Dallas remake

Dallas TV show remake Then & now

A cable network  just announced it is gearing up to breathe new life into the iconic '80s TV series "Dallas." Yes, the show has already enjoyed not one but two revivals  since it went off the air in 1991. And that's on top of a whopping 13 seasons  and a spin-off series.

 

No word yet on an air date, but the coming remake will introduce new characters -- played by a nighttime drama hunk  and a raven-haired action starlet -- alongside veterans J.R., Sue Ellen and Bobby.

 

The series was a career highlight for most of its cast, including the show's former patriarch and award-winning matriarch. Guess which megastar had a small role. See what some of America's favorite retro Texans have been up to after all these years.

Larry Hagman

Then: In the '60s, he became a star with this "major" TV role. But by the end of the '70s, Hagman returned to his Lone Star roots to become J.R. Ewing, the oil tycoon series star who forever has a place in pop culture history, thanks to this catchphrase.

 

Now: Hagman, 79, has kept his 10-gallon hat in the 21th century TV ring, making appearances on both network and cable series. He is now ready to reprise his role as J.R. on the Dallas revamp.

Patrick Duffy

Then: As J.R.'s younger brother, Bobby Ewing, Duffy pulled off one of TV's most famous plot twists.

 

Now: In the '90s, he starred in a long-running family sitcom with a body-conscious blond co-star, and most recently he's had a recurring soap opera role. Duffy, 61, will join other original cast members on TNT's version of "Dallas."

Linda Gray

Then: Before getting to know her face in the acclaimed role of J.R.'s wife, Sue Ellen Ewing, America was familiar with Gray's now-iconic legs.

 

Now: Gray, 70, has made the rounds in other dramas, such as this '90s backstabbing bonanza and the recent reincarnation of this teen series. She will once again portray Sue Ellen.

Victoria Principal

Then: The role of Pamela Barnes Ewing, Bobby's wife, was Victoria Principal's big break . She played the bride torn between the show's two powerful families.

 

Now: Principal, 61, has spent her post-"Dallas" years penning beauty books, starring in short-lived shows  -- such as this 2000 effort -- and designing jewelry.

Ken Kercheval

Then: Kercheval played Cliff Barnes -- Pam's brother and J.R.'s nemesis -- from the show's beginning until its end. He also starred in the "Dallas" TV movie in 1996.

 

Now: After overcoming post-"Dallas" health struggles, the actor, 75, surfaced in a few minor roles on shows in the '90s and '00s.

Steve Kanaly

Then: Kanaly is best known as Ray Krebbs, the Southfork Ranch foreman with a family secret.

 

Now: Aside from a funny-named soaps role in the '90s, Kanaly, 64, has made only minor appearances here and there.

Charlene Tilton

Then: Tilton played Lucy Ewing, J.R.'s niece and the troubled vixen of the clan who constantly courted one controversy or another.

 

Now: As acting gigs go  it's been parody after parody for this 52-year-old actress.

Priscilla Presley

Then: Her famous marriage behind her, Presley went on to play Jenna Wade, Bobby's former flame. She didn't originate the role , but she held it the longest.

 

Now: Presley, 65, went from starring in a funny franchise to donning her dancing shoes. Watch her moves.

Susan Howard

Then: This former Klingon her real name was Donna Culver Krebbs, a politician's wife who was eventually wooed by Ray Krebbs.

 

Now: Howard, 67, has been most active off-screen, engaging in political activism and once holding office in Texas.

George Kennedy

Then: Oscar-winner Kennedy was Carter McKay, another oil baron who served as a J.R. foe.

 

Now: Kennedy, 85, has done commercial work, joined his "Dallas" co-star in this Leslie Nielsen trilogy and, most recently, he's been seen in soaps.