List of Knots Landing characters

Last updated

Knots Landing is an American prime time television soap opera that aired on CBS from December 27, 1979, to May 13, 1993. The show was created by David Jacobs as a spin-off of Dallas and initially centred around the lives of four married couples living on a cul-de-sac in a fictitious coastal suburb of Los Angeles. [1]

Contents

Spanning fourteen years, the show became one of the longest-running primetime dramas on television. [2] [3] [4] In 1997, the cast reunited for a two-part miniseries titled Knots Landing: Back to the Cul-de-Sac . [5]

Overview

CharacterActorSeasons
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 Reunion
Kenny Ward James Houghton MainDoes not appear
Ginger Ward Kim Lankford MainDoes not appearGuest
Karen Fairgate MacKenzie Michele Lee Main
Laura Avery Sumner Constance McCashin Main [lower-alpha 1] Does not appear
Sid Fairgate Don Murray Main [lower-alpha 2] Does not appear
Richard Avery John Pleshette MainDoes not appearGuestDoes not appear
Gary Ewing Ted Shackelford Main
Valene Ewing Gibson Waleska Joan Van Ark MainGuestMain
Abby Fairgate Cunningham Ewing Sumner Donna Mills Does not appearMainDoes not appearGuestMain
Mack MacKenzie Kevin Dobson Does not appearMain
Lilimae Clements Julie Harris GuestDoes not appearRecurringMain [lower-alpha 3] Does not appear
Diana Fairgate Roberts Claudia Lonow RecurringMainGuestDoes not appearRecurringGuest
Ben Gibson Douglas Sheehan Does not appearMainDoes not appear
Greg Sumner William Devane Does not appearMain [lower-alpha 4]
Joshua Rush Alec Baldwin Does not appearMain [lower-alpha 5] Does not appear
Ciji Dunne Lisa Hartman Does not appearRecurringDoes not appear
Cathy Geary Rush Does not appearRecurringMainDoes not appear
Jill Bennett Teri Austin Does not appearGuestRecurringMainDoes not appear
Paige Matheson Nicollette Sheridan Does not appearGuestRecurringMainGuest
Olivia Cunningham Dyer Tonya Crowe Does not appearRecurringMainDoes not appearGuest
Michael Fairgate Patrick Petersen RecurringMainDoes not appearGuest
Anne Matheson Michelle Phillips Does not appearRecurringDoes not appearGuestRecurringMainStarring
Frank Williams Larry Riley Does not appearRecurringMainDoes not appear
Mary-Frances Sumner Stacy Galina Does not appearRecurring [lower-alpha 6] Does not appearRecurringDoes not appear
Kate WhittakerDoes not appearRecurringMainStarring
Claudia Whittaker Kathleen Noone Does not appearRecurringMainDoes not appear
Cast notes
  1. McCashin departs in "Noises Everywhere (Part 2)" (ep. 9.11).
  2. Murray departs in "Critical Condition" (ep. 3.2).
  3. Harris departs in "Flight of the Sunbirds" (ep. 9.9).
  4. Devane is added to the opening credits from "Marital Privilege" (ep. 5.4).
  5. Baldwin departs in "Rise and Fall" (ep. 7.10).
  6. The character is played by Danielle Brisebois in season 5.

Main

Kenny Ward (James Houghton (original cast), 1979–1983) [6]
A young record producer. During the series, he struggles to stay faithful to his wife Ginger, cheating on her with Sid Fairgate's daughter Annie, a singer named Sylvie and Kristin Shepard from Dallas . He settles down and becomes more responsible after Ginger gives birth to their daughter, Erin Molly Ward, in 1981. After four seasons, the family move to Nashville, Tennessee to pursue Ginger's career.
Ginger Kilman Ward (Kim Lankford (original cast), 1979–1983; 1997)
A kindergarten teacher, with country music aspirations. She is married to Kenny. They separate due to his infidelity, and she briefly dates pediatrician, Carl Russelman, however reunites with Kenny after the birth of their daughter, Erin Molly, in 1981. She leaves with her family for Nashville in 1983 to pursue a career as a country music singer. 14 years later, Ginger returns to the cul-de-sac for the anniversary party in Knots Landing: Back to the Cul-de-Sac , where she reveals her and Kenny are now divorced.
Karen Cooper Fairgate MacKenzie (Michele Lee (original cast), 1979–1993; 1997)
The wife of Sid Fairgate, and the mother of his children Diana, Eric and Michael Fairgate. Later, she marries Mack MacKenzie, and adopts Meg, daughter of Laura Avery and Greg Sumner. She works as a community activist and later proves herself as a businesswoman when she takes over Knots Landing Motors after Sid's death, and becomes joint-owner of Lotus Point with Gary and Abby. She is best friends with Val, who she bonded with from the first day she arrived in Knots Landing. Lee is the only cast member to appear in all 344 episodes, as well as the Back to the Cul-de-Sac miniseries.
Laura Murphy Avery Sumner (Constance McCashin (original cast), 1979–1987)
The wife of Richard Avery, and mother of their children Jason and Daniel. Initially an oppressed housewife, she went onto become a successful real estate agent. Later, she marries Greg Sumner, and has his daughter, Meg. Laura died in 1987 of a brain tumor. [7]
William Sidney "Sid" Fairgate (Don Murray (original cast), 1979–1981)
Owner of Knots Landing Motors, a used car dealership, and the husband of Karen. He is the father of her three children, Diana, Eric and Michael, as well as Annie, from his first wife Susan Philly. He is hard working, fair and at times stubborn. His car is sabotaged and plunges off a cliff in the second season finale, he dies from his injuries at the start of season three.
Richard Avery (John Pleshette (original cast), 1979–1983; 1987)
A corporate lawyer, and later a restaurant owner. Unhappily married to Laura, he struggles when she becomes a successful real-estate agent. He suffered a nervous breakdown in 1982, holding Laura hostage at gunpoint, before getting a divorce and leaving town in 1983. He returned briefly in 1987 to attend her funeral and take custody of their two sons Jason and Daniel.
Garrison Arthur "Gary" Ewing (Ted Shackelford (original cast), 1979–1993; 1997; 2013) [8]
The troubled middle son of Jock and Ellie Ewing and a recovering alcoholic. He was first played by David Ackroyd in Dallas season two, before Shackelford took over the role from season three's "Return Engagements", the backdoor pilot used to set up Knots Landing. He has been married to Valene since they were teenagers, and is the father of their daughter Lucy (a series regular on Dallas) and later, twins Bobby and Betsy Ewing. Upon moving to California, he begins working for Sid at Knots Landing Motors, where he was eventually promoted to vice president. Later, he is fired by Karen after Sid's death, and destroys his marriage to Val when he has an affair with Abby. After his father dies, he inherits $10 million and marries Abby, which ends after a few years. After a relationship with the scheming Jill Bennett, he remarries Valene. Shackelford is the only cast member along with Michele Lee to remain in the series throughout its entire run, although Shackelford didn't appear in every episode. He also reprises the role for three episodes of the 2012 revival of Dallas . [9] [10]
Valene "Val" Clements Ewing Ewing Gibson Waleska Ewing (Joan Van Ark (original cast), 1979–1992; 1993; 1997; 2013) [11]
Gary's wife and the mother of his children, Lucy, Bobby and Betsy Ewing (who are born in 1984). Valene is from Shula, Tennessee and married Gary when they were teenagers in the 1960s, but under J. R.'s influence was made an outcast from the Ewing family and became estranged from her daughter Lucy for many years. After remarrying Gary in 1979, the couple moved to Knots Landing, befriending her neighbor Karen. After Gary cheats on her with Abby, Val marries journalist Ben Gibson, and then the psychotic Danny Waleska, before finally marrying Gary for the third time. Van Ark left the show after 13 seasons, with Val presumed dead in a car accident, however returns alive in the two-part series finale. Van Ark also reprises the role in Back to the Cul-de-Sac and for an episode of the 2012 revival of Dallas .
Abby Fairgate Cunningham Ewing Sumner (Donna Mills, 1980–1989; 1993; 1997) [12] [13]
The neighborhood troublemaker. She is the younger sister of Sid, who rarely gets along with his wife Karen. Abby arrives from San Luis Obispo, California after divorcing her first husband, Jeff Cunningham, and begins working as a bookkeeper at Knots Landing Motors. Abby seduces Richard, and later Gary, destroying his marriage to Val. She then marries Gary herself, mainly for his inheritance. She becomes co-owner of Lotus Point with Gary and Karen, before her and Gary divorce. Later Abby marries Greg Sumner to help his political career, but the marriage lasts only a few months before she moves to Japan. Mills left the show after season ten, but returned for the two-part series finale in 1993, and again for Back to the Cul-de-Sac.
