He then decided he wanted to return, and Donna's miscarriage was revealed to have been part of the "dream season." When John Ross's schemes culminate in the end of his relationship with Elena, he teams up with- and later winds up falling for and marrying Christopher's ex-wife, Pamela Rebecca Barnes, the daughter of J.R.'s nemesis, Cliff Barnes and their union is reminiscent of John Ross's uncle Bobby Ewing's marriage to Cliff's half-sister and Pamela's namesake Pamela Barnes Ewing. She starred alongside Jean-Claude Van Damme in 1990's Lionheart, and also appeared in Kazaam. Its a really big deal for me, he said. And most of all someone at his side, since his parents neglected him most of his life, and people branding him as being as evil as his father. [17] A brokenhearted John Ross is using the debt Elena owes to his mother to manipulate her and those around him. John Ross begins taking his anger out on his cousin Christopherand his new step-mother,Cally. "[4] "John Ross is the sexy bad guy you can't get enough of and you secretly root for" said Dani Lyman. It ends due to their fathers' disapproval and Pamela's decision to keep the shares of Ewing Energies she received upon her divorce, instead of turning them over to him. and he would continue to play the character in spinoffs and related series over the years. I have a lot invested, personal ties in this show, and somehow Ive got the opportunity to play John Ross. Principal has found success in several different avenues, including acting. For years, Dallas was one of the most buzzed-about shows on television, known for its dramatic scheming and torturously suspenseful endings. Keel passed away in 2004 at the age of 85; his last role came courtesy of the 2002 film My Father's House. She's also an author, she started a production company, and she works in support of several philanthropic efforts. In 1991, John Ross moves to London with Sue Ellen and his new step-father, Don Lockwood. Christopher is trying to find his place in the Ewing family hierarchy, and live up to his father--which is a tall order, because Bobby is so well respected. Kercheval slowed down quite a bit after Dallas finished in fact, most of his major roles came before the show started or happened while it was still on the air. However, John Ross's biggest obstacle is living up to the legend of J.R. Ewing. In 1991, John Ross is sent to live with his mother in London. [23], From a very young age, John Ross has always wanted to be like his father. She's also had several television roles, including a recurring part on Days of Our Livesand several guest spots on shows like Silk Stalkings, Family Law, Due South, and Kung Fu: The Legend Continues. "As swaggering, cocksure, cowboy oilman John Ross Ewing, Josh Henderson has been proving he's more than worthy of his Ewing license plate, not to mention his magnum-size belt buckle. John Ross knows that if can "get one over" on his father, J.R. would be proud. Cookies help us deliver our Services. [12] From 1983, the role was played solely by child actor Omri Katz, who played the character until the series' conclusion in 1991. Every day I went to work saying, This is an important thing to people, this is an important thing to myself. My Meema it was her favorite show. Christopher is born to Kristin Shepard and Jeff Farraday in Los Angeles, California. Elena discovers his manipulations, dumps him, and reunites with Christopher. Performance & security by Cloudflare. [8] Farlow last appeared on the Dallas episode, "Swan Song" which aired on May 17, 1985. Emma finds the evidence of Harris' drug dealing with a Mexican drug cartel that leads to his arrest. The three original members that are regulars on our show [Larry Hagman, Linda Gray and Patrick Duffy] are incredible people and they made Dallas what it was. Christopher is the adopted son of Bobby and the late Pam Ewing and the biological son of Kristin Shepard (Sue Ellen Ewing's sister) and Jeff Farraday. John Ross then hangs up, pours himself a glass of J.R.'s trademark bourbon, before smiling with the scene cutting to black and J.R.'s laugh echoing in the background to end the series. [8] Though it has yet to be mentioned, or discussed onscreen, it appears that John Ross's music career was not a success. Some of her more recent works include supporting roles in Intuitions and Grand-Daddy Day Care. After Dallas ended, Keel only appeared in a few guest spots on various shows, including episodes of Murder, She Wrote and Walker, Texas Ranger. "[26] