Gary Ewing
Southfork’s sensitive middle son — the black sheep who struggled with his father’s expectations, alcoholism, and the pull of family loyalty.
“I never could be the son he wanted.”
— Gary on Jock Ewing
Played by: Ted Shackelford (primary); David Ackroyd (1978)
Born: ~1940s
First appearance: “Reunion” (1978, Dallas)
Last appearance: “Ewings Unite!” (2013, Dallas revival)
Most likely to say: “I’m done with Texas.”
Early Life at Southfork
Gary Ewing was the middle of three sons born to Jock and Miss Ellie Ewing, raised amid the wealth and expectations of Southfork Ranch and the family oil empire.
Unlike his ruthless older brother J.R. or his idealistic younger brother Bobby, Gary was sensitive, caring, and deeply affected by his father’s disappointment. Jock saw him as weak compared to J.R.’s cunning ambition.
Desperate for Jock’s approval in his teens, Gary turned to rodeo riding — a pursuit that terrified him and required liquid courage. Despite impressing his father, the pressure only deepened his insecurity.
Gary met Valene Clements at a local diner, fell instantly in love with her warmth and goodness, and married her. They settled at Southfork, but J.R. and Jock’s disapproval, combined with the strain of fatherhood after Lucy’s birth, pushed Gary back to drinking. Unable to cope, he walked out on his family.
The Black Sheep of the Ewings
Gary was the family’s perennial outsider — gentle and introspective in a clan defined by power, manipulation, and oil.
His lifelong battle with alcoholism shaped much of his story. He sought sobriety repeatedly, but stress, family drama, and romantic entanglements often pulled him back.
Despite his flaws, Gary showed genuine loyalty, especially to Valene and Lucy, and a desire to live honestly — qualities that set him apart from J.R.
J.R. once dismissed him as the family’s “resident failure.”
Marriages, Affairs, and Heartbreak
Gary’s heart belonged to Valene, but their relationship was tested by separation, infidelity, and remarriage — three times.
Key Relationships
- Valene Clements/Ewing — married, divorced, remarried twice; the central love of his life despite everything.
- Abby Fairgate — intense affair and marriage; Abby exploited Gary’s vulnerabilities and wealth.
- Jill Bennett — affair and live-in relationship; ended in betrayal and murder accusations.
- Kate — brief affair during Val’s presumed death.
Gary’s relationships often entangled him in schemes, jealousy, and tragedy — yet his bond with Val endured.
Struggles and Survival
Gary faced repeated crises: alcoholism relapses, wrongful accusations of murder, business failures, and family betrayals.
He endured Abby’s manipulations, the collapse of his tidal energy project, kidnappings, and the emotional toll of believing Val had died.
Through support groups, friends like Sid and Karen Fairgate, and his own resilience, Gary repeatedly fought his way back to sobriety and stability.
Family
Parents: Jock Ewing, Miss Ellie Ewing Farlow
Siblings: J.R. Ewing (brother), Bobby Ewing (brother), Ray Krebbs (half-brother)
Wife: Valene Ewing (multiple marriages)
Children: Lucy Ewing, Betsy Ewing, Bobby Ewing II (twins with Valene)
Step-family: Abby Fairgate (ex-wife), extended Fairgate/Mackenzie family from Knots Landing
Gary’s resentment toward J.R. lasted decades, yet family ties — especially with Lucy and Bobby — always drew him back.
Career and Ventures
- Ranch foreman at Southfork
- Mechanic / garage employee (Sid’s garage, Knots Landing)
- Record producer
- Businessman (Lotus Point development)
- Political candidate
- Tidal energy entrepreneur
Unlike J.R. and Bobby, Gary never chased oil dominance. He sought quieter paths — often undermined by schemes or his own doubts.
Homes Through the Years
- Southfork Ranch (childhood, early marriage)
- Knots Landing, California (main home 1980s–1990s)
- Various California residences (ranch, seaside properties)
Highest and Lowest Moments
High Points:
- Reuniting with Valene and raising their children together.
- Achieving sobriety periods and building a life away from Southfork.
- Standing up to J.R. and protecting Southfork in 2013.
Low Points:
- Walking out on Val and Lucy the first time.
- Affair with Abby and subsequent divorce from Val.
- Relapses into alcoholism and wrongful murder accusations.
- Believing Val had died after her kidnapping.
Life After Knots Landing
After years of turmoil in California, Gary and Val finally found peace — until the call from Southfork pulled him back one last time.
Return to Southfork — The 2012 Dallas Revival
In 2013, Gary returned to Dallas at Bobby’s request to help protect Southfork from John Ross’s plan to drill for oil. He controlled one-third of the mineral rights and was needed to form a voting bloc against J.R.’s side of the family.
Gary admitted to Bobby that he had fallen off the wagon again and that he and Valene had separated — a stark reminder that his demons remained close.
After J.R.’s murder, Gary attended his brother’s wake and funeral, visibly conflicted. He reflected that every major step in his life — forward or backward — had been shaped by J.R.’s influence.
In a darkly humorous twist, J.R.’s will left Gary an old bottle of Scotch — a deliberate jab at his alcoholism.
Sue Ellen later contacted Valene, who came to Dallas. Gary and Val reconciled, leaving Texas together to return to their home in California.
It was a quiet, bittersweet bookend to Gary’s saga — still the black sheep, but finally able to walk away on his own terms.
Gary Ewing FAQ
Who played Gary Ewing?
Gary was primarily played by Ted Shackelford (Dallas occasional appearances and all of Knots Landing). David Ackroyd originated the role in 1978.
How is Gary Ewing related to J.R. and Bobby?
Gary is the middle brother — J.R.’s younger brother and Bobby’s older brother — son of Jock and Miss Ellie Ewing.
Who is Gary Ewing’s wife?
Valene Ewing — they married, divorced, and remarried multiple times across Dallas and Knots Landing.
Did Gary Ewing have children?
Yes — Lucy Ewing with Valene, plus twins Betsy and Bobby Ewing II.
What was Gary’s biggest struggle?
Alcoholism — a recurring battle that affected his relationships, career, and self-worth throughout both series.
Did Gary appear in the 2012 Dallas revival?
Yes — Ted Shackelford reprised the role in 2013 (Season 2), appearing in episodes including “The Furious and the Fast,” “J.R.’s Masterpiece,” and “Ewings Unite!”.
What did J.R. think of Gary?
J.R. viewed him as weak and a failure — often mocking him, yet manipulating him when it served his purposes.
Where did Gary live after Southfork?
Primarily in Knots Landing, California, where he built a life with Valene, worked various jobs, and raised his family.