Long before Yellowstone and the Dutton family dominated television screens, the Ewing family of Dallas brought their wealth, scandal and drama to the small screen.
Premiering in 1978, Dallas became one of the most popular late night soap operas of the 20th century. For 14 seasons, fans followed the fictional Ewing family of Texas’s Southfork Ranch and their feud with the Barnes family.
In addition to the intriguing and scandalous storyline, fans of Dallas were also drawn to the show due to its impressive casting. Larry Hagman, Patrick Duffy, and Victoria Principle appeared as Ewing siblings J.R., Bobby and Pam, respectively. Barbara Bel Geddes of Broadway and big screen fame starred as family matriarch, Ellie Ewing. And a string of other impressive talents lent their skills to the show, including Howard Keel (“Seven Brides for Seven Brothers”), Mary Crosby (daughter of Bing Crosby), and “Cool Hand Luke” actor George Kennedy.
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But, one of the most memorable actors to fill a supporting role on Dallas was Priscilla Presley.
Priscilla Presley joined the cast of Dallas in 1983, just six years after the death of her ex-husband, Elvis. Priscilla appeared as Jenna Wade, Bobby Ewing’s high school sweetheart and mother of his son, for five seasons. Presley chose to leave the series after becoming “unhappy with the direction of the series and her character.”
In a 2014 interview with HuffPost, Patrick Ewing, the actor who played one of Priscilla’s love interests, reflected on what it was like to work with her, saying:
“I have been approached by more men in my career, looking at me like you are the luckiest son of a gun in the world and Priscilla is one of the reasons they say that,” Duffy said. “She was the softest person…She just personifies the perfect woman. She was wonderful. We obviously hit it off very well. It was a dream to have her on the show, it was an absolute dream; makes all of us pale in comparison. To come from that relationship with Elvis Presley and then just be the most down to earth, almost shy, self-effacing person, she was just absolutely fantastic to work with.”
After leaving Dallas, Priscilla Presley’s acting career continued on the big screen and the small screen.
She appeared in three installments of the “Naked Gun” movie franchise, and made guest appearances on the television shows Melrose Place, Spin City and Touched by an Angel. But, Priscilla’s acting resume will always be highlighted by her role in Dallas.
See some of our favorite Priscilla Presley scenes from Dallas in the clips below.