Patrick Duffy facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Patrick Duffy
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Duffy in 2013
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| Born | March 17, 1949 Townsend, Montana, U.S.
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| Education | University of Washington (BA) |
| Occupation | Actor, director, television personality |
| Years active | 1974–present |
| Known for | Bobby Ewing – Dallas |
| Spouse(s) |
Carlyn Rosser
(m. 1974; died 2017) |
| Partner(s) | Linda Purl (2020–present) |
| Children | 2 |
| Relatives | Barry Zito (nephew) |
Patrick Duffy (born March 17, 1949) is an American actor and director. He is famous for playing Bobby Ewing in the popular TV show Dallas from 1978 to 1991. He played Bobby again in a new version of Dallas from 2012 to 2014.
Many people also know him as the dad, Frank Lambert, in the family comedy series Step by Step (1991–1998). He also had a role as Stephen Logan in the soap opera The Bold and the Beautiful and appeared in the comedy show Welcome to Sweden.
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Early Life and Education
Patrick Duffy was born in 1949 in Townsend, Montana. His parents, Marie and Terence Duffy, owned a tavern. He is of Irish heritage.
When he was in high school in Everett, Washington, he was active in the Drama Club. He was also a "Yell King" for the Pep Club, leading cheers at school events.
Duffy went to the University of Washington and earned a degree in drama in 1971. During his senior year, he injured his vocal cords. After graduating, he taught acting skills like mime (acting without words). His sister, a champion diver, taught him how to swim for his first big acting role.
Acting Career
Duffy's career has included roles in television, film, and even a hit song in Europe.
Early Roles and 'Man from Atlantis'
In the early 1970s, one of Duffy's first jobs was in a commercial for Taco Bell. In 1977, he got his first major role as Mark Harris in the TV series Man from Atlantis. He played a character who could breathe underwater. The show only lasted for one season, but it helped him become more well-known.
Stardom with 'Dallas'
In 1978, Duffy landed his most famous role as Bobby Ewing on the TV show Dallas. The show was about a wealthy family in Texas and became a huge hit all over the world.
In 1985, Duffy decided to leave the show, and his character Bobby was killed off. However, a year later, he returned in one of the most famous scenes in TV history. Bobby appeared in a shower, and the entire previous season was explained as "just a dream." Duffy stayed with Dallas until it ended in 1991. He also directed some episodes of the show.
'Step by Step' and Other Work
After Dallas ended in 1991, Duffy starred in another popular TV show called Step by Step. He played Frank Lambert, the father of a large blended family, alongside actress Suzanne Somers. The family comedy was a hit and ran until 1998. Duffy also directed many episodes of this series.
During the 1990s, he returned to his role as Bobby Ewing in two Dallas TV movies. He also made guest appearances on shows like Family Guy and Justice League.
In 1983, Duffy had a hit song in Europe called Together We're Strong. He sang it as a duet with French singer Mireille Mathieu.
Later Career
From 2006 to 2011, Duffy had a recurring role as Stephen Logan in the soap opera The Bold and the Beautiful. He returned to this role in 2022 and 2023.
In 2012, he once again played Bobby Ewing in a new Dallas series that continued the story of the Ewing family. The show aired for three seasons until 2014. He continues to act in various TV shows and movies.
Personal Life
In 1974, Duffy married Carlyn Rosser, a professional ballerina who was ten years older than him. They had two sons, Padraic and Conor. The family lived for many years near Eagle Point, Oregon. Duffy's wife introduced him to Nichiren Buddhism, a religion he has practiced for many years.
In 1986, Duffy's parents were tragically killed during a robbery at their tavern in Montana.
Carlyn Rosser passed away in 2017. Since 2020, Duffy has been in a relationship with actress Linda Purl.
See also
In Spanish: Patrick Duffy para niños
