Linda Gray, who portrayed the iconic Sue Ellen Ewing on the hit television series "Dallas," has revealed some behind-the-scenes anecdotes from the show's set, particularly focusing on her on-screen husband, J.R. Ewing, played by Larry Hagman.
Gray, who is participating in Julien's Auctions' "Ladies of the '80s" sale featuring memorabilia from the decade's television stars, shared that Hagman had a distinct aversion to filming kissing scenes. Rather than a romantic embrace, Gray recalled that Hagman would often employ practical jokes to diffuse the situation. "The first time we kissed, he had a mouthful of peanut butter," Gray told Fox News Digital. "And then it was onions... whatever he could find in a jar." She explained that while the scenes may have appeared convincing on screen, the reality often involved Hagman's attempts to alleviate his discomfort through humor.
Hagman, who passed away in 2012 at the age of 81, was known for his playful nature on set. "He had told me quite honestly that he didn't like kissing scenes," Gray said. "And I thought, 'Well, we're going to be kissing a lot!' So when there was a kissing scene, Larry cringed, just cringed. He did not like it. But I think the pranks, psychologically, were his way of getting over the anxiety of having to kiss me on camera."
Gray also recounted an instance where Hagman and co-star Patrick Duffy, who played Bobby Ewing, surprised her during a scene where Sue Ellen was hospitalized. While Gray's character was meant to be incapacitated, Hagman and Duffy burst into song, an inappropriate tune that ultimately led to Gray breaking character with laughter. "The tube came flying out of my nose," she recalled. "I was totally blindsided. I thought I had ruined the scene, but everyone just started laughing hysterically. That was just how it was every day."
The "Dallas" series, which aired from 1978 to 1991, was famous for its dramatic plotlines, including the iconic "Who Shot J.R.?" cliffhanger. Gray noted the immense pressure of keeping such major plot points secret from the public, recalling an interview where she inadvertently hinted at knowing the shooter's identity. "I said, 'Yes, I do. I know, and one of my children knows.' After that, I thought, 'Oh my God, I just opened Pandora's box.'"
Gray is offering scripts from the "Who Shot J.R.?" episodes, along with other personal memorabilia, in the Julien's Auctions sale. She views the auction as an opportunity to share her "Dallas" memories with fans who remain connected to the show.