During his very first podcast interview, Patrick Duffy, a renowned figure from the world of television, sat down with his former Step by Step daughters Staci Keanan and Christine Lakin on their rewatch pod Keanan and Lakin Give You Déjà Vu. This interview provided a fascinating look back on his successful television career and the behind-the-scenes moments that made it all possible.

Uncover the Fun Side of the Dallas Cast

The Beginning at Warner Bros.

It's truly remarkable how the cast of Dallas came together. Remember that very first day when they all gathered at Warner Bros. studios? Larry Hagman, with his full cowboy fringe leather outfit, big hat, and leather saddlebags over his shoulder, walked in. And in those saddlebags were bottles of champagne! They sat down and took a moment to drink and get to know each other before even starting to read the pilots of Dallas. This simple act marked the beginning of a special relationship that would last for years. Duffy recalled that moment and how he went home that day, telling his wife, "I think I met my best friend today."

And indeed, their friendship grew stronger with time. Duffy said that from that moment on, he and Hagman remained best friends until the day Hagman passed away in 2012 at the age of 81. This bond on and off the set added a unique flavor to the show.

Working on Dallas

Once the show began, the daily routine was quite something. Duffy would "lay out" until lunch, while Hagman would continue working. During the course of the day, Hagman would go through three or four bottles of champagne. It was a part of their work culture. After work, they would break for lunch and head across the street to the Backstage Tavern instead of the commissary because alcohol wasn't served there. They would have a couple of drinks and a hamburger and then come back to finish the second half of the day.

This daily ritual became a part of their lives for 13 seasons. It was a time when they could relax and enjoy each other's company even in the midst of a busy shooting schedule. Duffy's memories of those days are filled with warmth and camaraderie.

Ending the Workday

As the years went on, the cast developed a way to judge when the show was about to wrap for the day. They would catch the prop guy's eye and give a subtle nod. And then, magically, a styrofoam cup would appear. When asked by Keanan if that meant more champagne, Duffy laughed and said, "Oh no. We'd have a little shot of tequila before we wrapped because we knew it wouldn't kick in till they called wrap." This small moment was a part of their daily routine and a sign that the workday was coming to an end.

For 13 years, this was Duffy's workday with Hagman. It was a time filled with laughter, friendship, and memories that would last a lifetime. The Dallas cast truly knew how to have fun when the cameras stopped rolling.

Meeting His Wife and Suzanne Somers

Elsewhere in the interview, Duffy shared the story of meeting his wife of 46 years, the late ballerina Carlyn Rosser. He also recounted his first minutes with Suzanne Somers when they were both cast in the 90s sitcom Step by Step on the spot. "She referred to me as her second husband, and I referred to her as my second wife," Duffy said. "And that was from day one. Alan [Hamel, Somers’ husband] was cool with it, and so was Carlyn. It was a special relationship that endured even after the show was canceled."

Even though they didn't see each other as often after the show ended, whenever they did get together, it was like they were back to that first day. Their connection was something truly special.