Barbara Stock Reflects on Her “Dallas” Departure

Barbara Stock, who played Liz Adams on the beloved series “Dallas,” never anticipated getting fired from such a popular show. She portrayed a street-smart government worker and developed a romantic connection with Cliff Burns, played by Ken Kercheval. “Dallas” was a major hit in the 1980s, one of the most-watched series of that decade.

Having initially gained recognition from the show “CHiPs,” Stock viewed her role in “Dallas” as a unique opportunity that, unfortunately, came to an abrupt end. She reflects on the moment she realized her time was up. “The day someone came up to me in the restroom and said, ‘Hey, it’s your last day!’ I knew I was in trouble,” she shared. “I should have seen the signs, but, well, I didn’t.”

Looking back, she recalls signs hinting at her departure, like a scene where she was packing her suitcase. “At the time, I didn’t think much of it,” she explained, “But retrospectively, when you’re putting your suitcase away, it’s often a sign that you might be leaving for good.” The whole situation was crushing for her. She had hoped to partake in the show’s concluding moments, which followed the tumultuous lives of the Ewing family and their oil empire struggles.

“Going to work was something I genuinely looked forward to,” she reminisced. “Everyone, from cast to crew, was just great.” Despite her exit, Stock holds no grudges about how her time ended. She appreciated the stability her contract provided, allowing her to pursue other opportunities during her hiatus from filming.

Interestingly, Stock shared a memory with Larry Hagman, who played the infamous J.R. Ewing. He once mentioned that his wife thought that perhaps Stock should have been J.R.’s final romantic interest on the show. “That would have been an interesting twist,” she noted. However, she didn’t dwell on what could have been. “When it’s over, it’s over,” she remarked, “I didn’t fuss over it.”

Reflecting on her experience, she spoke warmly of her castmates and the enjoyable atmosphere on set. “Larry was incredibly welcoming, and I just loved Patrick Duffy,” she recounted, mentioning they had reconnected more recently. “Working together was a delightful experience, and I made lasting friendships.”

Stock later transitioned to interior design, which became her passion. She felt that being with her family was more fulfilling than continuing in show business. “When my son was born, we decided it was best for me to stay home and focus on him,” she stated. This shift was not difficult, as she found joy in her new career. Still active in the field, she has no regrets about leaving acting behind.

Though she’s not deeply involved in the current entertainment scene, her advice to aspiring actors remains simple: “Study your craft.” And as for her past experiences, it seems that despite the ups and downs, Stock cherishes the memories—especially those with the people who shaped her journey.