The epidemic brought Patrick Duffy, known for his roles in “Dallas” and “Step by Step,” closer to Linda Purl. Before dating, they had been casual friends for years. Their unexpected romance delighted fans and came as a pleasant surprise to many.
Duffy’s journey hasn’t been without its challenges. Before graduating from college, he suffered a life-changing vocal cord rupture that destroyed his dreams of performing. However, he found a way to recover by teaching mime and interpreting ballet and opera. Through daily chanting as a Buddhist—a practice introduced to him by his late wife, Carlyn Rosser—Duffy’s voice healed within five months. He humorously admitted, “I only converted because I wanted to sleep with her.” The couple eloped to New York and enjoyed over 40 years of marriage until Rosser’s passing.
Tragedy struck Duffy’s life when his parents were murdered by two teenagers. Despite the catastrophe, Duffy found calm through his Buddhist beliefs. “I’m invulnerable to suffering,” he said, finding therapy in his faith. His police officer sister, Joanne, wanted the killers executed, but Duffy believed, “They’re punished. They caused their future pain.”
Despite his fame from “Dallas,” Duffy struggled to diversify his career. Reflecting on his career choices, he remarked, “Typical Patrick Duffy business decision catastrophe.” Nevertheless, he remains open to reprising his legendary role. “I never say ‘never again.’ I’d do it if it was the amazing next step in those characters’ story.”
