the show: "I think it was a special time. It was a time when there weren't a hundred million channels and the Internet and all of the other things that came to existence."
In March 2011, the Texas Theatre
Texas Theatre
The Texas Theatre is a movie theater and Dallas Landmark located in the Oak Cliff neighborhood of Dallas, Texas. It gained historical fame for being the place Lee Harvey Oswald, the assassin of President John F. Kennedy and Dallas police officer J. D. Tippit, was arrested after a brief fight...
in Dallas began showing two episodes of Dallas on the big screen every Sunday; over 100 patrons, some in costume of their favorite characters, appeared at the free screenings every week. However, the screenings came to an abrupt end in May 2011 after Warner Bros. issued a cease-and-desist against the Texas Theatre for unauthorised showings, citing the fact that those that were involved in the show's production were not getting paid or benefitting from these screenings.
J.R. Ewing's hat, a foremost symbol of the show's inherent "Americanness" that contributed to its hold over audiences on a global scale, is currently held in the Smithsonian's
Smithsonian Institution
The Smithsonian Institution is an educational and research institute and associated museum complex, administered and funded by the government of the United States and by funds from its endowment, contributions, and profits from its retail operations, concessions, licensing activities, and magazines...
National Museum of American History's
National Museum of American History
The National Museum of American History: Kenneth E. Behring Center collects, preserves and displays the heritage of the United States in the areas of social, political, cultural, scientific and military history. Among the items on display are the original Star-Spangled Banner and Archie Bunker's...
collections.
See also
- Knots LandingKnots LandingKnots Landing is an American primetime television soap opera that aired from December 27, 1979 to May 13, 1993 on CBS. Set in a fictitious coastal suburb of Los Angeles in California, the show centered on the lives of four married couples living in a cul-de-sac, Seaview Circle...
(1979–1993) - DynastyDynasty (TV series)Dynasty is an American prime time television soap opera that aired on ABC from January 12, 1981 to May 11, 1989. It was created by Richard & Esther Shapiro and produced by Aaron Spelling, and revolved around the Carringtons, a wealthy oil family living in Denver, Colorado...
(1981–1989) - Falcon CrestFalcon CrestFalcon Crest is an American primetime television soap opera which aired on the CBS network for nine seasons, from December 4, 1981 to May 17, 1990. A total of 227 episodes were produced....
(1981–1990) - Dallas: J.R. ReturnsDallas: J.R. ReturnsDallas: J.R. Returns is the first of the two Dallas reunion movies to air after the series went off the air. It originally aired on CBS on November 15, 1996, and recently was rerun as part of TV Land's salute to 50 years of Warner Bros. Television....
(1996) - Dallas: War of the EwingsDallas: War of the EwingsDallas: War of the Ewings was the second of the two Dallas reunion movies. It aired on CBS on April 24, 1998, a little less than a year and a half after the first movie, Dallas: J.R...
(1998) - Dallas Reunion: The Return to SouthforkDallas Reunion: The Return to SouthforkDallas Reunion: The Return to Southfork was a 90-minute retrospective special celebrating the long-running primetime television series Dallas which aired on CBS on Sunday November 7, 2004....
(2004) - Dallas (2012 TV series)