Patrick Duffy’s Journey Beyond Bobby Ewing: What Happened After 'Dallas'?

For over a decade, Patrick Duffy captivated audiences worldwide as Bobby Ewing on the iconic TV series Dallas. Playing the youngest son of Jock and Miss Ellie Ewing, Patrick became a household name, and his portrayal of Bobby left an indelible mark on the world of television. But what happened to Patrick Duffy after the show ended? Let’s dive into his journey beyond Bobby Ewing.

From Bobby Ewing to New Adventures: Patrick Duffy’s Story

Dallas was the breakout role that launched Patrick Duffy into superstardom. Before stepping into the boots of Bobby Ewing, Patrick starred in the short-lived series Man From Atlantis. When Dallas premiered in 1978, it quickly became a global phenomenon, and Patrick's career soared. However, in 1985, Patrick made the bold decision to leave the series. His character was tragically killed off in a heart-wrenching episode that year.

In a candid interview with HuffPost in September 2014, Patrick opened up about his decision to exit the show. "I left because I had done the show for seven years," he explained. "My contract was for seven years. It was an ensemble show, and I thought if I could ever launch into something that was more of a single, starring venue, that would be the time to do it. But, as usual, my business decisions turned into a fiasco." Patrick’s departure from Dallas was a calculated risk, but one that didn’t quite pan out as he had hoped.

Read also:

Where Are They Now The Cast Of Hercules The Legendary Journeys

But the story didn’t end there. To the delight of fans worldwide, Patrick made a triumphant return to Dallas in 1986. In a twist that became one of the most memorable moments in television history, it was revealed that Bobby’s death was just a dream experienced by his on-screen wife, Pamela Ewing, played by the talented Victoria Principal.

Patrick revealed in a June 2023 interview with People that he had a hunch his character’s return would involve a dream-like scenario. "My wife instantly said, 'Well, you can’t come back on the show unless that whole season was a dream,'" he recalled. "We’ve talked about what she said years and years after that, and she based it purely on her literary knowledge. Half of Shakespeare’s plays have dreams in them!"

Patrick’s second run on Dallas lasted from 1986 until the series finale in 1991. During this time, he formed a lasting friendship with his co-star, Larry Hagman. Patrick was deeply affected when Larry passed away in November 2012 after a long battle with cancer. "Friday, I lost one of the greatest friends ever to grace my life," Patrick said in a heartfelt statement. "The loneliness is what is difficult, as Larry’s peace and comfort are always what is important to me, now as when he was here. He was a fighter in the gentlest way, against his obstacles and for his friends. I wear his friendship with honor."

Where Is Patrick Duffy Now?

After Dallas wrapped in 1991, Patrick continued to thrive in the entertainment industry. He starred in the popular sitcom Step by Step, alongside Suzanne Somers. The show followed the blended family adventures of parents Frank and Carol, who raised six children together. The series ran for seven successful seasons from 1991 to 1998.

In 2012, TNT announced a reboot of Dallas, and Patrick eagerly signed on to reprise his iconic role as Bobby Ewing. The revival ran for three seasons, introducing a new generation to the Ewing family saga. In this iteration, Jesse Metcalfe played Bobby and Pamela’s adopted son, Christopher Ewing.