Marion Patrick "Mack" MacKenzie (Kevin Dobson, 1982–1993; 1997) [14]
An attorney and federal prosecutor who marries Karen after Sid's death. Later, he works for politician Greg Sumner, his old college friend and eventual rival, before opening his own private practice. Doug Savant plays a younger version of the character from 1986 to 1987.
Lilimae Clements (Julie Harris, 1980; 1981–1987) [15]
Valene's mother. Though they'd been estranged for many years, after Lilimae virtually abandoned Valene as a teenager in her quest to become a country music singer, Lilimae reappeared in Valene's life for a season one episode. She returns in a recurring role in season three, after moving in with Valene and Gary. She is a series regular from seasons four through nine, before leaving the show to go travelling with her lover Al Baker.
Diana Fairgate Roberts (Claudia Lonow, 1979–1984; 1993; 1997)
Sid and Karen's daughter. She is closer to her aunt Abby than her own mother. Later, she falls in love and marries the sociopathic Chip Roberts (Michael Sabatino). Diana eventually leaves Knots Landing to study fashion designing in New York City, although she returned in a recurring role in season fourteen and in Back to the Cul-de-Sac.
Ben Gibson (Douglas Sheehan, 1983–1987)
Valene's second husband. He was a journalist, who later worked at Abby's television station but disappeared in South America.
Greg Sumner (William Devane, 1983–1993, 1997)
Mack's friend from college and his eventual rival. Initially a politician, Greg became a businessman after inheriting his father's corporation, Galveston Industries. He marries Laura, and is the father of her daughter, Meg. After her death in 1987, Meg is adopted by Karen and Mack. Later, he has an affair with Paige, Mack's daughter, and marries Abby to help his political career. Joshua Devane plays a younger version of the character from 1986 to 1990.
Joshua Rush (Alec Baldwin, 1984–1985) [16]
Lilimae's son whom she abandoned as a baby. He was raised by his preacher father and later became a televangelist. After marrying Cathy Geary, he becomes increasingly unstable and violent. After threatening Val, and trying to kill Cathy, he dies accidentally after falling off a roof.
Ciji Dunne (Lisa Hartman, 1982–1983) & Cathy Geary Rush (Lisa Hartman, 1983–1986)
Ciji is a singer who is murdered, leaving almost everyone in Knots Landing a suspect. Some months later, Ciji's doppelgänger Cathy Geary shows up after being released from prison. Gary tries to help Cathy get a fresh start and falls for her, later it is revealed that Abby hired Cathy to distract him. Despite this, they remain friends. Hamilton becomes a series regular in seasons six and seven, and later marries Lilimae's son Joshua Rush, who ends up abusing her.
Jill Bennett (Teri Austin, 1985–1989)
Mack's former colleague who falls in love with Gary. She becomes threatened by Gary's close friendship with ex-wife Valene and tries to murder her. She accidentally kills herself after locking herself in the trunk of Gary's car in an attempt to frame him for kidnapping.
Paige Matheson (Nicollette Sheridan, 1986–1993; 1997) [17]
Daughter of Mack and Anne Matheson. During the series, she is romantically involved with Karen's younger son Michael Fairgate, Peter Hollister, and Greg Sumner. Later, she marries the mentally unstable Pierce Lawton, who tries to murder her, and also beds police officer Tom Ryan. By the end of the series she and Greg realize they were meant for one another.
Olivia Cunningham Dyer (Tonya Crowe, 1980–1990; 1997) [18]
Abby's rebellious daughter who became addicted to drugs. She becomes very close to both Valene and Karen, much to Abby's displeasure (the reverse of how Diana was with her mother). Later she marries a mobster's nephew Harold Dyer against her mother's wishes, so Abby cuts her off financially.
Michael Fairgate (Patrick Petersen, 1979–1991; 1997)
Son of Sid and Karen. During the series, he is romantically involved with Mack's daughter Paige Matheson and later has an affair with his older brother Eric's wife, Linda Fairgate.
Anne Winston Matheson Sumner (Michelle Phillips, 1987; 1989; 1990–1993; 1997) [19]
Mack's first love and mother of their daughter Paige. She initially tried to split up Mack and Karen, but after failing she turned her attentions to Greg and also attempted to cheat Paige out of her inheritance from her grandfather.
Frank Williams (Larry Riley, 1988–1992) [20]
Frank moved to Knots Landing with his wife Pat and daughter Julie as part of the witness protection program. He eventually took a job in Mack's law practice.
Mary-Frances Sumner (Danielle Brisebois, 1983–1984; Stacy Galina, 1990) & Kate Whittaker (Stacy Galina, 1990–1993, 1997) [21]
Mary-Frances is Greg's daughter. She is played by Danielle Brisebois in a recurring role in season five. Stacy Galina takes over the role in season eleven, where she is murdered by her boyfriend Robert Scarrow. Her cousin and doppelgänger Kate, daughter of Greg's sister Claudia, comes to Knots Landing in season twelve. She is a tennis player working on a scholarship back East, but breaks her arm in an accidental collision with Gary Ewing, which ends her tennis career. Despite this, the two later become romantically involved. Galina becomes a series regular in seasons thirteen and fourteen. Shiri Appleby plays a younger version of Mary-Frances in 1990.
Claudia Sumner Whittaker (Kathleen Noone, 1990–1993) [22]
Greg's sister, who moved to town under the guise of accompanying her daughter Kate to college. In reality, she came to meddle in Greg's affairs.

