Pat Colbert, known for her role as Dora Mae in Dallas, has passed away at the age of 77.
Colbert’s acting career spanned several decades, including notable roles in various soap operas and TV shows. She made a memorable impact as Dora Mae, the Oil Baron’s Club manager on Dallas, where she appeared from Season 7 in 1983 until the show’s final season in 1991. She featured in more than 65 episodes of the series.
Following Dallas, Colbert continued her career with appearances in episodes of Sisters and True Colors in 1991.
Her acting journey began with a role in Eischiled in 1979 and included parts in Fall Guy and Capitol, where she played Cora Mullens from 1982 to 1987. She also appeared in the 1987 film Leonard Part 6 alongside Bill Cosby.
Colbert’s later works include roles in Thom & Dusty Go to Mexico: The Lost Treasure (2014) and If Not for His Grace (2015). Born on January 16, 1947, in Los Angeles, she also appeared in Flamingo Road (1980–1981) and the TV miniseries A Death in California (1985).
She is survived by her sister, two other siblings, and her son Michael.
Shaun Chang, a movie and TV blogger quoted by The Hollywood Reporter, remarked on Colbert’s role: “As the only African-American character who appeared more than once, Dora Mae never had a storyline because Dallas focused primarily on the Ewing family.
However, she played her part with elegance and intelligence.
The show treated her with respect, making her an important part of the community feel of the series.”
Dallas, which premiered in 1978, was canceled in 1991 due to high production costs.
