Life has a way of surprising us when we least expect it. After the deeply painful loss of his wife of over four decades, Patrick Duffy, the beloved star of Dallas, found himself ready to open his heart once more. In the summer of 2020, he began dating actress Linda Purl, and their story has captured the hearts of many. Recently, Patrick gave an update on whether their romance continues to flourish. Let's dive into the details of how these two Hollywood legends connected and rekindled the flame of love.
From Missed Connections to Love: Patrick Duffy and Linda Purl's Journey
In a candid interview with Senior Planet in May 2023, Patrick Duffy revealed that his connection with Linda Purl wasn't just a recent development. The two had several near misses over the years, almost crossing paths multiple times in their careers. "In 1978, I had the chance to star in The Young Pioneers with Linda, but I turned it down because I was offered the iconic role of Bobby Ewing in Dallas," Patrick explained. "And there was this time we were both on Circus of the Stars, but we never got the chance to meet."
But fate has a way of bringing people together when the time is right. In 2000, Patrick and Linda finally met in London, where Patrick was working on Art on the West End alongside Linda's friend Richard Thomas. Their paths crossed again at a fan convention, where Linda Gray, another mutual friend, played matchmaker without even trying. "I was over at the Dallas table to say hi to Linda Gray, who wasn't there, but Patrick was," Linda recalled. "And that’s how our story began."
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The Love of a Lifetime: Patrick Duffy's Late Wife, Carlyn Rosser
Before Patrick found love with Linda, he shared over 40 years of happiness with his late wife, Carlyn Rosser. Their marriage, which began in 1974, was a beautiful chapter filled with two sons, Padraic and Conor. Patrick has often spoken about the moment he fell head over heels for Carlyn. "I was just this young, naive college graduate touring as a narrator with a dance production, and she was this stunning ballerina, 10 years older than me," Patrick shared with Closer. "We met on the tour bus, and that was it. It was love at first sight."
When Carlyn passed away in 2017, Patrick was left heartbroken. He spoke candidly about the challenges of grief and how he managed to move forward. "Her passing was sudden, and there were no signs," Patrick revealed. "My boys were there for me, but I realized that, as much as they wanted to support me, I was more prepared for this stage of life. As you get older, you understand that the road ahead is shorter than the road behind."
Love Amidst Chaos: Patrick and Linda's Connection During the Pandemic
While the world was hit by the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, Patrick and Linda's relationship blossomed. With their projects on hold, they found themselves with more time to connect. "We used to chat occasionally, and then we started doing Zoom calls. Before we knew it, we were spending two or three hours on Zoom every night," Linda, who has been married and divorced four times, shared. "Our conversations started off light and fun, but after a few months, they became much deeper and more meaningful."
By the following year, the couple was celebrating their growing bond. "Every moment I get to spend with her is a gift," Patrick told Closer in July 2021. "I’m still amazed that this incredible woman loves me. It feels like a dream come true."