Recurring

Eric Fairgate (Steve Shaw, 1979–1987; 1989–1990)
Eldest son of Karen and Sid Fairgate. In later seasons, he has a brief romance with Greg's daughter Mary-Frances, before marrying Linda, who has an affair with his younger brother Michael while he is working in Saudi Arabia.
Jason Avery (Justin Dana, 1979–1980; Danny Gellis, 1980–1982; Danny Ponce, 1983–1985; Matthew Newmark, 1986–1987) [23]
Oldest son of Laura and Richard Avery. After Laura dies from a brain tumor, he and Daniel go live with Richard and his second wife.
Brian Cunningham (Bobby Jacoby, 1980–1985; Brian Austin Green, 1986–1989, 1997)
Youngest son of Abby and Jeff Cunningham. He leaves with Abby when she moves to Japan. Green reprises the role in Back to the Cul-de-Sac, where he is engaged and expecting a child with Kate.
Joe Cooper (Stephen Macht) (1982)
Karen's brother, who is an English lecturer in New York. He is briefly Valene's agent when she publishes her first book.
Chip Roberts (Michael Sabatino, 1982–1983)
Val's publicist, who moves in with Val and Lilimae. Later, he has an affair with Diana and gets Ciji pregnant. When it is eventually revealed that his real name is Tony Fenice and that he murdered Ciji, Diana marries him anyway. Lilimae hits him with her car, but he survives, eventually dying when he accidentally falls onto a pitchfork, believing he had seen a resurrected Ciji (when in fact he had seen Cathy, Ciji's lookalike).
Detective Janet Baines (Joanna Pettet, 1983)
A homicide detective investigating Ciji's death, and an old girlfriend of Mack's.
Mark St. Claire (Joseph Chapman, 1983–1984) [24]
A villainous-type character who tried to evade a police dragnet while he had Abby Cunningham as his hostage.
Dr. Mitch Ackerman (Laurence Haddon, 1984–1985)
The doctor who delivered Valene's twins and helped with the ruse that they had died. He later killed himself when confronted by Karen and Mack.
Paul Galveston (Howard Duff, 1984–1985, 1990)
Millionaire industrialist who befriends Gary, leaving his ranch to him after his death. He is later revealed to be Greg's biological father and a past lover of Ruth Sumner, marrying her on his deathbed.
Ruth Sumner Galveston (Ava Gardner, 1985)
A wildlife photographer and mother of Greg and Claudia. She had a strained relationship with Greg's wife Laura.
Peter Hollister (Hunt Block, 1985–1987)
Jill Bennett's brother, who arrived posing as Greg's half-brother through Paul Galveston. After working at the Sumner Group, he turned to local politics and started a relationship with Paige, who eventually killed him. Abby, suspecting Olivia was responsible, buried his body in concrete at Lotus Point.
Sylvia Lean (Ruth Roman, 1986–1987)
A former secretary and lover of Paul Galveston, who conceived a child with him that died shortly after birth. Tracked down by Peter Hollister to pose as his mother.
Jean Hackney (Wendy Fulton, 1986–1987)
A malevolent CIA associate from Ben Gibson's past, who tries to bring him back into field work.
Charles Scott (Michael York, 1987–1988)
Childhood sweetheart of Abby, who returned and romanced her in order to get control of Lotus Point for his own projects. The pair married, only for Abby to get an annulment the next day.
Linda Fairgate (Lar Park Lincoln, 1987; 1989–1991)
Eric Fairgate's wife who had an affair with his brother Michael, and later on have a romantic relationship with her boss Greg Sumner. She is eventually murdered by Brian Johnston.
Johnny Rourke (Peter Reckell, 1988–1989)
Singer and ex-lover of Paige Matheson.
Pat Williams (Lynne Moody, 1988–1990)
Wife of Frank Williams and mother of Julie. A former doctor, she and her family were in the Witness Protection Program. She died shortly after being hit by Danny Waleska's car - ironically, she had previously saved Danny's life.
Harold Dyer (Paul Carafotes, 1988–1990)
The nephew of a mobster who later became Olivia's husband.
