Movies

Dallas star Patrick Duffy, 76, was a big hunk in the 1970s… see what he looks like now

BBG News

From 1978 to 1991, Dallas stalwart Patrick Duffy portrayed the character of Bobby Ewing, a key figure in the long-running prime-time drama series based in Texas.

The dark-skinned actor was among the most handsome leading men on television during his time, sharing the spotlight with Larry Hagman, Linda Gray, and Victoria Principal.

He reprised the role of Bobby in the TNT revival series from 2012 to 2014. 

In the 90s, Duffy was part of the ABC sitcom Step by Step, where he played the character Frank Lambert alongside the well-known actress Suzanne Somers, who had a striking blonde appearance.

Currently, the long-standing figure in Hollywood, who is now 76 years old, has reappeared in public. He attended multiple functions in Cincinnati to promote his business, Duffy’s Dough.

On his arm, there was Linda Purl, his girlfriend who is known for her role in Happy Days. Duffy and Linda have been together since July 2020, having first connected through a group chat and later growing closer over video calls (Facetime and Zoom) during the Covid-19 pandemic.

He has said sparks began to fly during a group text chat in 2020.

Last year, Patrick mentioned that they were in a romantic relationship during the pandemic. Although they hadn’t been in the same physical space for nearly four months, they managed to communicate with each other every day.

For about two and a half months, our daily communication shifted from text messaging to video calls – first FaceTime, then Zoom meetings each evening, lasting anywhere from two to three hours. During this period, we didn’t encounter the question of whether or not to kiss after the third dinner, nor did we debate on whether or not I should take her home with me.

Linda, who portrayed Ashley Pfister on Happy Days during its tenth season in the early ’80s, commented: ‘Just as we were concluding our final scene, Patrick said “I’ll see you tomorrow, I love you.”‘

The following day, I embarked on a journey that felt more like a greeting than a drive – a 23-hour long one. I hopped into my vehicle and, before I knew it, I was pulling up at her front door. Since then, we’ve been inseparable.

Linda added, “Given the circumstances, I believe this event wouldn’t have taken place under regular conditions. However, during our pandemic-era lives, we found ourselves with three hours to video call, which we wouldn’t have otherwise.

In simpler terms, Patrick expressed that he hadn’t been actively seeking love, but instead, it unexpectedly appeared before him when referring to Linda as ‘the most breathtaking sight on earth’.

In a chat last November 2020, Patrick revealed that he’s stepped back from the thought of dating once more since the demise of his spouse, ballerina Carlyn Rosser, due to cancer in 2017.

The pair were married for over four decades and had two sons: Padraic, 48, and Conor, 42.

Last year, he described their love as something unexpected, not felt as a necessity, but suddenly, as if by some mysterious force, everything shifted, and his viewpoint transformed.

Initially, we exchanged texts, followed by video calls on FaceTime and eventually Zoom meetings. Every evening for about two to three hours, we would have a Zoom call. Through these regular interactions, one truly develops a deep understanding of another person.

During the lockdown, the actor really enjoyed talking with Linda, and as soon as restrictions were lifted, he didn’t hesitate to quickly visit her.

He mentioned that after spending about two and a half months together, he felt something beyond casual friendship. As a result, he prepared his vehicle for a journey, drove for approximately 20 hours, and eventually stood at her front door.

‘I asked permission if I could kiss her, and we’ve been together ever since.’

Patrick confessed that his relationship with Linda took him by utter surprise. He elaborated that following the demise of his spouse, it had never crossed his mind to find love again.

He admitted, “I hadn’t considered it for even a second that this would occur once more. I didn’t think I’d experience these feelings again. I find myself in a deeply content and joyful romance.

Duffy’s wife Rosser died in 2017. 

Linda is mother to son Lucius Cary, 26, who she shares with ex husband Alexander Cary.

She has been married four times in total but has no other children. 

In 2006, Patrick took on the character of Stephen Logan in The Bold and the Beautiful. He stayed with the series for five years before leaving, but returned in 2022 for a brief stint featuring two episodes. During his time there, he portrayed the romantic interest of his on-screen girlfriend, Purl.

He has also appeared in films like You Again (2010) and Lady of the Manor (2021).

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2025-06-06 18:35

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