Mary Crosby (Kristin Shepard)

Mary Crosby (Kristin Shepard)

Mary Crosby is a force to be reckoned with in the entertainment industry, having left an indelible mark on television history. Her iconic role as Kristin Shepard on the hit show Dallas saw her captivate audiences around the world, and she has since appeared in many other projects. This article will explore her early life and career, her involvement in Dallas, her post-Dallas roles, and her personal life.

Key Takeaways

• Mary Crosby is the daughter of Bing Crosby and Kathryn Grant.
• She played the character Kristin Shepard on the soap opera Dallas and was responsible for shooting J.R. Ewing.
• The question “Who shot J.R.?” became a widely publicized catchphrase.
• Kristin Shepard’s character had a tragic ending, drowning in the Southfork Ranch swimming pool after overdosing on drugs.

Early Life and Career of Mary Crosby

Mary Crosby was born in Los Angeles, California in 1959 and graduated high school at 15 before appearing as Kristin Shepard on the prime time soap opera Dallas from 1979 to 1981. She is the only daughter of singer and actor Bing Crosby and actress Kathryn Grant, and is fluent in Spanish.

Her character was involved in the cliffhanger ending of the 1979-1980 season titled ‘A House Divided.’ She shot J.R. Ewing which became a widely publicized advertising catchphrase, then made a guest appearance on Dallas again in 1991. She also appeared on Knots Landing with her sister Sue Ellen Ewing’s husband Gary Ewing. Mary left after a conversation with Gary about their similar family situations.

In 1998 she married Mark Brodka with whom she has two sons; Christopher and another unnamed son.

Mary Crosby’s Role as Kristin Shepard on Dallas

You may know her best for her role as Kristin Shepard on Dallas, but actor Mary Crosby is more than just the woman who shot J.R. Ewing. She portrayed the character from 1979 to 1981 and again in 1991 in a guest appearance on the show. Kristin was Sue Ellen’s younger sister with a complicated relationship with Larry Hagman’s infamous J.R., which led to her shooting him in one of the most-watched episodes of all time.

Her character also made an appearance on Knots Landing, another show set in the same universe as Dallas, in 1980 where she was arrested for drug possession and tried to form a relationship with Gary Ewing’s neighbor Kenny Ward.

In Dallas’ series finale, Kristin returned as a con artist conducting an undercover sting operation – gaining J.R.’s approval before leaving once again – making it her final appearance on the show.

Mary Crosby’s Post-Dallas Career

After her memorable stint on Dallas, Mary Crosby went on to have a successful career in film and television. She appeared in a variety of films between 1981 and 1999, including ‘The Final Terror’ (1983), ‘Maniac Cop 2’ (1990), and ‘Fatal Conflict’ (1999). She also had guest appearances on numerous TV shows such as ‘Cheers’, ‘Murder She Wrote’, and ‘Tales from the Crypt’.

During Kristin Shepard’s time on Dallas, she first appeared in 1979 and left the show in 1981. By that time, she had become one of the most iconic characters of the series. After leaving Dallas, Crosby married Jeff Farraday in 1998 with whom she has two children.

In addition to acting, Crosby also worked as a police officer for several years after appearing on Dallas. This experience gave her insight into law enforcement which was useful when playing roles involving police officers or criminal investigators. With her vast experience as an actor combined with her knowledge of law enforcement, Mary Crosby has been able to carve out a successful post-Dallas career for herself.

Mary Crosby’s Other Acting Credits

Apart from Dallas and a few guest appearances on other shows, Mary Crosby has also acted in several films over the years. She portrayed Kristin Shepard in the prime time soap opera Dallas from 1979 to 1981. Her character was responsible for shooting J.R. Ewing in the highly-rated episode that aired on November 21, 1980 and her body was found floating in the Southfork Ranch swimming pool at the end of 1981 season.

She also made a brief appearance on Knots Landing as Sue Ellen’s sister, where she tried to seduce Kenny Ward before leaving town. In addition, she had a supporting role in several television movies such as “The Initiation of Sarah” (1978), “Ladies’ Man” (1981) and “The Shadow Riders” (1982). Crosby’s most recent acting credit is for her role as Sister Agnes in the 2013 horror film Dark Skies.

Mary Crosby’s Personal Life

Mary Frances Crosby was born on September 14, 1959 in Los Angeles, California. She is the only daughter of singer and actor Bing Crosby and actress Kathryn Grant. She graduated from high school at 15 and attended the University of Texas at Austin but did not graduate.

