In the illustrious history of “Dallas,” the television series that defined an era with its portrayal of the tumultuous Ewing family, Patrick Duffy proved to be a key player in bringing the character of Bobby Ewing to life. A cornerstone of the show’s success, Duffy’s journey into the world of acting reflected the passion, intrigue, and backbiting that characterized the iconic series. Behind the glitz of Hollywood, his personal life weaved a story of love, loss, and resilience. From humble beginnings in Townsend, Montana to unexpected stardom on the small screen, Duffy’s life has taken unexpected turns, marked by deep love, heartbreak, and a surprising resurgence of joy.
Dallas, the CBS television series that ran from 1978 to 1991, is still considered a classic. It focused on the dramatic family life of the Ewings and many instances of passion, greed, and backstabbing.
Millions of people watched one particular episode of the show even though it was a huge hit. Eighty million Americans have seen Who Shot JR.? This episode is still the second-highest. These numbers were even higher globally. The show was watched by nearly 300 million people in 57 countries outside the US, according to reports at the time.
Honestly, Dallas wouldn’t be what it is now if it weren’t for the excellent cast.
Actor Patrick Duffy was one of them; he played Bobby Ewing, the youngest son of Miss Ellie and the prettiest sibling of J.R. Ewing.
Duffy was born on March 17, 1949, to bar owners in Townsend, Montana.
Although Duffy had ambitions to become an architect, his theater teacher convinced him to pursue acting.
The amazing thing is that he followed her advice and that’s when everything in his life turned around.
“She recommended me in a letter, and I was accepted into a unique program. From then on, I considered myself an actor.”
I was very honored to be accepted to study drama at the University of Washington, because only 12 students were selected to enroll in the second year out of 1200 auditions, and Duffy was of course one of them.
He performed with opera and ballet groups and was an artist-in-residence early in his acting career. Although this work did not bring him much fame, it did lead to meeting ballerina Carlyn Rosser, who eventually became his soulmate.
Although she was married when they first met, she decided to seek a divorce because of the intense and sincere love they shared.
“I fell in love with the art form and fell in love with it in a short amount of time,” Duffy told the Independent.
“Her job was the hardest. She needed to inform her husband. And their marriage was happy. You know, it wasn’t a terrible relationship. He is and always has been a good man.”
“He was betrayed by her and it was friendly in the sense that he let her go, but he was hurt,” he said. “Just thinking about it makes my heart hurt. My heart doesn’t hurt enough to consider doing anything different.”
After their marriage in 1974, two boys were born to them.
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The sci-fi series Man from Atlantis, in which Duffy starred, came to an end at the same time as his stint in Dallas. The actor claims he just got the script and said he could play the role if he wanted to.
Duffy co-starred in the series with his on-screen wife Pamela Barnes, played by Victoria Principal.
The idea of the two recording private moments took its toll on Duffy’s husband. He saw that while she was watching the show, she became angry.
“And when I turn to see, my wife is crying heavily. ‘Honey, what’s going on?’ I asked. In an interview with the Independent, Duffy recounted.
“These are the sequences I played with Victoria earlier. “I just saw a look on your face that I thought you only got with me,” she added. It broke my heart. I was most likely thinking, “What’s for lunch?”
His character on the show was killed off after eight seasons. His contract was up and he wanted to work on other projects, that’s why.
“I left the show after seven years. My deal was for seven years. Sure, it was an ensemble show, but if there was ever a time at the height of the program’s success where I could break into a more solo, lead role, this would be the time to do it, Duffy told the Huffington Post.
“I left the program and it didn’t happen – a classic Patrick Duffy mistake involving a commercial decision. When they asked me to come back to the show, I did it because I knew it was the best place for me to work and to see my closest friend again.”
Over time, Duffy experienced heartache.
His parents were murdered in their pub in 1986 and the love of his life died unexpectedly in 2017. Duffy was devastated and didn’t think he could ever be with another woman. Rosser and he shared 43 years of marriage.
“When she died, it was unexpected,” Duffy told Closer Weekly. “There was no sign. That was the main change.”
My guys were the mainstays there. However, I have also come to realize that despite their best efforts to support my father, I am probably more used to these particular circumstances than they are. After a certain age, you realize that the road ahead is much shorter than the road behind you.
“Life is full of mistakes,” he continued. “Given enough time, I can take stock of everything I’ve done and mend every fence I’ve broken. I’ve tried hard to live life to the fullest and so far it’s been kind to me.” I did it and I’m still doing well.”
Everyone was surprised by Duffy’s appearance at the US premiere of Warning, held at a cinema in Beverly Hills, California. Many felt that he had aged significantly as he did not look like the man he used to be.
Fans were taken aback by his appearance. He smiled and signed autographs, proving that his charming personality has not diminished over time.
However, Duffy is currently seeing actress Linda Purl, four years after the tragedy.
It all started during the pandemic when the two ended up in a group chat with a few of their co-workers. Finally, they decided to give it a try.
Duffy told Closer Weekly, “We took away all the trial and error that happens in [younger] relationships,” referring to their partnership. Everything is wonderful and optimistic.” “Life is full of surprises, good and bad,” continued Purl, who has been married four times. “That was not what Patrick and I were looking for. When our paths crossed, neither of us expected it or saw it coming. Never give up.”
We are extremely happy that Patrick Duffy is in love again. All we want for him is the best life has to offer.
In the sweeping narrative of “Dallas,” the television series that captivated audiences from 1978 to 1991, Patrick Duffy stood out as Bobby Ewing, the amiable sibling in the dramatic Ewing family. Born on March 17, 1949, in Townsend, Montana, Duffy originally aspired to be an architect but turned to acting at the urging of his theater teacher. That choice changed the trajectory of his life and led him to study drama at the University of Washington, where he won a coveted spot among only twelve students out of 1,200 auditions.
While Duffy’s career initially included roles in opera and ballet companies, it was during this time that he also met Carlyn Rosser, a ballerina who became his soulmate. Their love story faced initial problems and Rosser ended the marriage to be with Duffy. The two married in 1974 and their union lasted 43 years until Rosser’s unexpected death in 2017.
Patrick Duffy’s fame skyrocketed with his role on “Dallas,” most notably in the infamous episode “Who Shot JR.?” which attracted a staggering 80 million US viewers and nearly 300 million worldwide. Despite the show’s success, Duffy has faced personal trials, including the loss of his parents in 1986 and the sudden death of his wife in 2017.
After decades of suffering, Duffy’s performance at the US premiere of “Warning” in 2021 sparked public attention. While his physical appearance changed, his charismatic demeanor and enduring charm remained evident. After the tragedy, Duffy found love again with actress Linda Purl, proving that life can offer unexpected joys even after a deep loss.
Patrick Duffy’s journey, marked by professional success and personal hardship, illustrates resilience and the ability to find happiness again. As fans celebrate his return to love, they wish him a future filled with the best that life has to offer. Life, as Duffy aptly observes, is a series of failures and triumphs, and he continues its twists and turns with grace and optimism.