Happy Days star Linda Purl reveals Dallas hunk Patrick Duffy’s sexy secret to keeping romance alive

Patrick Duffy and Linda Purl are setting a new standard when it comes to romance on and off set. 

In a unique and open discussion, the dynamic duo shared insights about their romantic life during an exclusive chat with the Daily Mail, as they prepared to launch their new movie, “Hollywood Grit.

This feature doesn’t mark their first collaboration as acting veterans and long-term romantic partners, having worked together before.

Linda, who is now 69 years old, reminisced about a playful, sensual memory from the set that made her think combining work and fun would prove successful.

As an ardent admirer, let me share a little behind-the-scenes tale from our work together. The first time we collaborated, it was quite peculiar. After completing a scene, I felt a gentle tap on my back… right there on set! Then, I overheard a compliment, “Nice job honey.

‘I was like huh? Oh! Ok!’

Patrick, 76, joined the conversation, flushing and laughing, and defended himself by saying, “It’s perfectly legal!” This statement caused the couple to also blush and giggle.

As a devoted fan, I’ve had the privilege of collaborating with another talented individual across seven captivating episodes of “The Bold And The Beautiful” between the years 2022 and 2023. It’s been an incredible journey for me, as I’ve had recurring roles on this program since 2006.

Their contagious chemistry continued as they gushed about their love life at work and at home. 

In a more poetic manner, Patrick depicts their shared journey as follows: “Though it may seem stereotypical, our existence holds a deep romantic charm. Each action resonates with this enchanting echo. It’s an everlasting ‘I love you.’

If she’s working and I’m not around, I do send flowers to her dressing room. But if we’re both working together, it might come off as arrogant, but I see each of us as a unique flower blooming for the other.

The romantic tale between them unfolded, resembling a modern romance movie script set during a pandemic, starting 40 years since their initial encounter. It flourished through countless nighttime phone conversations and video chats via Zoom.

Linda mentioned: ‘We found many shared themes. After Patrick recited one of his poems, we’d listen to some tunes, which made our connection grow even deeper.’

In the end, it was Patrick’s brave act that led him to embark on a 20-hour journey for our first, real-life kiss. Linda admired this as a courageous move, saying, “Patrick showed great bravery by hopping onto his white horse…or rather, his little blue Prius, and driving all the way here.

Patrick went on to say, ‘Stepping out of the car left us alone in a driveway facing each other. It felt like we were at a crossroads, so I shyly asked if I could kiss you. And with that, everything was decided.’

Duffy advises those who secretly yearn for such love yet aren’t actively seeking it: “If they’ve accepted their fate as perpetual singles, they might very well remain single for the remainder of their lives.

For Linda and Patrick the secret to finding love later in life was being open. 

In simple terms, Duffy describes himself as open to meeting new people and exploring new possibilities even at the age of 70. However, when Linda entered his life, he experienced a unique sensation that was distinct from all other encounters.

It struck me that mere comfort and contentment weren’t sufficient. There was an element of joy missing from my life, which I found each evening during our two-hour Zoom calls. I needed to explore this elusive happiness further.

After discovering such profound love, one might be enticed, much like two unique and enduring Hollywood success stories embedded in the annals of TV history with renowned shows like Dallas, Happy Days, Step by Step, Matlock, to abandon their achievements. Yet, when queried about retirement, it became evident that the idea was not even a remote possibility for them.

‘Duffy shares that although they haven’t thought about retiring, they admit to not working as consistently as they did during the first half of their career. However, they find it acceptable because occasionally, opportunities like the ‘Hollywood Grit’ come along, and those moments are truly precious.’

The on-screen relationship between Eleanor and Clarence Rhodes, portrayed by Linda and Duffy in the latest Hollywood Grit, is equally mesmerizing. As Duffy put it, “Every evening we’d return home, feeling it was the best fun imaginable.

Purl added: ‘For me, to see Patrick in a gold spandex Speedo…how could I say no?’

In contrast, despite being renowned for his attractive TV roles, Duffy finds it refreshing to leave his shirtless days in the past: ‘One advantage of our current jobs is that I get paid not to remove my shirt anymore, and that’s fantastic!’

In a genuine manner, he notes about their work in Hollywood Grit: “This is unlike anything we’ve tackled before, and the characters are unique too. Watching Linda at work is like a masterclass in our field.

Duffy goes on to say, “I can now take on roles similar to those I admired and found enjoyable in the past.

Hollywood Grit is out in select AMC theaters nationwide August 22.

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2025-08-20 23:20