Fluent in Spanish, she played Kristin Shepard on Dallas from 1979 to 1981 before making a guest appearance on the show’s second season. Her beauty and talent made her a news sensation when she was revealed to be J.R.’s shooter in the highly-rated episode that aired on November 21, 1980. Despite attempting to seduce Bobby Ewing during this time, she left Dallas for Knots Landing.

Later married twice with two children from her second marriage, Mary Crosby continues to remain an iconic figure in television history today.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Who is Mary Crosby?

Mary Crosby is an American actress best known for her role as Kristin Shepard in the TV series Dallas.

Q: What is the significance of the character Kristin Shepard in Dallas?

Kristin Shepard played a vital role in the Dallas storyline as she was responsible for shooting J.R. Ewing, one of the main characters in the show.

Q: Did Mary Crosby have any other notable roles besides Kristin Shepard?

Yes, Mary Crosby has appeared in several other TV shows and movies, including a recurring role in the TV series Knots Landing.

Q: What happened to Kristin Shepard after shooting J.R. Ewing?

After shooting J.R. Ewing, Kristin left Dallas and her whereabouts were unknown for a while. She later resurfaced and became involved in various schemes and conflicts with the Ewing family.

Q: How did Bobby and Pam relate to the storyline involving Kristin Shepard?

Bobby and Pam Ewing, the main characters in Dallas, were directly impacted by Kristin Shepard’s actions, particularly her relationship with J.R. Ewing.

Q: Did Kristin Shepard have any ulterior motives for shooting J.R. Ewing?

Yes, Kristin had her own agenda and was motivated by a desire for revenge as well as a plot to claim a larger stake in Ewing Oil.

Q: What Is Mary Crosby’s Relationship With Her Father Bing Crosby?

Mary Crosby is the only daughter of singer and actor Bing Crosby and actress Kathryn Grant. She has a close relationship with her father, having grown up in his shadow. Mary has often spoken about how much she admires her father’s work and legacy. She has even gone as far as to say that she feels privileged to be able to carry on his name and values. Despite their age difference, the two have remained close throughout the years, often spending time together and bonding over shared interests.

Q: How Did Mary Crosby’s Character Kristin Shepard Die in Dallas?

Kristin Shepard, a character in the popular Dallas television series, met an untimely end. Following an affair with J.R. Ewing, she shot him before fleeing the scene and falsely accusing Sue Ellen of being the shooter. In her final appearance on Dallas, Kristin was found drowned in the Southfork Ranch swimming pool after overdosing on drugs, leaving viewers devastated and shocked. It was later revealed that Kristin had actually miscarried J.R.’s baby and had attempted to blackmail him before her tragic death. Thus ended one of Dallas’ most memorable storylines as well as its iconic character’s life – a fitting but surprisingly bittersweet conclusion to what was one of television’s most beloved characters.

Q: Does Mary Crosby Have Any Other Family Members Besides Her Parents?

Mary Crosby is the daughter of singer and actor Bing Crosby and actress Kathryn Grant. She has two children with her current husband, Mark Brodka, yet it is unknown if she has any other family members. It is also not known whether or not she had any siblings or extended family from either of her parents’ sides. Furthermore, no information exists about her marriage to Eb Lottimer before marrying Brodka in 1998.

Q: What Other Acting Roles Has Mary Crosby Played Outside of Dallas?

Mary Crosby has appeared in many acting roles outside of Dallas. She has starred in various films, such as The Night the Lights Went Out in Georgia and Amazons. Additionally, she had a recurring role on the television show Simon & Simon. Mary also made guest appearances on series like Knots Landing and Diagnosis Murder. She dazzles audiences with her captivating presence every time she appears on screen. Her talent for portraying diverse characters is undeniable and her performances continue to entertain viewers to this day.

Q: How Has Mary Crosby’s Career Evolved Since Her Time on Dallas?

Since her time on Dallas, Mary Crosby has had a variety of acting roles. She appeared in the made-for-TV movie “Lies Before Kisses” and had recurring roles on shows such as “Matlock,” “Murder, She Wrote,” and the soap opera “The Bold and the Beautiful.” She also starred in numerous television movies, including “The Christmas Gift,” “A Mother’s Prayer,” and “Mystery Woman: Wild West Mystery.” Additionally, she provided voice work for several animated films, including Disney’s Mulan II. Mary has also done some stage work throughout her career.

Final Thoughts

Mary Crosby has led an eventful life and has enjoyed a successful career as an actress. From her iconic role as Kristin Shepard on Dallas, to her other acting credits, she has proved herself to be a versatile performer. She is also known for her tumultuous personal life, having gone through two marriages and two divorces in the span of her lifetime. In the end, it’s clear that Mary Crosby is a fierce survivor who always finds a way to come out on top!

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