Patrick Duffy is an American actor, director, and producer who achieved worldwide fame for his portrayal of Bobby Ewing on the iconic primetime soap opera Dallas. A fixture on television screens since the 1970s, Duffy’s career spans several decades and multiple genres, making him one of the most recognizable and enduring figures in American entertainment. His wholesome charm, combined with his strong screen presence, allowed him to transition seamlessly from drama to comedy, starring in both long-running series and memorable films. Beyond Dallas, Duffy gained further acclaim for his role in the popular sitcom Step by Step, showcasing his versatility as an actor.
Early Life and Education
Patrick Duffy was born on March 17, 1949, in Townsend, Montana, to tavern owners Terence and Marie Duffy. Growing up in a small town in Montana, Duffy led a relatively quiet life before discovering a passion for performing arts during his school years. While attending Cascade High School in Great Falls, Montana, Duffy became involved in theater and music, which led him to pursue acting as a career. His early interest in theater paved the way for his future success.
Duffy went on to attend the University of Washington in Seattle, where he graduated from the Professional Actors Training Program with a degree in drama. While studying, he honed his acting skills, learning the fundamentals of stagecraft, and even worked as a certified scuba diver to pay his bills. After finishing his formal education, Duffy moved to New York City to chase his dreams of making it in the world of theater and television.
Early Career and Breakthrough with Man from Atlantis
Patrick Duffy’s early career began with small roles in television and regional theater, but he struggled to find consistent work in the competitive entertainment industry. His fortunes changed in 1977 when he was cast in the NBC science-fiction series Man from Atlantis. The show, which ran for one season, followed the adventures of Mark Harris, the last survivor of the lost city of Atlantis, who had superhuman abilities such as the ability to breathe underwater and swim at incredible speeds. Duffy’s portrayal of the aquatic hero gained him attention and established him as a rising star.
Although Man from Atlantis was short-lived, it marked a pivotal moment in Duffy’s career. The role showcased his physicality and charisma, and the show developed a cult following, proving that Duffy had leading-man potential. More importantly, it introduced him to the television industry’s key players, setting the stage for his next, career-defining role.
The Role of Bobby Ewing on Dallas
In 1978, Patrick Duffy landed the role that would cement his place in television history: Bobby Ewing on CBS’s Dallas. Created by David Jacobs, Dallas followed the lives and scandals of the wealthy Ewing family, who ran a powerful oil empire in Texas. Bobby Ewing, the youngest son of patriarch Jock Ewing (played by Jim Davis), was the moral center of the series, often serving as a foil to his ruthless older brother, J.R. Ewing (played by Larry Hagman).
While J.R. manipulated and schemed his way through the oil business and family matters, Bobby was portrayed as kind-hearted, honorable, and determined to do the right thing, even when surrounded by corruption. Duffy’s portrayal of Bobby became a fan favorite, with viewers drawn to his character’s integrity and charm. The dynamic between Bobby and J.R., with their contrasting personalities and sibling rivalry, became one of the central elements of the show’s dramatic tension.
Dallas quickly became a massive hit, with its blend of family drama, corporate intrigue, and over-the-top plotlines drawing in millions of viewers. At its peak, Dallas was one of the most-watched television shows in the world, and Patrick Duffy became a household name. His on-screen relationship with Victoria Principal, who played Bobby’s wife Pamela Barnes Ewing, was another key factor in the show’s success. The chemistry between Duffy and Principal added emotional depth to the series and created one of television’s most iconic couples of the era.
The Famous Dallas Plot Twist: Bobby’s Return
One of the most memorable moments in television history involved Patrick Duffy’s character on Dallas. In 1985, Duffy decided to leave the show to pursue other opportunities, and as a result, his character Bobby was killed off in a tragic car accident. His departure from the series shocked fans, and Bobby’s death became a major plot point in Dallas. However, after a year away from the show, Duffy agreed to return to Dallas for its tenth season in 1986.
To bring Bobby back, the writers crafted one of the most audacious plot twists in TV history. At the end of the ninth season, it was revealed that Bobby’s death—and the entire season—had been a dream of his wife Pamela. In the famous scene that introduced his return, Pamela wakes up to find Bobby alive and well in the shower. The “shower scene” became one of the most talked-about and parodied moments in television, cementing Dallas’s reputation for high drama and unexpected twists.
Duffy’s return to Dallas reinvigorated the show, and he remained a central character until its original run ended in 1991. His performance as Bobby Ewing remains one of his most iconic roles, and his contributions to the series played a significant part in making Dallas a cultural phenomenon.
Transition to Step by Step
After Dallas ended, Patrick Duffy made a successful transition to comedy, starring in the family sitcom Step by Step. The show, which aired from 1991 to 1998 on ABC, followed the blended family of Frank Lambert (Duffy), a contractor, and Carol Foster (Suzanne Somers), a hairdresser, who marry and combine their households. The series was often compared to The Brady Bunch and became a cornerstone of ABC’s popular TGIF lineup during the 1990s.
Duffy’s role as Frank Lambert allowed him to showcase his comedic skills and connect with a new generation of viewers. Step by Step was a hit with audiences, and Duffy’s chemistry with Suzanne Somers was central to the show’s success. Playing a laid-back, lovable father figure, Duffy once again proved his versatility as an actor, transitioning seamlessly from the high drama of Dallas to the lighthearted humor of a family sitcom.
Directing and Other Ventures
In addition to his work as an actor, Patrick Duffy expanded his talents into directing. During his time on Dallas, he directed several episodes of the series, gaining valuable experience behind the camera. His passion for directing carried over to Step by Step, where he directed multiple episodes as well. This experience solidified his reputation as a multi-talented figure in the television industry.
Duffy’s versatility extended beyond acting and directing. He appeared in numerous television films, including Too Good to Be True (1988) and Falling in Love with the Girl Next Door (2006). He also made guest appearances on various TV shows, such as Family Guy, Touched by an Angel, and Reba.
The Dallas Revival and Legacy
In 2012, Dallas returned to television with a reboot on TNT, continuing the story of the Ewing family for a new generation. Patrick Duffy reprised his role as Bobby Ewing, now the family patriarch, alongside original cast members Larry Hagman and Linda Gray. The revival focused on the next generation of Ewings, with Bobby’s adopted son Christopher (Jesse Metcalfe) and J.R.’s son John Ross (Josh Henderson) taking center stage. Duffy’s return as Bobby was praised by fans and critics alike, and his performance brought a sense of continuity and nostalgia to the new series.
The revival ran for three seasons and was well-received by longtime Dallas fans. Duffy’s portrayal of Bobby, now older and wiser, but still principled and strong, resonated with viewers who had grown up watching the original series.
Personal Life and Tragedy
Patrick Duffy’s life outside of acting has been marked by both triumph and tragedy. In 1986, his parents, Terence and Marie Duffy, were tragically murdered during a robbery at their tavern in Montana. Despite this devastating loss, Duffy remained committed to his career and his family, drawing strength from his personal belief system and his Buddhist faith, which he has practiced for many years.
Duffy was married to Carlyn Rosser, a professional ballerina, from 1974 until her passing in 2017. The couple had two sons, Padraic and Conor, both of whom have pursued careers in the entertainment industry.
Patrick Duffy’s career as an actor, director, and television star has spanned over five decades, making him a beloved figure in the entertainment world. From his breakout role as Bobby Ewing on Dallas to his comedic turn as Frank Lambert on Step by Step, Duffy’s range and versatility have made him a household name. His ability to connect with audiences, whether through high-stakes drama or lighthearted comedy, has ensured his enduring appeal in American television history.