Dallas star Pat Colbert, who played the memorable character Dora Mae in the iconic series, has passed away at the age of 77. She died on June 23 at her home in Compton, California, as confirmed by her sister, Tami Colbert, to The Hollywood Reporter. The actress had endured three strokes over the past decade. A funeral is scheduled for July 20.
Colbert’s portrayal of Dora Mae, the glamorous host and manager of the Oil Baron’s Club, spanned the final eight seasons of the long-running soap opera. Dallas, which aired from 1978 to 1991, became a staple of American television, captivating audiences with its dramatic storylines centered around the wealthy Texas oil family, the Ewings. Colbert’s character, though not central to the main plot, was a significant part of the show’s fabric, appearing in 67 episodes from 1983 to 1991.
Born Sandra Patricia Colbert on January 16, 1947, in Los Angeles, she was raised in a home built by her father, LeRoy, while her mother, Eula, worked in foster care. Colbert attended Centennial High School in Compton before pursuing junior college and eventually launching a career in acting and modeling.
Her early career included roles in various television shows such as The Fall Guy, Capitol, and Flamingo Road. In 1987, she appeared in the spy comedy Leonard Part 6 alongside Bill Cosby, playing the character Allison Parker. Colbert also had roles in popular TV series like Sisters, True Colors, Benson, and Knots Landing.
Despite her recurring role in Dallas, Colbert’s character Dora Mae never had a prominent storyline. However, her presence was felt and appreciated by fans and critics alike. Shaun Chang of the movie and TV blog Hill Place remarked, “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. The leading characters, and the show itself, treated her with respect and without any sense of condescension.”
Dallas was known for its dramatic twists and turns, with one of the most memorable moments being the season three finale, “A House Divided,” where JR Ewing, played by Larry Hagman, was shot by an unknown assailant. The cliffhanger left viewers in suspense for eight months, leading to the famous question, “Who shot JR?” The mystery was finally resolved in the fourth episode of season four, titled “Who Done It,” which drew an estimated 83 million viewers.
Colbert’s later work included roles in low-budget films such as Thom & Dusty Go to Mexico: The Lost Treasure and If Not for His Grace, released in 2014 and 2015, respectively. She took a break from acting in the late 90s and 2000s before making these final appearances.
Throughout her career, Colbert was known for her grace, elegance, and sense of style, qualities that endeared her to fans and colleagues alike. Her role in Dallas, though not central, was a testament to her talent and ability to bring depth to her characters.
Colbert is survived by her son, Michael, and her siblings Tami, Aaron, and Johnetta. Her passing marks the end of an era for fans of Dallas and those who appreciated her contributions to television and film.
Source: The Hollywood Reporter, The Independent, Daily Mail, People
