“Knots Landing” cast: See what became of the stars of the beloved '80s soap opera
“Knots Landing” cast: See what became of the stars of the beloved '80s soap opera
Allison DeGrusheTue, April 7, 2026 at 4:04 PM UTC
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(L to R) Joan Van Ark, Ted Shackelford, Donna Mills, Nicollette Sheridan, William Devane, Kevin Dobson, and Michele Lee for 'Knots Landing'Credit: EverettKey Points -
Knots Landing ran for 14 seasons from 1979 to 1993 on CBS.
A Dallas spinoff, the show focused on Gary (Ted Shackelford) and Valene Ewing (Joan Van Ark) as they left Texas for California.
The cast also included Michele Lee, Ted Shackelford, Joan Van Ark, Donna Mills, and Kevin Dobson.
Life on Seaview Circle was anything but peaceful.
Knots Landing, a Dallas spinoff created by David Jacobs, followed the ups, downs, and jaw-dropping drama of married life on this coastal Los Angeles cul-de-sac. As the CBS series went on, bold new faces arrived to stir the pot. Some of the most memorable additions included Donna Mills, William Devane, Alec Baldwin, and Nicollette Sheridan.
Over the years, these notable actors have found success beyond Knots Landing. Here's a look at some of the cast and what they've been up to since their time on the show.
James Houghton (Kenny Ward)
James Houghton as Kenny Ward on 'Knots Landing'Credit: CBS/Getty
James Houghton played Kenny Ward on the first four seasons of Knots Landing. A charming record producer, Kenny wasn't exactly faithful to his wife, Ginger (Kim Lankford). After his storyline wrapped up, Houghton popped up on a bunch of TV shows in the late '80s, like The Love Boat and The Colbys.
Before that, he'd been on The Young and the Restless from 1973 to 1976, and he returned in the '90s as a writer. He won four Daytime Emmys with the writing team.
Houghton died on Aug. 27, 2024 from peritoneal mesothelioma. His wife, Karen, shared the news with The Hollywood Reporter on Feb. 28, 2025.
Kim Lankford (Ginger Ward)
Kim Lankford as Ginger Ward on 'Knots Landing'; Kim LankfordCredit: Everett; Getty
Kim Lankford starred as Kenny's wife, Ginger, on Knots Landing. Their rocky relationship involved affairs and a separation, but they eventually reconciled and had a daughter before leaving at the end of season 4.
After the show, Lankford appeared on '80s and '90s hits like Cheers, The Love Boat, Murphy's Law, and Chicago Hope, and she returned as Ginger on Knots Landing: Back to the Cul-de-Sac. Her most recent credits include the 2015 TV movie Dead of Winter: The Donner Party and the 2015 docuseries The Jinx: The Life and Deaths of Robert Durst.
During a 2025 appearance on the We're Knot Done Yet podcast, Lankford said she "loved everything about Knots Landing" and "never wanted to leave," alleging Houghton wasn't happy with the show and had them both written off without considering her.
Michele Lee (Karen Fairgate MacKenzie)
Michele Lee as Karen Fairgate MacKenzie on 'Knots Landing; Michele LeeCredit: Everett; Getty
Michele Lee portrayed Karen Fairgate MacKenzie on Knots Landing for all 14 seasons and the Back to the Cul-de-Sac miniseries, earning an Emmy nomination and six Soap Opera Digest awards. After the show, she popped up in Along Came Polly (2004), Will & Grace (2005), and Family Guy (2010), and received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 1998.
A two-time Tony nominee, Lee is also a stage veteran. She returned to Broadway for The Tale of the Allergist's Wife in 2001 and joined Wicked in 2015 as Madame Morrible. She also now cohosts the We're Knot Done Yet podcast with Donna Mills and Joan Van Ark.
On a September 2025 episode of the Still Here Hollywood Podcast with Steve Kmetko, Lee reflected on the show and said it "gave me wonderful opportunities."
Ted Shackelford (Gary Ewing)
Ted Shackelford as Gary Ewing on 'Knots Landing; Ted ShackelfordCredit: Everett; Getty
Ted Shackelford played Gary Ewing, the Ewing family link to Dallas, on all 14 seasons of Knots Landing and returned for Back to the Cul-de-Sac and the Dallas revival in 2013. Afterward, he guest-starred on various hit shows but is likely best known for playing twins William and Jeffrey Bardwell on The Young and the Restless (2006–2015).
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In a 2023 interview, Shackelford called Knots Landing a "great place to work," adding that everyone really stuck together while the show was on air.
Joan Van Ark (Valene Ewing)
Joan Van Ark as Valene Ewing on 'Knots Landing; Joan Van ArkCredit: Everett; Getty
For 13 seasons of Knots Landing, Joan Van Ark starred as Valene Ewing, Gary's on-and-off love and the mother of their three children. Post-show, Van Ark landed roles on Back to the Cul-de-Sac, The Young and the Restless (2004–2005), Nip/Tuck (2008–2010), and Doom Patrol (2019).
These days, she cohosts the We're Knot Done Yet podcast with her former costars Lee and Donna Mills. On a May 2025 episode of the podcast, Van Ark reflected on the show and said she "loved all of it."
Donna Mills (Abby Fairgate)
Donna Mills as Abby Fairgate on 'Knots Landing; Donna MillsCredit: Everett; Getty
Donna Mills joined Knots Landing in season 2 as the scheming Abby Fairgate, known for her many romances (and surnames). She returned for Back to the Cul-de-Sac and later guest-starred on General Hospital (2014–2015, 2018) — for which she won a Daytime Emmy — and Doctor Odyssey (2025), plus appeared in films like Joy (2015) and Nope (2022).
When she's not on set, Mills is cohosting the We're Knot Done Yet podcast with Lee and Van Ark.
During a 2026 red carpet interview, Mills explained why she left Knots Landing: Abby was "always" such a strong character, and she wanted to "leave her on top." Mills also revealed that she didn't want to renegotiate her contract at the time.
Kevin Dobson (Mack MacKenzie)
Kevin Dobson as Mack MacKenzie on 'Knots Landing; Kevin DobsonCredit: Everett; Getty
Kojak star Kevin Dobson joined Knots Landing in season 4 as Mack MacKenzie, who went on to marry Lee's Karen. He also returned for Back to the Cul-de-Sac and later lent his talents to soaps like One Life to Live (2003–2005), The Bold and the Beautiful (2006–2007), and Days of Our Lives (2008).
Dobson died of a heart attack on Sept. 6, 2020, at age 77.
William Devane (Greg Sumner)
William Devane as Greg Sumner on 'Knots Landing; William DevaneCredit: Everett; Getty
Two-time Emmy nominee William Devane made his Knots Landing debut in season 5, joining the show as Greg Sumner, an ambitious politician and Mack's rival. He earned a Golden Globe nomination for his performance and also reprised his role on Back to the Cul-de-Sac.
After the show ended, Devane kept busy on TV with shows like Phenom (1993–1994), 24 (2005–2007), 24: Live Another Day (2014), The Grinder (2015–2016), and Bosch: Legacy (2022). Movie fans might also recognize him from Space Cowboys (2000), The Dark Knight Rises (2012), and Interstellar (2014).
Where can I watch Knots Landing?
Knots Landing is currently available to stream on Tubi.
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