Julie Williams (Kent Masters King, 1988–1991)
Teenage daughter of Frank and Pat Williams. She is responsible for killing Valene's abusive third husband, Danny Waleska.
Ted Melcher (Robert Desiderio, 1988–1989)
A consultant who worked with Abby and Greg Sumner but later plotted to kill Paige.
Paula Vertosick (Melinda Culea, 1989–1990)
An environmentalist who became close to Mack and had an affair with Greg Sumner.
Amanda Michaels (Penny Peyser, 1989–1990)
Danny's ex-wife and Gary's girlfriend, who teaches Bobby and Betsy's kindergarten class and aspires to be a professional singer.
Virginia "Ginny" Bullock (Betsy Palmer, 1989–1990)
Valene's aunt, who comes to live with her for a while after her apparent suicide attempt.
Danny Waleska (Sam Behrens, 1989–1990)
Valene's violent and psychopathic third husband, who rapes his ex-wife Amanda and kills Pat Williams while drunk-driving. Eventually and inadvertently drowned by Julie Williams.
Detective Tom Ryan (Joseph Gian, 1989–1991; 1993)
A corrupt policeman who was torn between his loyalties to his boss and his relationship with Paige.
Sergeant Levine (Herb Edelman, 1990)
A sympathetic policeman investigating Danny Waleska's murder.
Jason Lochner (Thomas Wilson Brown, 1990–1991)
A teenager with an abusive father who goes to live with Mack and Karen.
Dick Lochner (Guy Boyd, 1990–1991)
Jason's abusive widowed father.
Nick Schillace (Lorenzo Caccialanza, 1990–1991; 1992–1993)
A shady Italian playboy with various failed get-rick-quick schemes, also known as Dimitri Pappas, who became involved with both Anne Matheson and Claudia Whittaker.
Charlotte Anderson (Tracy Reed, 1990–1991)
An English teacher at Jason and Julie's high school who has a relationship with Frank, his first after Pat's death.
Steve Brewer (Lance Guest, 1991)
Claudia's illegitimate son with Paul Galveston, who tries to form a relationship with her when released from prison on parole. Later shot by the police after Claudia plants a gun on him and he tries to flee.
Benny Appleman (Stuart Pankin, 1991)
A small-time conman and former acquaintance of Anne, with whom she moves in after becoming homeless. Benny develops feelings for her while helping her become a late-night radio personality, but after confessing his feelings he is gently rebuffed.
Joseph Barringer (Mark Soper, 1991–1992)
Environmentalist who forms a business with Gary aiming to harness tidal energy, and embarks on a relationship with Kate Whittaker.
Pierce Lawton (Bruce Greenwood, 1991–1992)
A businessman who became involved with Paige but later tried to kill her.
Vanessa Hunt (Felicity Waterman, 1992–1993)
An openly bisexual former professional tennis player from Great Britain, and a former colleague and friend of Kate Whittaker, briefly ranked 13th best player in the world. Hunt's professional tennis career peaked when she lost to Gabriela Sabatini in the Italian Open women's singles final.
Mary Robeson (Maree Cheatham, 1992–1993)
A woman claiming to be Laura Avery Sumner's birth mother, who tries to win custody of Meg from Mack and Karen. The battle abruptly ends when Mack is arrested for her murder.

Notable guest stars

Related Research Articles

<i>Dallas</i> (1978 TV series) American television series

Dallas is an American prime time television soap opera that aired on CBS from April 2, 1978, to May 3, 1991. The series revolves around an affluent and feuding Texas family, the Ewings, who own the independent oil company Ewing Oil and the cattle-ranching land of Southfork. The series originally focused on the marriage of Bobby Ewing and Pamela Barnes, whose families were sworn enemies. As the series progressed, Bobby's elder brother, oil tycoon J.R. Ewing, became the show's breakout character, whose schemes and dirty business became the show's trademark. When the show ended on May 3, 1991, J.R. was the only character to have appeared in every episode.

