Morgan Fairchild Recalls “Dallas ”Producers Sending Actors to Her and Larry Hagman to Learn the ‘Texican’ Accent

Morgan Fairchild recently reminisced about her brief time on the iconic television series *Dallas* and her interactions with the late Larry Hagman. In an enlightening interview with Remind Magazine, Fairchild, who is originally from Dallas, shared fond memories of the show, which became a staple of American television after its premiere in 1978.

*Dallas* revolved around the Ewing family, a wealthy clan embroiled in power struggles related to their Texas oil empire. The series is best remembered for Hagman’s portrayal of J.R. Ewing, a character renowned for his cunning and manipulative nature. Despite her limited role as Jenna Wade, Fairchild appreciated the experience of working alongside true Texans like Hagman, who hailed from Fort Worth.

During her time filming, Fairchild observed that many of her fellow cast members struggled to nail the authentic Texas accent. She noted, “I remember when we were shooting the episode because some of the actors were not doing real Texas accents. They were kind of doing Southern accents.” As the only two Texans on set, Fairchild and Hagman were often sought out by the producers for accent advice. “The producers said, ‘Why don’t you go over and talk to Morgan or Larry and get the accent right?’” Fairchild recounted, adding, “Some of the actors would come up with their scripts and say, ‘Can you just say these lines in Texican so I can hear what it should sound like?’”

Fairchild described Hagman as “a real sweetheart,” contrasting his on-screen persona with his off-screen character. She fondly remembered participating in charity events alongside him and renowned musician Willie Nelson. “Larry would always show up in the Stetson and packs of $100 bills of ‘Larry’ money,” she recalled, emphasising the fun and warmth that Hagman brought to their interactions.

While Fairchild’s involvement with *Dallas* was brief, she was later approached to join the show full-time after her team’s earlier project, *Flamingo Road*, was no longer airing. “At that point, I had a development deal for a show of my own that I would be a producer on,” she explained. Despite the allure of joining a program that would ultimately run for 14 seasons, she chose to pursue her own production. “In your mind, you’re thinking, ‘Do I get to be a producer of my own show or go into a show that maybe it’s going to run another year or two?’” she mused, reflecting on the uncertainty of that decision.

Following her time on *Dallas*, Fairchild was not entirely unseen on screen. While the character of Jenna Wade initially saw a brief return in 1980, it was later played by Priscilla Presley in a more permanent capacity until 1988. Fairchild’s journey through television continued with a role on *Falcon Crest*, which aired in the mid-1980s, and she also gained recognition for her guest appearance on *Murphy Brown*, earning a Primetime Emmy nomination in the process.

Furthermore, Fairchild’s diverse body of work includes guest roles on popular shows such as *Roseanne*, *Two and a Half Men*, and a memorable appearance on *Friends* as Chandler Bing’s mother. Reflecting on her time in that iconic sitcom, she recalled how she serendipitously reconnected with actor Matthew Perry, who had a connection to her past through his father, John Bennett Perry, a recurring actor on both *Flamingo Road* and *Falcon Crest*.

With a keen eye for potential, Fairchild recognised the promise of *Friends* early in its run. “My first day on the set, the show was not a big hit yet… and I thought the show had potential, and, God, I was right,” she stated. Their reunion on set prompted a wave of nostalgia for Fairchild, who realised that her character’s maternal role paralleled the passing of time from her previous work.

Recently, she has continued her television career, making appearances on *General Hospital* and most recently featuring in the special *Ladies of the ‘80s: A Divas Christmas*. As Fairchild looks back on her extensive career, her anecdotes about working with Hagman and navigating the television landscape offer insights into the evolving nature of the industry—and the personal connections that endure despite its transient nature.