Actress Linda Gray, known for her role as Sue Ellen Ewing on the television series "Dallas," has shared anecdotes about her on-screen husband, J.R. Ewing, portrayed by the late Larry Hagman. Gray revealed that Hagman often employed pranks, such as using food items, during their kissing scenes to cope with his discomfort with on-screen intimacy.
"The first time we kissed, he had a mouthful of peanut butter," Gray told Fox News Digital. "And then it was onions. It was kissing him with peanut butter, onions, whatever he could find in a jar. That wasn’t some romantic thing. On camera, it looked pretty good, but that was not my reality."
Gray explained that Hagman had confided in her that he disliked kissing scenes. She believes his pranks were a psychological way to manage his anxiety. The set of "Dallas" was known for such practical jokes, with Hagman often being the instigator.
Gray also recalled an incident where Hagman and Patrick Duffy, who played Bobby Ewing, sang an "inappropriate song" to her while she was lying in a hospital bed for a scene. This unexpected moment caused her to burst out laughing, dislodging a tube from her nose, but ultimately led to general amusement on set.
Beyond the on-set antics, Gray reflected on her experiences adapting to Texas culture, noting the distinct style of its women, their fashion, and even their propensity for carrying firearms. She recounted a specific instance in a Dallas hotel restroom where she observed a woman with a gun and lipstick in her small handbag, prompting a surprised reaction from Gray who was unfamiliar with the practice.
As the series approaches a significant anniversary, Gray is participating in an auction through Julien's Auctions titled "Ladies of the ’80s." The sale, which begins August 12, will feature costumes, props, and personal archives from television stars of the decade. Among the items are two of Gray's original "Dallas" scripts from the episodes surrounding the "Who Shot J.R.?" cliffhanger. Gray views the auction not as a divestment but as a way to share cherished memories with fans who remain connected to the show.
The "Who Shot J.R.?" plotline, which concluded the show's third season, became a global phenomenon. Gray admitted to once revealing that she knew the shooter's identity during an interview, a statement she quickly regretted, fearing it would compromise the mystery. She recalled rushing home to instruct her children not to reveal the secret if contacted, though thankfully, the information was never leaked.