<i>Knots Landing</i> American television series

Knots Landing is an American primetime television soap opera that aired on CBS from December 27, 1979, to May 13, 1993. A spin-off of Dallas, it was set in a fictitious coastal suburb of Los Angeles and initially centered on the lives of four married couples living on a cul-de-sac, Seaview Circle. Throughout its fourteen-year run, storylines included marital strife, rape, murder, kidnapping, assassinations, drug smuggling, politics, environmental issues, corporate intrigue, and criminal investigations. By the time of its conclusion, it had become the third-longest-running primetime drama on U.S. television after Gunsmoke and Bonanza and the last scripted primetime drama show that debuted in the 1970s to leave the air.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Joan Van Ark</span> American actress (born 1943)

Joan Van Ark is an American actress. She is best known for her role as Valene Ewing on the primetime soap opera Knots Landing. A life member of The Actors Studio, she made her Broadway debut in 1966 in Barefoot in the Park. In 1971, she received a Theatre World Award and was nominated for the Tony Award for Best Featured Actress in a Play for the revival of The School for Wives.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Donna Mills</span> American actress

Donna Mills is an American actress. She began her television career in 1966 with a recurring role on The Secret Storm, and in the same year appeared on Broadway in Woody Allen's comedy Don't Drink the Water. She made her film debut the next year in The Incident. She then starred for three years on the soap opera Love is a Many Splendored Thing (1967–70), before starring as Tobie Williams, the girlfriend of Clint Eastwood's character in the 1971 cult thriller Play Misty for Me. Mills played the female lead in the heist film Murph the Surf (1975), and guested on such 1970s staples as Hawaii Five-O, Gunsmoke, The Love Boat, and The Six Million Dollar Man.

<i>Knots Landing: Back to the Cul-de-Sac</i> American TV series or program

Knots Landing: Back to the Cul-de-Sac is a 1997 American television miniseries which is a continuation of the 1979–1993 prime time soap opera Knots Landing and takes place four years after the series ended. Directed by Bill Corcoran, the four-hour miniseries was originally broadcast in two parts on CBS on May 7 and 9, 1997.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Ted Shackelford</span> Actor

Theodore Tillman Shackelford III is an American actor, known for his roles on television. He played Gary Ewing in the CBS prime time soap operas Dallas and its spin-off Knots Landing (1979–1993), and had a recurring role portraying twin brothers William and Jeffrey Bardwell on the CBS daytime soap opera, The Young and the Restless (2006—2015).

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Michele Lee</span> American actress, producer, and director

Michele Lee is an American actress, singer, dancer, producer, and director. She is known for her role as Karen Fairgate MacKenzie on the prime-time soap opera Knots Landing (1979–1993), for which she was nominated for a 1982 Emmy Award and won the Soap Opera Digest Award for Best Actress in 1988, 1991, and 1992. She was the only performer to appear in all 344 episodes of the series.

Felicity Waterman is an English actress known for her role as Vanessa Hunt during the final two seasons of the television drama series Knots Landing, and for her role as regular cast member Lt. Abigail Hawling on the syndicated television series Pensacola: Wings of Gold (1999–2000).

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Lucy Ewing</span> Fictional character in the American television series Dallas

Lucy Ann Ewing is a fictional character in the popular American television series Dallas. The character is played by Charlene Tilton and first appeared in the series premiere on April 2, 1978. Tilton left the show at the end of season 8 in 1985, before returning for the last two episodes of season 11 in 1988, becoming a series regular again in season 12. Lucy was then written out again in 1990.

