
S6E14
S6E14
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ToggleBarbara Bel Geddes made her debut as Miss Ellie Ewing in 1978 during season two of Dallas. A wise and loving mother figure to all the members of the Ewing clan, she quickly won over viewers with her endearing personality. She also had quite a few dramatic moments throughout the series run—from fending off land developers who threatened Southfork Ranch to confronting Jock about his womanizing ways. In addition, she often provided comic relief when needed with perfectly timed quips that would make even Jock Ewing smile.
Bel Geddes rose to fame in 1946’s Broadway performance of Deep Are the Roots. For her outstanding achievement, she was presented with the Clarence Derwent Award, Theatre World Award, and Donaldson Award by Laurette Taylor.
From 1951-1953, Bel Geddes played the hit comedy The Moon Is Blue for 924 shows. In 1955, she was cast as Maggie ‘The Cat’ in Elia Kazan’s Broadway production of Tennessee Williams’ Cat on a Hot Tin Roof. The next year, she was given the title role in Jean Kerr’s Mary, Mary, which ran for over 1,500 shows, and earned her Tony Award nominations. Her other credits include John Steinbeck’s Burning Bright, Edward Albee’s Everything in the Garden, and Silent Night, Lonely Night with Henry Fonda. She also starred with Michael Redgrave in the Broadway production of The Sleeping Prince. The movie adaptation, re-titled The Prince and the Showgirl, featured Marilyn Monroe and Laurence Olivie in Bel Geddes’ and Redgrave’s roles respectively.
Bel Geddes began her career on stage at a young age, performing in local theatrical productions and quickly gaining recognition for her talent. Before long she had made her way to Hollywood, where she landed numerous roles in film before making her television debut. It was here that she rose to stardom with memorable performances on series such as Alfred Hitchcock Presents and Gunsmoke.
The 1950s saw Bel Geddes become one of the most sought after actresses in town, appearing regularly in feature films while still finding time to enjoy success on Broadway. Her big break came when she accepted the role of Miss Ellie Ewing in the hit TV show Dallas; it was this part that earned her both worldwide fame and several Emmy nominations.
Her work outside of acting also served to make her name even more recognizable, especially among those familiar with art history or literature. A noted artist and published author, Bel Geddes’ works were exhibited around the world during her lifetime and continue to be highly acclaimed today. With these many accomplishments under her belt, it is no wonder why so many remember Barbara Bel Geddes fondly – not only for her role as Miss Ellie Ewing but for all that she achieved throughout her life. As we move forward into discussing some of Bel Geddes’ career highlights, let us take a moment to appreciate just how far this talented actress managed to go during her lifetime.
The global popularity of the Dallas TV show and its characters was unprecedented. Miss Ellie Ewing, portrayed by Barbara Bel Geddes, became an international phenomenon thanks to the success of the series. Here are a few ways the show achieved worldwide fame:
• Syndication Success: The show ran for 14 seasons from 1978-1991 and during this time it gained immense syndication success in countries such as Australia, South Africa, Canada and more. This allowed audiences across different cultures to take part in experiencing the iconic drama of Dallas.
• Global Television Ratings: During its run on television, Dallas attracted millions of viewers each week which resulted in some impressive ratings around the world. From 1980 to 1981 alone, it was reported that over 100 million people tuning into at least one episode of the show – making it one of the most watched programs ever produced.
• Cultural Impact: Few shows have had such an impact on popular culture as Dallas did. Its influence can be seen through various forms media today; everything from fashion trends to music lyrics were inspired by or make reference to something related to the show itself – further solidifying its status as a television classic.
When all is said and done though, it comes down to Miss Ellie Ewing’s portrayal by Barbara Bel Geddes being something special that made fans continue watching season after season and still tune in today when reruns come out.
Miss Ellie Ewing’s character portrayal by Barbara Bel Geddes was no doubt a key factor in the show’s success. From her soothing Southern charm to her strong-willed nature, Miss Ellie embodied many aspects of the archetypal matriarch that audiences could relate to and root for.
It is clear that without Ms. Geddes’ exceptional talent, Dallas would not have achieved its iconic status within popular culture upon its initial release – let alone remain relevant today some 40 years later. The legacy of Miss Ellie will live on forever as one of television’s most beloved characters ever created.
The legacy of Barbara Bel Geddes will never be forgotten. She was a beloved figure in the entertainment industry and left behind an indelible mark on popular culture with her iconic portrayal of Miss Ellie Ewing from the hit television series Dallas. Her influence extended far beyond this one show, as she appeared in numerous other TV sitcoms throughout her career.
Her impact is still felt today through her timeless performances, which have been remembered and celebrated for generations. In particular, audiences around the world continue to admire her ability to capture the tenderness between a parent and child in their relationship as Jock Ewing and Miss Ellie.
It’s clear that Barbara Bel Geddes has earned a place among some of the most cherished names in TV history. From her captivating presence on screen to her inspiring personal life – here are four reasons why she remains an integral part of our collective memory:
1) She brought warmth, humor and humanity to every role she played;
2) She made a lasting impression on viewers all over the globe;
3) Her work continues to inspire future generations of actors;
4) And finally, she paved the way for female actors who followed suit in later years.
Barbara Bel Geddes’ name will forever remain synonymous with excellence when it comes to television acting – particularly within the realm of TV sitcoms. Through her memorable performance as Miss Ellie Ewing, she established herself firmly within the annals of televised entertainment, leaving behind an invaluable legacy that won’t soon be forgotten by fans around the world.
In conclusion, Barbara Bel Geddes was a beloved actress who will always be remembered for her role as Miss Ellie Ewing in the popular television show Dallas. She had fond memories of playing this iconic character and felt that it brought out the best in her performance. Despite being known primarily for her work on Dallas TV, Bel Geddes went above and beyond to take on other roles as well over the course of her acting career. Although she is no longer with us, her memory lives on forever through her timeless performances, which transcend time itself; like wings of an angel hovering above all eternity. Her love for life and passion for performing will remain in our hearts long after she’s gone – like a beautiful shooting star across the night sky that we can never forget.
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Before retirement, Dora was the editor and publisher of various online magazines. For example, she edited and published GEnie Lamp – an online magazine for General Electric’s Information Service (GEIS) – and the BBS Magazine, TeleTalk Online.
Now retired, Dora and her husband, Mike, enjoy RV traveling, camping, and meeting fellow campers.