The Ewings Are Back: Meet the Cast of ‘Dallas’ at This Weekend’s Southfork Experience
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Millions watched J.R. Ewing take a bullet on the “Dallas” season 3 finale. But who would have guessed that 45 years later, the show — and its glamorous, scheming, endlessly watchable cast — would still be drawing a crowd?
This weekend, August 8-10, the Southfork Experience kicks off with a VIP Cocktail Party at the Ewing Mansion.
A celebrity-studded lineup includes all your favorite TV show stars, including Patrick Duffy (Bobby Ewing), Linda Gray (Sue Ellen Ewing), Charlene Tilton (Lucy Ewing), Steve Kanaly (Ray Krebbs), and Sheree J. Wilson (April Stevens).
On Saturday, the event moves to the Renaissance Dallas Richardson Hotel for meet and greets, photo ops, panels, and a Ewing-style BBQ benefiting the Yellow Rose Gala.
Turns out, Wilson — who played the ambitious, savvy April Stevens for four seasons — won’t have to travel far to join her fellow cast mates. The charismatic, fan favorite actress is now a North Dallas homeowner (not to mention, soon-to-be neighbor of CandysDirt.com publisher Candy Evans).
“I love doing the Southfork Experiences. It’s like old home week. We do nothing but laugh and walk down Memory Lane,” said Wilson.
She remembers her first time seeing the iconic ranch. “We drove onto the property, through the big archway, and it’s like ‘oh my gosh, I’ve arrived.’ The actual land is substantial.”
In addition to the mansion, which at 6,000-square feet is deceivingly modest, the 241-acre property includes a 63,000-square-foot event center and rodeo arena.
“It’s a real ranch. That part was a fantasy for me because I ride cutting horses.”
According to Southfork owner Centurion American, over 400,000 fans visit the ranch each year. Previous Southfork Experiences have attracted people from as far away as Romania, Lithuania, and Denmark.
“We get more fans from Europe that the U.S.,” Wilson noted. An increase in Londoners is expected; the original series, seasons one and two, are currently airing on two different London-based channels.
Along with the “Dallas” folks, cast members from “Knot’s Landing” and “Three’s Company” will be on hand for the weekend’s festivities.
We Asked. Wilson Answered.
Most memorable: “Ewing family BBQs. We’d film in the summer. It was 103 degrees outside, and I was wearing a black leather bustier, mini skirt, and hat. And you never knew who’d end up being thrown in the pool.”
Most unbelievable: “Even though the Ewings were millionaires, we all lived together in the same house. We just hung out in our little bedrooms.”
On staying serious during filming: “It was always a challenge. Larry (Hagman) and Patrick were just so funny. They were always up to something. My mantra everyday was don’t laugh so hard you cry your makeup off.”
Fun fact: “I was seven months pregnant when I married Bobby on the show. The biggest bouquet was covering my belly.”
On relocating to Dallas from Los Angeles in real life: “I love the people here.”
Real Estate Update
Centurion American has big plans for its high-profile 2022 acquisition.
The Farmers Branch-based developer in the process of partnering with a curated set of luxury builders to create 89 two-acre estate lots adjacent to the mansion. A timeline will be announced once the Parker City Council gives its approval.
General admission tickets for the three-day Southfork Experience are $55; individual tickets for Saturday and Sunday tickets are $30 each. VIP packages are also available, with prices ranging from $295 to $1,795.
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I mean, who wouldn’t want to live around Southfork!! This is going to be a huge success!