Garrison "Gary" Arthur Ewing is a fictional character from the CBS soap opera, Knots Landing, a spin-off of Dallas. The character of Gary Ewing was first played by actor David Ackroyd in a two-part Dallas season two episode "Reunion" in 1978. Gary Ewing was the middle son of oil baron Jock and Miss Ellie Ewing, the father of Lucy Ewing and the ex-husband of Valene Ewing. Over a year later, the part of Gary Ewing was recast for the spin-off Knots Landing with actor Ted Shackelford in the role, and Gary became one of the main stars of the series in 1979. Shackelford played Gary Ewing in Knots Landing for its entire fourteen seasons (1979–1993), while continuing to make occasional appearances in Dallas during that time. The character of Gary made his last Knots Landing appearance in 1997 in the reunion series Knots Landing: Back to the Cul-de-Sac. Shackelford reprised his character for the new, updated version of Dallas in 2013.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Valene Ewing</span> Fictional character in Knots Landing

Valene "Val" Ewing, portrayed by Joan Van Ark, is a fictional character in the CBS primetime soap opera Knots Landing, a spin-off from the long-running series Dallas, in which she also appeared. The character originated on Dallas in 1978 as the mother of Lucy Ewing and ex-wife of Gary Ewing. Van Ark made several guest appearances on Dallas before becoming one of the main stars of the spin-off Knots Landing in December 1979, though she continued to make small appearances in Dallas for the next several years. Van Ark played Valene in Knots Landing for thirteen of its fourteen seasons, which made her one of the show's longest running stars. The character made her last Knots Landing appearance in 1997, when she appeared in the reunion miniseries Knots Landing: Back to the Cul-de-Sac. In 2013, Van Ark reprised her character for the new, updated version of Dallas.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Kristin Shepard</span> Soap opera character

Kristin Marie Shepard is a fictional character on the American television series Dallas, played by Mary Crosby (1979–1981) and, briefly, by Colleen Camp (1979). The character also made one appearance on Dallas's spin-off series, Knots Landing, during its second season.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Lilimae Clements</span> Soap opera character

Lilimae Clements is a fictional character from the long-running CBS soap opera, Knots Landing. She was played by Julie Harris between 1980 and 1987. Although not a series regular until season 4, Lilimae was created by producer David Jacobs as one of the series' earliest characters.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Paige Matheson</span> Soap opera character

Paige Matheson is a fictional character from the CBS soap opera Knots Landing, a long-running serial about middle class life on the fictional cul-de-sac known as Seaview Circle in Los Angeles, California. She was played by actress Nicollette Sheridan between 1986 and 1993. She debuted in the penultimate episode of the seventh season and remained in the series until the final episode in 1993. The character made her last television appearance in 1997, when she appeared in the Knots Landing reunion miniseries Knots Landing: Back to the Cul-de-Sac.

Laura Avery Sumner is a fictional character from the CBS soap opera Knots Landing, a long-running serial about middle class life on the fictional cul-de-sac known as Seaview Circle in Los Angeles, California. She was played by actress Constance McCashin between 1979 and 1987. She debuted in the pilot episode and remained a principal actor in the series until the ninth-season episode "The Gift of Life".

Ewing family (<i>Dallas</i>) Fictional family featured in American soap opera Dallas

The Ewing family is the fictional family of the American prime time soap opera Dallas and its 2012 revival, as well as the foundation of the spin-off series Knots Landing. In the original series of Dallas, the Ewings own and run Southfork Ranch and the oil giant Ewing Oil; in the revival series, Ewing Oil is replaced by Ewing Global, formerly Ewing Energies. Knots Landing features the large corporation of Gary Ewing Enterprises.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Karen MacKenzie</span> Soap opera character

Karen MacKenzie is a long-running fictional character in the CBS primetime soap opera Knots Landing. Karen is portrayed by actress Michele Lee, and has appeared on the show since its pilot episode, first broadcast on December 27, 1979. Knots Landing follows the trials of four middle-class families living on a suburban cul-de-sac known as Seaview Circle in California. Lee portrayed Karen for the entire run of Knots Landing, being the sole cast member to appear in every episode of its fourteen seasons. At the time, her appearances in all 344 episodes set a record for an actress on American primetime television. Karen's storylines focus on family troubles, business dealings, addiction and kidnapping.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Abby Cunningham</span> Fictional character from the soap opera Knots Landing

Abby Fairgate is a fictional character from the CBS prime time soap opera Knots Landing, a long-running serial about middle class life on the fictional cul-de-sac known as Seaview Circle in Los Angeles, California. She was played by actress Donna Mills between 1980 and 1989. Abby was created by producer David Jacobs as one of Knots Landing's earliest characters. She debuted in the first episode of the second season. Mills remained a principal actor in the series until she left in its tenth season. She returned for the two-part series finale in 1993, and made her last appearance in 1997 when she appeared in the reunion miniseries Knots Landing: Back to the Cul-de-Sac.

