Ken Kercheval was an American actor best known for his role as Cliff Barnes on the long-running primetime soap opera Dallas. His portrayal of the tenacious and embittered rival to J.R. Ewing made him a key figure in the show’s success, and his character became an iconic symbol of rivalry, ambition, and persistence. Throughout his career, Kercheval proved to be a versatile actor, excelling in both television and theater. His work on Dallas may have been his most famous role, but Kercheval’s career extended far beyond the Texas oil fields. He appeared in numerous television series, films, and stage productions, solidifying his legacy as a talented and dedicated performer.
Early Life and Career Beginnings
Ken Kercheval was born on July 15, 1935, in Wolcottville, Indiana, and raised in Clinton, Indiana. His father, Marine Kercheval, was a local physician, and his mother, Christine, was a registered nurse. Growing up in a small town, Kercheval developed a love for the arts early on. After graduating from high school, he initially pursued a career in music, attending Indiana University to study music and drama. However, his passion for acting soon took precedence, and he eventually transferred to the Neighborhood Playhouse School of the Theatre in New York City, where he studied under legendary acting coach Sanford Meisner.
Kercheval’s time in New York was transformative, as he immersed himself in the world of theater. He made his Broadway debut in 1962, appearing in the short-lived play Something About a Soldier. This was just the beginning of a prolific stage career, with Kercheval going on to appear in several notable Broadway productions throughout the 1960s, including Fiddler on the Roof and Cabaret. His work on stage earned him critical acclaim and opened doors for him to transition into television and film.
Transition to Television and Early Roles
Ken Kercheval’s early television career saw him take on a variety of guest-starring roles in popular shows during the 1960s and 1970s. He appeared in anthology series such as The Defenders and Naked City, as well as in dramas like Hawkand The Secret Storm. His versatility as an actor was evident in his ability to shift between different genres, from crime dramas to soap operas.
In addition to his television work, Kercheval appeared in several films during the late 1960s and early 1970s. He had supporting roles in The Seven-Ups (1973), a gritty crime thriller starring Roy Scheider, and Network (1976), the critically acclaimed satire directed by Sidney Lumet. Although his roles in these films were relatively small, they allowed Kercheval to showcase his talent for playing complex, character-driven parts.
Despite his success on stage and in film, it was television that would ultimately provide Kercheval with his most iconic role.
Dallas and the Role of Cliff Barnes
Ken Kercheval’s most famous role came in 1978 when he was cast as Cliff Barnes on the CBS primetime soap opera Dallas. The show, created by David Jacobs, centered around the wealthy Ewing family and their oil empire, with Kercheval’s character Cliff Barnes serving as the longtime nemesis of J.R. Ewing, played by Larry Hagman.
Cliff Barnes was the son of Digger Barnes, a man who believed that Jock Ewing (the patriarch of the Ewing family) had stolen his share of a lucrative oil deal years earlier. As a result, Cliff grew up harboring a deep resentment toward the Ewing family, particularly J.R. Cliff’s rivalry with J.R. became one of the central conflicts of the show, as the two characters engaged in a decades-long battle for power, wealth, and revenge.
Kercheval’s portrayal of Cliff Barnes was defined by the character’s persistent but often misguided attempts to outmaneuver J.R. Despite Cliff’s intelligence and ambition, he was frequently outwitted by the more ruthless and calculating J.R., which became a recurring theme throughout the series. Kercheval brought a sense of vulnerability and humanity to the character, allowing viewers to empathize with Cliff even when his schemes failed.
Over the course of the series, Cliff’s character evolved, as he experienced numerous personal and professional setbacks. Despite these challenges, he remained a central figure in the Dallas universe, and his complex relationship with the Ewing family, particularly J.R. and Bobby (played by Patrick Duffy), kept audiences hooked for years.
Kercheval was one of only two actors (along with Larry Hagman) to appear in all 14 seasons of Dallas, from its debut in 1978 to its finale in 1991. His performance as Cliff Barnes earned him a loyal fanbase, and he became a beloved figure in television history. The rivalry between Cliff and J.R. became one of the defining elements of Dallas and remains one of the most iconic storylines in soap opera history.
Life After Dallas and the Dallas Reboot
After Dallas ended in 1991, Ken Kercheval continued to work steadily in television and film. He made guest appearances on various shows, including ER and Murder, She Wrote, and appeared in TV movies such as I Still Dream of Jeannie(1991). His work during this period allowed him to explore new characters and genres, but he remained best known for his role as Cliff Barnes.
In 2012, Kercheval reprised his role as Cliff Barnes in the TNT reboot of Dallas, which brought back several original cast members, including Larry Hagman, Patrick Duffy, and Linda Gray. The reboot focused on the next generation of Ewings, but Cliff’s rivalry with the family remained a central storyline. Kercheval’s return to the role was met with enthusiasm from fans, and his performance once again showcased his ability to bring depth and complexity to the character.
The reboot of Dallas ran for three seasons before being canceled in 2014, but Kercheval’s presence in the show helped link the new series to its predecessor and provided a sense of continuity for longtime viewers.
Personal Struggles and Triumphs
Ken Kercheval’s life was not without its challenges. In the 1990s, he battled addiction and faced personal struggles, including a diagnosis of lung cancer, which led to the removal of part of his lung. Despite these hardships, Kercheval continued to work in the entertainment industry and remained a dedicated performer.
Kercheval’s resilience and determination to overcome his personal challenges mirrored the tenacity of his character on Dallas, and he often spoke openly about the importance of perseverance in both his personal and professional life.
Legacy and Influence
Ken Kercheval’s career, defined by his iconic role on Dallas and his extensive work on stage and screen, left a lasting impact on the television landscape. His portrayal of Cliff Barnes, a character who was both ambitious and vulnerable, provided audiences with a compelling foil to J.R. Ewing and helped shape the legacy of Dallas as one of the most popular soap operas in television history.
Throughout his career, Kercheval demonstrated his versatility as an actor, excelling in both dramatic and comedic roles. His dedication to his craft and his ability to bring complex characters to life made him a respected figure in Hollywood.
Ken Kercheval passed away on April 21, 2019, at the age of 83, but his contributions to television and theater will not be forgotten. His portrayal of Cliff Barnes remains one of the defining performances of the 1980s television era, and his work continues to be celebrated by fans of Dallas and by those who appreciate his immense talent and enduring legacy in the entertainment world.