'Dallas' Star Pat Colbert Dies: Details

Fans of "Dallas" and the entertainment industry at large are mourning the death of the actress Pat Colbert.

Hollywood actress Pat Colbert, passed away at the age of 77. The California native, best known for her role in the Emmy Award-winning drama series "Dallas," died at her home in Compton aged 77.

Her sister, Tami Colbert, confirmed the sad news, sharing that Pat had been battling health issues, including three strokes over the past decade. Condolences have poured in from various figures, offering support to Pat's family during this difficult time.

Shaun Chang of the movie and TV blog Hill Place honored her memory with a heartfelt tribute on X, "#RIP Pat Colbert. Fans of ‘Dallas’ know and love her as the stylish Oil Baron’s Club host Dora Mae, who over eight seasons played the role with elegance and intelligence."

Another person echoed this sentiment, recalling, “She was great as Dora Mae and became part of the fabric of Dallas. RIP.”

Pat Colbert earned a devoted fan base with her impressive acting skills. She captivated audiences as Dora Mae, the chic host and manager of the Oil Baron's Club, on the final eight seasons of "Dallas."

Her run on the show started with an uncredited role in season six, and her casting was unique in more than one way, as Shaun Chang for the TV blog, “Hill Place” told a media outlet.

“As the only recurring African American character on the series, Dora Mae never had a storyline, because Dallas never tried to pretend to be anything more than the saga of the Ewing family, but she played the role with elegance and intelligence,” he said.

Pat, born in Los Angeles on January 16, 1947, was respected by her fellow castmates and seen as one of the “Dallas” family.

“The leading characters, and the show itself, treated her with respect and without any sense of condescension. Dallas had many recurring supporting characters who helped create a sense of community for a show set in a major city, and Dora Mae was part of the fabric of the series,” Chang added.

After Pat graduated high school in Compton, she attended junior college before working as a model and fashion consultant. Her transition to acting soon led to memorable appearances in popular productions such as the 1987 action movie "Leonard Part 6," where she played the wife of Bill Cosby.

Pat’s diverse acting credits also include memorable appearances in "Benson," "Capitol," "Knots Landing," and "The Fall Guy," among others. Her legacy as a versatile and beloved actress will be fondly remembered by fans and peers alike.