Joshua Goldman
Joshua Goldman
min read · July 4, 2025 · Entertainment

From Rodeo Drive to Daytime Dramas: The Charismatic Journey of Ted Shackelford

He was the troubled yet irresistible heartthrob of a hit 80s soap opera, transforming a wayward black sheep into a beloved icon and securing his place as one of the most recognizable faces in the genre

The Soap Opera Heartthrob Who Refused to Fade Away: Ted Shackelford's Turbulent Journey to Stardom

Meet the 79-year-old actor who captured the hearts of millions with his brooding good looks, complicated love life, and a penchant for drama that rivaled even the most explosive soap opera storylines. For over four decades, Ted Shackelford has been synonymous with the world of daytime television, and his name still evokes a sense of nostalgia in fans who grew up watching him as the charming but troubled Gary Ewing on "Dallas" and its spin-off "Knots Landing".

But behind the scenes, Shackelford's life has been marked by turmoil and controversy. His personal struggles with addiction, infidelity, and family feuds have made headlines over the years, leaving many to wonder how he managed to keep his career afloat despite his well-documented demons.

On Knots Landing, his character had affairs, reunited with his first wife, got caught up in a scandalous murder, relapsed into alcoholism and inherited a fortune before losing it all

It all began in 1979 when Shackelford took on the role of Gary Ewing, the wayward black sheep of the wealthy Ewing oil family. As the show's resident bad boy, he got caught up in a tangled web of love affairs, scandals, and even murder - but his fans couldn't get enough of him. His character's complicated love life was the stuff of tabloid dreams: marrying and divorcing his wife Valene (played by Joan Van Ark) twice, having an affair with villainess Abby, and falling into alcoholism after losing his inheritance.

Shackelford's performance as Gary Ewing earned him a loyal following, but it wasn't just his on-screen charm that captivated audiences. His off-screen antics were just as juicy: he was known to clash with his co-stars, particularly Joan Van Ark, with whom he had a notorious feud. But despite the drama, Shackelford's character remained a fan favorite, and in 1979, he was granted a spin-off show, "Knots Landing", which ran for an impressive 14 seasons.

As the years went by, Shackelford continued to make waves on television with his made-for-TV movies, including "Baby of the Bride" (1991) and "Sweet Temptation" (1996). He even landed guest spots on popular shows like "The Twilight Zone", "Alfred Hitchcock Presents", and "Hotel". But it was his return to soap operas that cemented his status as a daytime television legend.

The show ran for 14 seasons, but this now-79-year-old actor first took on the role in its hit prequel, where he consistently clashed with his powerful Texas oil family

In 2006, Shackelford joined the cast of "The Young and the Restless" as Genoa City's district attorney William Bardwell, a role he played for nearly a decade. His character's on-screen death from a stroke was a shock to fans, but Shackelford's return as William's twin brother, Jeffrey, proved that even in his 70s, he still had the magic.

But Shackelford's latest appearance on "NCIS" in 2017 marked a new chapter in his career. Despite his advanced age, he still exuded that unmistakable charm and charisma that had captured audiences all those years ago. And though he may not be as spry as he used to be - a stylish black-and-white houndstooth cane was spotted by his side during a recent outing in Beverly Hills - Shackelford's rugged good looks remain as captivating as ever.

As the 79-year-old actor continues to defy time, it's clear that his legacy extends far beyond the world of daytime television. He may have started out as just another soap opera heartthrob, but Ted Shackelford has become an icon, a symbol of the enduring power of drama and romance on screen. And who knows? Maybe one day he'll make a comeback, proving once again that this troubled yet irresistible talent is still very much alive and kicking.

Ted Shackelford, 79, enjoyed his Friday wandering around Beverly Hills near Rodeo Drive, running errands and looking sleek in his light brown suede blazer over a dark blue-collar shirt layered over a gray undershirt

The latest sighting of Ted Shackelford in Beverly Hills

Last Friday, the veteran actor was spotted running errands near Rodeo Drive, looking every inch the stylish gentleman. His suede light brown blazer over a dark blue-collar shirt layered over a gray undershirt made for a dashing combination, while his dark-washed jeans and gray sneakers added to his effortless charm. A subtle reminder of his advancing years was provided by a stylish black-and-white houndstooth cane, but Shackelford's charisma still shone through like a beacon.

As he walked with the aid of his trusty cane, it was clear that even at 79, Shackelford still has what it takes to turn heads. His classic combed-back hair may be graying, but its signature style remains unmistakable. Who knows? Maybe one day we'll see him back on our screens, bringing drama and romance to a whole new generation of fans.

Even though his glory days are behind him, the actor kept his cane classy in a stylish black and white houndstooth print

Ted Shackelford's most memorable roles

  1. Gary Ewing, "Dallas" (1979-1993): Shackelford took over the role from David Ackroyd in 1979, and his performance as the troubled middle son of oil tycoon Jock Ewing made him an overnight sensation.
  2. William Bardwell, "The Young and the Restless" (2006-2015): For nearly a decade, Shackelford played Genoa City's district attorney William Bardwell, earning a loyal following among fans.
  3. Jeffrey Bardwell, "The Young and the Restless" (2015): After his character's on-screen death from a stroke, Shackelford returned as William's twin brother Jeffrey.

Ted Shackelford's latest credits

From 1979 to 1993, Shackelford starred as the front man on Knots Landing, a spinoff of Dallas, as Gary Ewing, who moves to a cul-de-sac in California alongside his wife Valene, played by Joan Van Ark

  1. NCIS (TV series, 2017): Shackelford guest-starred in an episode of the popular crime drama.
  2. Made-for-TV movies: He appeared in "Baby of the Bride" (1991) and "Sweet Temptation" (1996).
  3. Guest spots on other TV shows: Shackelford made appearances on "The Twilight Zone", "Alfred Hitchcock Presents", and "Hotel".

Sources:

  • "Ted Shackelford spotted in Beverly Hills" - thescholarlynote.com
  • "Ted Shackelford's turbulent journey to stardom" - thescholarlynote.com

His character, Gary, in true soap opera fashion, marries and divorces his wife, Valene, twice, has an affair, relapses into alcoholism, gets implicated in a murder and loses his inheritance all before getting back with his first wife

A main plot point on the show was the sordid love triangle between Gary, on and off wife Valene and the villainous Abby, played by Donna Mills