'Dallas' Stars Strip Down: Where Are They Now?
New "Dallas" promo shot shows old stars getting steamy with new cast.
April 2, 2012 — -- intro: It's a new "Dallas" for a new generation.
The original "Dallas," which debuted in 1978 on CBS and had an astonishing 13-year run, centered on the Ewings, a family of Texas oil barons who had money, cattle, and more scandals and power struggles than the Kardashians.
In a promo shot for the continuation of the iconic TV series, coming to TNT this summer, Patrick Duffy, Linda Gray, and Larry Hagman join newcomers Jesse Metcalfe, Jordana Brewster, Brenda Strong, Julie Gonzalo and Josh Henderson for a steamy scene that might have made jaws drop in the '70s.
The three original cast members will appear in the new series. The continuation is expected to focus on J.R.'s son, John Ross Ewing, and Bobby and Pam Ewing's adopted son, Christopher.
Click through for a look at some of the key players of "Dallas," then and now.
quicklist: 1title: Larry Hagman/J.R. Ewingtext: Hagman, 80, inherited the acting gene from his mother, Broadway musical legend Mary Martin. He'd had roles in television programs 20 years prior to "Dallas," including "I Dream of Jeannie" from 1965-70.
The original strategy behind "Dallas" was to focus on the newly-married Bobby and Pam Ewing. But Hagman made his role more than the producers had intended. He quickly became the focus of the program.
He never left the business. Four years ago he had a recurring role on "Nip/Tuck," and appeared on "The Simpsons." media: 16041456
quicklist: 2title: Patrick Duffy/Bobby Ewingtext: Duffy, 63, made a name for himself in "The Man from Atlantis" television series before being signed to play J.R.'s youngest brother on "Dallas." And he's been busy since the series ended its run. He landed a role in "Step by Step," and continued to act in television movies. He had a run on "The Bold and the Beautiful," and appeared in the movie "You Again." media: 16041523
quicklist: 3title: Linda Gray/Sue Ellen Ewingtext: Gray, 71, was already a television regular when she got her plum "Dallas" gig, as J.R.'s long-suffering alcoholic wife. After the series ended, she continued her television work, including a role on "Models, Inc." and guest appearances on episodic television. media: 16041534
quicklist: 4title: Victoria Principal/Pamela Barnes Ewingtext: Principal, 62, had started her television acting career in the 1970s. Then she struck oil. She was cast in "Dallas" playing Bobby Ewing's wife, a character who often found herself in the middle when the Ewing and Barnes clans feuded.
After she left the series in 1987, she continued her acting career, appearing in TV movies, episodic television and series, including "Titans" in 2000. She's also the founder of Principal Secret, her skincare line.media: 16041567
quicklist: 5title: Priscilla Presley/Jenna Wadetext: Presley, 66, was the third actress to play Jenna Wade, the childhood love of Bobby Ewing. As Jenna, she rubbed shoulders with J.R., the formidable oil baron. But in real life Presley had already married the King -- she'd tied the knot with Elvis Presley in 1967.
As the marriage wound down, she began to explore acting. Five years into "Dallas," she joined the series for a five-year stint. After she left the show -- reportedly because she was displeased with the planned direction of her character -- Presley appeared in episodic television programs such as "Melrose Place" and "Touched by an Angel." She also appeared in the highly popular "Naked Gun" movies.
Even before her run on "Dallas," Presley had a real talent for business as a boutique owner. And as Elvis's gorgeous widow, she administered Graceland, their home, with a steely eye on the bottom line, until she passed the reins to her daughter, Lisa Marie Presley, in 1998. Post-"Dallas," in 1988, she launched an international fragrance line.
And the rest? Charlene Tilton, who played Lucy Ewing Cooper, J.R. and Bobby's niece, is still in the business. Ken Kercheval, who played Pam's brother, Cliff Barnes, survived lung cancer. Among the dozens of actors who contributed their talent to "Dallas," it's a sure bet that those who remain will eagerly watch the new intrigues of the Ewing clan. After all, family comes first.media: 16041640
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