Cathy Geary Rush is a fictional character from the CBS soap opera Knots Landing, a long-running serial about middle class life on the fictional cul-de-sac known as Seaview Circle in Los Angeles, California. She was played by actress and singer Lisa Hartman Black between 1983 and 1986. She debuted in the seventh episode of the fifth season. Hartman remained in the series until the final episode of the seventh season. Hartman had previously played another character, Ciji Dunne, during the fourth season.

References

  1. O'Connor, John J. (December 27, 1979). "TV: New CBS Series, 'Knots Landing'" via NYTimes.com.
  2. Jacobs, David (April 15, 1990). "TV VIEW; When the Rich And the Powerful Were Riding High" via NYTimes.com.
  3. "On the set of the 'Knots Landing' finale". EW.com. April 19, 1991.{{cite web}}: |first1= missing |last1= (help)
  4. McKairnes, Jim. "'Knots Landing' at 40: Remembering TV's soapy spinoff that outlasted 'Dallas'". USA TODAY.
  5. Heffernan, Virginia (December 2, 2005). "Honestly, We Were Really Great, Weren't We?" via NYTimes.com.
  6. Brooks, Tim (June 24, 2009). The Complete Directory to Prime Time Network and Cable TV Shows, 1946-Present (Ninth ed.). New York: Ballantine Books. p. 744. ISBN   978-0-3074-8320-1 . Retrieved 2021-11-12.
  7. Shanahan, Mark; Rhone, Paysha (March 19, 2009). "A 'Knots' Reunion". The Boston Globe. Retrieved June 26, 2018.
  8. Brennan, Patricia (1992) "Ted Shackleford Ponders Life after 'Knots Landing'", The Sunday Gazette, March 15, 1992, p. 44. Retrieved January 17, 2016
  9. William Keck (October 17, 2012). "Keck's Exclusives: Dallas Stages a Knots Landing Reunion". TV Guide . Retrieved March 23, 2013.
  10. "'Dallas' bringing back 'Knots Landing's Ted Shackelford, Joan Van Ark". Digital Spy. October 18, 2012. Retrieved March 23, 2013.
  11. "An Irreverent Look at the Past Season: The Best and Worst We Saw". www.tvguidemagazine.com. Retrieved 2021-11-02.
  12. Buck, Jerry (July 4, 1982). "Donna Mills To Play Victim". Toledo Blade . Block Communications. p. 32.
  13. Mapes, Josh (June 13, 2012). "10 Primetime Stars We Love to Hate". The Biography Channel . Hearst Corporation . Retrieved July 24, 2012.
  14. Del Rosario, Alexandra (September 7, 2020). "Kevin Dobson Dies: 'Knots Landing' and 'Days Of Our Lives' Star Was 77". Deadline Hollywood . United States: Penske Media Corporation . Retrieved September 7, 2020.
  15. "Julie Harris, Broadway Star, Dies at 87". The Hollywood Reporter . Associated Press. August 24, 2013. Retrieved 2020-12-08.
  16. Heldman, Breanne L. (May 6, 2020). "Alec Baldwin Says Being on Knots Landing 'Was 1 of the 5 Most Important Times of My Life'". people.com.
  17. Sonsky, Steve (17 September 1986). "New Season Also Brings Changes To Old Standbys". Toledo Blade . p. P-4. Retrieved 4 December 2017 via news.google.com.
  18. "Tonya Crowe grows up on series". The Prescott Courrier. 9 June 1989. Retrieved 5 September 2011.
  19. Buck, Jerry (March 29, 1991). "'Knots Landing' Role a Warning to Dependent, Unworldly Women". News & Record. Greensboro, North Carolina. Archived from the original on April 25, 2019.
  20. Gliatto, Tom (June 22, 1992). "Death in Knots Landing". People. 37 (24). ISSN   0093-7673.
  21. "Stacy Galina's Career Is in 'Knots,' but She Tries to Avoid 'L.A. Thing'". Los Angeles Times. September 7, 1991. Retrieved August 11, 2015.
  22. Deborah Wilker (February 14, 1991). "Kathleen Noone Landed On Her Feet". Chicago Tribune . Retrieved April 2, 2013.
  23. "CTVA US Drama - "Knots Landing" (Lorimar/CBS)(1979-93)". ctva.biz.
  24. "'Knots' lands new season of suds". The Clarion-Ledger . Jackson, Mississippi. October 4, 1984. p. 25. Retrieved May 28, 2022 via Newspapers.com. Closed Access logo transparent.svg