See more
What happened to Barbara on Dallas?
In the early 1970s, Barbara underwent a radical mastectomy, an experience she relived in the 1979–80 season of Dallas. The performance garnered her the Emmy Award. She was also honored by First Lady Betty Ford for helping to raise breast cancer awareness.
Where did Barbara Bel Geddes live?
Barbara retired from acting in 1990 and settled in her home in Northeast Harbor, Maine, where she continued to work as a fine artist. She was the author of two children's books, I Like to Be Me and So Do I, as well as the creator of a popular line of greeting cards. Looking back on her career, Bel Geddes told People: "They're always making me play well-bred ladies. I'm not very well bred, and I'm not much of a lady."
Who was Bel Geddes married to?
Bel Geddes was born in New York City, the daughter of Helen Belle (née Schneider) and stage and industrial designer Norman Bel Geddes. She married theatrical manager Carl Sawyer (aka Carl Schreuer) in 1944; they had one daughter, Susan. They divorced in 1951. Later that year, she married stage director Windsor Lewis with whom she had a daughter, Betsy. When Lewis became ill in 1967, Bel Geddes suspended her career to care for him until his death in 1972.
Who was the first actress to star in Dallas?
In 1978, Bel Geddes was the first performer contracted to star in Dallas. The role of the family matriarch, 'Miss Ellie' Ewing, brought her renewed international recognition. She appeared on the series from 1978 to 1990 (absent during the 1984–85 season) and remains the only cast member to win the Emmy Award (Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Lead Actress - Drama Series) and the Golden Globe (List of Golden Globe Awards: Television, Best Actress, Drama). In 1985 she also received Germany's Golden Camera Award.
Who replaced Barbara Bel Geddes?
HOLLYWOOD -- Donna Reed has been given the thankless task of replacing Barbara Bel Geddes as Miss Ellie in the 'Dallas' TV series with not a word to explain the amazing physical transformation of the show's matriarch.
Who is Miss Ellie?
As matriarch of the feuding Ewing clan, Miss Ellie is an authority figure and the key to holding the family together.
Who is Ellie Ewing?
For six years viewers have seen Barbara as Ellie Ewing, mother of J.R., wife, then widow of Jock Ewing, and only last year a bride for the second time.
Did Donna see the last two episodes of Dallas?
While she was not a fanatic 'Dallas' watcher, Donna did tune in the show occasionally and managed to see the final two episodes of last season.
Who plays Miss Ellie in the movie?
Donna, who appears a bit fragile for life on a Texas ranch, is perfectly cast as Miss Ellie.
Did Donna pass the acid test?
But Donna had still not passed the acid test -- an encounter with J.R. himself in the person of the unpredictable Larry Hagman.
Who played Miss Ellie in Dallas?
A “mad as hell” Donna Reed lost a bid today to regain her role as Miss Ellie on “Dallas” when a judge refused to halt production of the hit television series. The latest chapter in what is shaping up as a real-life soap opera came when Superior Court Judge John L. Cole denied Reed’s request to issue a preliminary injunction.
How much is Miss Reed's breach of contract?
Despite the two setbacks, attorney Michael Donaldson said he will proceed with Miss Reed’s $7.5-million breach-of-contract lawsuit that was filed last month.
When did Miss Ellie sign with Lorimar?
Reed signed a three-year contract in October, 1984, to play Miss Ellie, but Lorimar informed her in April that the company had decided to reinstate Bel Geddes in the role.
Who denied Reed's request for preliminary injunction?
The latest chapter in what is shaping up as a real-life soap opera came when Superior Court Judge John L. Cole denied Reed’s request to issue a preliminary injunction.
Overview
Career
Bel Geddes came to prominence in the 1946 Broadway production of Deep Are the Roots. The performance garnered her the Clarence Derwent Award, the Theatre World Award and the Donaldson Award (forerunner of the Tony Awards) presented to her by Laurette Taylor, for "Outstanding Achievement in The Theatre". From 1951 to 1953, Bel Geddes played 924 performances of the F. H…
Early and personal life
Bel Geddes was born on October 31, 1922, in New York City, the daughter of Helen Belle (née Schneider; 1891–1938) and stage and industrial designer Norman Bel Geddes (1893–1958). She married theatrical manager Carl Sawyer (né Schreuer) in 1944; they had one daughter, Susan. They divorced in 1951. Later that year, she married stage director Windsor Lewis, with whom she had a daughter, Betsy. When Lewis became ill in 1967, Bel Geddes suspended her career to car…
Life after Dallas
Bel Geddes retired from acting in 1990 and settled in her home in Northeast Harbor, Maine, where she continued to work as a fine artist. She was the author of two children's books, I Like to Be Me and So Do I, as well as the creator of a popular line of greeting cards. Looking back on her career, Bel Geddes told People: "They're always making me play well-bred ladies. I'm not very well bred, and I'm not much of a lady."
Death
Bel Geddes died of lung cancer on August 8, 2005, at her estate in Northeast Harbor, Maine, at the age of 82. Her ashes were scattered from a simple wooden boat into the harbor waters bordering her estate. At the revival of Dallas in 2012, Patrick Duffy (who played her youngest son, Bobby, in the original series) said: "Barbara is a big piece of our history, and it's important to me to honor her." "Through the whole first season, I don't think an episode goes by that Mama is not mentioned in …
Further reading
• Barbara Bel Geddes: I Like to Be Me, Viking Juvenile (1963) – ISBN 0-670-39059-3
• Barbara Bel Geddes: So Do I, Price Stern Sloan Pub (1973) – ISBN 0-448-03420-4
External links
• Official Barbara Bel Geddes Website
• Barbara Bel Geddes at the Internet Broadway Database
• Barbara Bel Geddes at IMDb
• Barbara Bel Geddes at AllMovie