What Ever Happened to the Cast of Dallas?

Cliff Barnes was J.R. Ewing’s lifelong rival—the underdog who refused to quit, no matter how many times he was beaten. Brilliant yet perpetually unlucky, Cliff was driven by ambition and revenge. His clashes with the Ewings brought tension, humor, and tragedy to Dallas, making him one of the show’s most enduring characters.

Ken Kercheval delivered Cliff with wit, frustration, and heart. Unlike J.R., Cliff’s greed often came from desperation rather than power. Kercheval’s nuanced performance made him both pitiful and sympathetic—a man audiences couldn’t help but root for, even as his plans inevitably unraveled. He was the perfect foil to J.R.’s slick dominance.