Steve Kanaly
Steve Kanaly is best known as Ray Krebbs, the Southfork ranch foreman who grows from “trusted hired hand” into one of the show’s emotional anchors. Ray isn’t flashy like J.R., and that’s the point: Kanaly plays him as a capable man trying to do the right thing in a world where the rules keep changing.
“Ray feels real because he’s built from work — not speeches.” — Editorial note (DallasTVShow.com)
Early life: Southern California roots
Kanaly was born in Burbank, California, and grew up in the area at a time when the film industry was close enough to feel “normal,” but still hard to break into. Acting wasn’t a shortcut career — it was something you trained for, hustled for, and waited for.
Vietnam service: discipline before show business
Before the best-known role of his career, Kanaly served in the Vietnam War as a radio operator. It’s an important part of his story because it shows up in how he carries himself on screen: calm under stress, practical, and rarely impressed by drama for drama’s sake.
Early career: small roles, serious films
Kanaly’s early screen work included roles in films like My Name Is Nobody and The Sugarland Express. It’s the kind of resume that tells you an actor is building a toolkit: learn sets, learn cameras, learn timing, then wait for the part that fits.
Dallas & Ray Krebbs: the heart of Southfork’s working life
When Dallas launched, Ray Krebbs was introduced as Southfork’s ranch foreman — the man with the day-to-day responsibility while the Ewings fought their wars. Over time, Ray becomes more than staff. The show gives him romance, loyalty tests, family surprises, and a bigger place in the Ewing story.
Kanaly stayed with the original run for years, returned for the 1991 series finale, and later came back for Dallas: War of the Ewings and a brief appearance in the 2012 revival.
Why Ray worked: strength without the speeches
Ray Krebbs could’ve been a simple “nice guy” on a show full of sharks. Kanaly avoids that trap. He plays Ray as capable and proud, with a short fuse when he’s pushed — someone who wants respect and is tired of being treated as disposable.
That mix keeps Ray credible in both worlds: the ranch life viewers can picture, and the soap-opera chaos they tune in for. When Ray draws a line, you believe he means it — even if the Ewings test it ten minutes later.
Directing: stepping behind the camera
Kanaly wasn’t only a face on the ranch — he also directed three episodes of Dallas. That’s not a vanity credit. Directing on a long-running series means you understand the house style, the schedule, and how to get performances that match the show’s rhythm.
Life after Dallas: family, quieter work, and a different pace
Off-screen, Kanaly’s life has been more private than his most famous role suggests. He married Brent Power in 1975, and they have two children. After the peak Dallas years, he continued working in film and television, but with less of the weekly spotlight that comes with a long-running network hit.
Selected roles timeline
A quick timeline of the key screen credits tied to Kanaly’s best-known era.
| Years | Title | Role | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1973 | My Name Is Nobody | Film role | Early screen work in a major international production. |
| 1974 | The Sugarland Express | Film role | Early appearance in a well-known American film. |
| 1978–1989 | Dallas | Ray Krebbs | Ranch foreman turned core character; a steady presence at Southfork. |
| 1991 | Dallas (finale) | Ray Krebbs | Returned for the original series’ final episode. |
| 1998 | Dallas: War of the Ewings | Ray Krebbs | TV movie continuation. |
| 2012 | Dallas (TNT revival) | Ray Krebbs | Brief return for a new-era Southfork moment. |
Steve Kanaly FAQ
Who did Steve Kanaly play on Dallas?
He played Ray Krebbs, the Southfork ranch foreman who becomes one of the show’s most important “ground level” characters — and later learns he’s connected to the Ewing family in a much bigger way.
When was Steve Kanaly born?
Steve Kanaly was born on 14 March 1946 in Burbank, California.
Did Steve Kanaly serve in Vietnam?
Yes. He served in the Vietnam War as a radio operator.
Did Steve Kanaly direct any Dallas episodes?
Yes. He directed three episodes of Dallas during the show’s run.
Was Steve Kanaly in the Dallas revival?
Yes — he returned briefly as Ray Krebbs in the 2012 continuation.
