The beloved stars of “Knots Landing” recently reminisced about their time working alongside the cast of “Dallas”. Joan Van Ark, Michele Lee, and Donna Mills, who starred in the popular primetime soap opera, shared their thoughts on their fellow TV series on their podcast, “We’re Knot Done Yet”.
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In a recent episode of the podcast, the three leading ladies discussed their feelings towards “Dallas” and its counterpart “Dynasty”. Mills, 84, admitted that due to the long hours they worked on set, she never got the chance to watch much of either show. She noted, “We shot on the same lot as Dallas. The people from Dallas would go home at 5:00, and we’d be there till 10:00 at night.”
Patrick Duffy, who starred in “Dallas”, previously mentioned that the cast would start their days with champagne and end with tequila, highlighting the glamorous lifestyle of TV stars in the ’80s. Lee, 82, shared that she would occasionally peek at the Dallas set, admiring the stunning visuals and escapism the show provided. Despite finding the shows relatable in some ways, Lee admitted she didn’t think they were particularly great.
“Knots Landing”, a spinoff of “Dallas”, aired on CBS from 1979 to 1993, following the lives of characters in Los Angeles. Mills highlighted the distinction between the two series, quoting the show’s creator, David Jacobs, who said “Dallas is about them — the wealthy and the flashy, whatever — and Knots Landing is about us. That’s the feet on the ground.”
While the stars of “Knots Landing” were never asked to appear on “Dallas”, they did receive visits from some of the “Dallas” cast members. Mills recalled her fond memories of working with the late Larry Hagman, who made a guest appearance on their show. Van Ark echoed the sentiment, calling Hagman “the best” and emphasising how much he loved his work.
The camaraderie between the cast members on “Knots Landing” and their admiration for Hagman’s talent shone through in the podcast episode. The anecdotes shared by Mills, Lee, and Van Ark offered fans a glimpse into the behind-the-scenes dynamic of the iconic TV shows of the ’80s and ’90s.
As the stars of “Knots Landing” continue to engage with their audience through their podcast, their reflections on the TV landscape of the past provide a nostalgic trip down memory lane for fans of classic primetime soaps. Their enduring bond and shared experiences serve as a testament to the lasting impact of these beloved shows on popular culture.
In an era dominated by streaming services and ever-evolving TV trends, the timeless appeal of shows like “Knots Landing” and “Dallas” reminds viewers of a simpler time in television history. The insights shared by the stars offer a deeper understanding of the creative process and the relationships that were forged on and off-screen, contributing to the enduring legacy of these iconic series.