The prime time soap opera about a Texas oil family made its television debut in April 1978.
Exactly 40 years ago, the Ewings of Southfork Ranch, Texas, took America by storm.
"Dallas," the television drama about a wealthy Texas oil family filled with internal conflicts, made its television debut in 1978.
The series focused on the relationships between Bobby, J.R., Sue Ellen, Pamela Barnes, Lucy, Jenn Wade, Miss Ellie and Ray Krebbs. It became known for its cliffhanger endings and famously leading its audience to ask, "Who Shot J.R.?" The show also led the way in controversial topics like homosexuality, alcoholism and mastectomies on prime-time television.
What was supposed to be a five-episode miniseries eventually became a 14-season long show that captured four Emmy awards. Today, the show remains one of the longest-running shows in American TV history, and went on to inspire two reunion movies and even a 2012 revival series.
So what has the cast been up to since the series finale in 1991?
Patrick Duffy (Bobby Ewing)
As one of the only characters to appear in all 14 seasons of "Dallas," Duffy went on to star in shows like "Step by Step" and "The Bold and the Beautiful."
He also returned to reprise his role as Bobby in the show's reboot and continuations.
Most recently, he played a double of Bobby Ewing in an experimental documentary "Hotel Dallas" that premiered at the Berlin International Film Festival in 2016.
Duffy lost his wife Carlyn Rosser Duffy, a former ballerina whom he married in a Buddhist ceremony in the 70s, early last year and currently resides in Oregon.
Linda Gray (Sue Ellen Ewing)
Gray continued to find success onscreen, starring in the movie "Oscar" alongside Sylvester Stallone and playing a recurring character in "Melrose Place" – a role she continued in the spin-off, "Models Inc."
She also appeared in shows like "The Bold and the Beautiful," and the 2008 "90120" reboot.
In theater, Gray played Mrs. Robinson during a London production of “The Graduate,” and claimed it was her legs, not Ann Bancroft’s, that appeared in the poster of "The Graduate" film.
She has two children with her husband, the late Ed Thrasher, and two grandchildren. She currently resides in Los Angeles.
Victoria Principal (Pamela Barnes Ewing)
Principal continued to act after "Dallas," appearing in a handful of minor roles in the 90s, but found more success in business.
She launched "Principal Secret Skincare" line in the late 80s, and in 2013, the company reported a revenue of more than $1.5 billion to date.
Principal is also involved in charity, providing aid in the wake of natural disasters like Hurricane Harvey.
She has been married twice with no children, and resides in Malibu, Calif.
Charlene Tilton (Lucy Ewing)
After "Dallas," Tilton appeared in shows and films, as well as a series of commercials for a fitness product called the Abdominizer.
More recently, Tilton appeared in the comedy "Superhero Movie" and was a contestant of a British ice-skating show, "Dancing on Ice."
Tilton is also strong advocate for autism, and continues to volunteer with young actors with the disorder.
Priscilla Presley (Jenna Wade)
Elvis Presley’s former wife went on to appear in all three "Naked Gun" movies and made guest appearances in shows like "Touched by an Angel" and "Melrose Place."
Today, she continues to be involved in the Elvis Presley estate along with her daughter Lisa Marie, and is an active member of the Church of Scientology.
Steve Kanaly (Ray Krebs)
The California native, who served in the Vietnam War prior to kicking off his acting career, went on to appear in shows like "All My Children."
He and his on-screen wife, actress Susan Howard, also appeared together in an NRA commercial promoting safe gun ownership.
Kanaly now lives on a ranch in California, where he grows avocados and paints watercolors.
Jim Davis (Jock Ewing)
Davis was diagnosed with multiple myeloma during the fourth season of "Dallas," and while he continued to appear on the show, he was mostly seen seated or speaking softer than usual. His character went on an abrupt extended trip when it became clear his condition would no longer allow him to continue working.
He died of complications from his illness in 1981.
Barbara Bel Geddes (Miss Ellie Ewing)
Bel Geddes, who appeared in renowned films like Alfred Hitchcock’s "Vertigo" before appearing in "Dallas," retired from acting and settled down in Northeast Harbor, Maine.
She went on to make art, write two children’s books and create a popular line of greeting cards.
Bel Geddes died of lung cancer in 2005, at 82 years old.
Larry Hagman (J. R. Ewing)
Hagman, who found success before "Dallas" in the 60s television show, "I Dream of Jeannie," won two Emmy awards for his role as J. R. Ewing, and went on to act in several other series, including an appearance in "Desperate Housewives" in 2011.
He was diagnosed with liver cancer and requiring a life-saving liver transplant in 1995.
In 2011, while filming the new "Dallas" series, Hagman was diagnosed with stage 2 throat cancer. A diagnosis of myelodysplastic syndromes came a year later.
He died in 2012.
HIs remains were cremated, and Hagman’s ashes were scattered at the Southfork Ranch in Parker, Texas, where the series was based.
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