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The Two Loves Of Bobby Ewing: Inside Patrick Duffy's Enduring Marriage To Carlyn Rosser And His 'Unlikely' Zoom Romance With Linda Purl

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Patrick Duffy, the iconic star of Dallas, has navigated a life marked by profound success and deep personal tragedy, finding love not once, but twice, in the most unexpected of circumstances. As of December 2025, the actor is openly in a committed relationship with fellow TV legend Linda Purl, a romance that blossomed from a chance Zoom call during the global pandemic, years after the devastating loss of his wife of 43 years, Carlyn Rosser. This article delves into the two defining relationships of Duffy’s life, exploring the enduring legacy of his marriage to Carlyn and the joyful, serendipitous new chapter with Linda Purl.

The journey from enduring widowhood to finding new love at a later stage in life has captured the public’s imagination, offering a fresh, modern perspective on Hollywood romance. From the profound influence of his late wife, who introduced him to the spiritual practice of Buddhism, to his current professional collaborations with Purl, Duffy’s story is one of resilience, spiritual grounding, and an open heart.

Patrick Duffy and His Leading Ladies: A Complete Profile

The life of Patrick Duffy has been inextricably linked to the women who have shared it. His late wife, Carlyn Rosser, was his spiritual anchor, while his current partner, Linda Purl, has become his artistic collaborator and source of new joy. Here is a look at the key figures in his personal life and career:

Patrick Duffy: Biography and Career Highlights

  • Full Name: Patrick George Duffy
  • Date of Birth: March 17, 1949
  • Birthplace: Townsend, Montana, U.S.
  • Age (as of Dec 2025): 76
  • Spouse: Carlyn Rosser (m. 1974–2017, her death)
  • Current Partner: Linda Purl (since 2020)
  • Children: Two sons, Padraic Terence Duffy and Conor Duffy
  • Major Roles: Bobby Ewing on the CBS primetime soap opera Dallas (1978–1985, 1986–1991, and 2012–2014) and Frank Lambert on the sitcom Step by Step (1991–1998).
  • Spiritual Practice: Practicing Buddhist, a faith he was introduced to by Carlyn Rosser.
  • Tragedy: His parents, Terrence and Marie Duffy, were tragically murdered in 1986.

Carlyn Rosser: The Wife of 43 Years

  • Profession: Professional Ballerina and Choreographer
  • Marriage to Patrick: 1974–2017
  • Death: January 23, 2017, at the age of 77.
  • Cause of Death: Cancer.
  • Legacy: She was a major spiritual influence on Duffy, introducing him to Nichiren Buddhism, which he credits with helping him cope with both her death and the murder of his parents.

Linda Purl: The Current Partner

  • Full Name: Linda Purl
  • Date of Birth: September 2, 1955
  • Birthplace: Greenwich, Connecticut, U.S.
  • Profession: Actress and Singer
  • Major Roles: Ashley Pfister (Fonzie's fiancée) on Happy Days, Charlene Matlock on Matlock, and Helene Beesly (Pam's mother) on the U.S. version of The Office.
  • Relationship to Patrick: Current partner (since 2020).

The Enduring Love: Patrick Duffy’s Marriage to Carlyn Rosser

Patrick Duffy and Carlyn Rosser shared one of Hollywood’s most enduring and private marriages, spanning 43 years until her passing in 2017. Their connection began in the early 1970s when Duffy, then a young actor, met Rosser, a professional ballet dancer and choreographer, at a dance studio.

The couple married in 1974 and went on to raise two sons, Padraic and Conor Duffy. Rosser's influence on Duffy’s life was profound, extending far beyond the typical Hollywood partnership. She was the one who introduced him to the principles of Nichiren Buddhism, a practice that became a cornerstone of his life and provided him with the spiritual resilience to handle immense personal tragedy.

Carlyn Rosser passed away on January 23, 2017, at the age of 77, after a battle with cancer. Duffy has openly discussed the depth of his grief and the initial struggle of life as a widower. He has stated that, despite finding new love, he still considers himself "married" to Carlyn’s memory, a testament to the powerful, decades-long bond they shared.

The Serendipitous Second Chapter: Patrick Duffy and Linda Purl

Following Carlyn’s death, Duffy spent several years in quiet solitude, never imagining he would find love again. However, in a truly modern and unexpected twist, his life changed during the 2020 pandemic lockdown.

Duffy and actress Linda Purl were casual acquaintances who had known each other for over 40 years. During the initial phase of the lockdown, they reconnected via a group text chain that quickly evolved into a private, daily Zoom friendship. This remote connection, built on long conversations and a deep sense of shared experience, blossomed into a full-fledged romance by the summer of 2020.

Their relationship is a beautiful example of finding joy and companionship later in life. Purl, known for her roles in classic TV shows like Happy Days, Matlock, and the popular sitcom The Office, has been a perfect match for Duffy.

Collaborations and Current Status (2024–2025)

The couple has seamlessly blended their personal and professional lives, adding a layer of topical authority to their story. Their relationship has been highly visible in late 2024 and 2025, demonstrating their commitment to a shared life and career.

  • Joint Acting Projects: Duffy and Purl have collaborated on screen, most notably appearing together on the long-running soap opera The Bold and the Beautiful.
  • Public Appearances: They frequently attend events together, including a notable red carpet appearance at the "Hollywood Grit" premiere in August 2025, where they looked relaxed and celebratory.
  • New Ventures: Reports from late 2024 highlighted a new joint venture, suggesting their partnership is expanding into shared business and creative efforts. They have also been featured on the cover of magazines, discussing the secrets to their "sexy romance" and affection.

While the couple has been open about their deep bond, there has been speculation in the media about whether they will officially marry. Duffy has reportedly admitted to being "nervous to get hitched" again, a feeling that is completely understandable given the profound nature of his first marriage. Regardless of their official status, the relationship between Patrick Duffy and Linda Purl is a heartwarming testament to the possibility of a second chance at love, proving that life's greatest chapters can be written at any age.

The story of Patrick Duffy’s wives—Carlyn Rosser, the spiritual guide and lifelong partner, and Linda Purl, the serendipitous Zoom romance—offers a complete, nuanced picture of a celebrated actor whose personal life has been as rich and dramatic as his on-screen roles as Bobby Ewing and Frank Lambert.

patrick duffy wife
patrick duffy wife

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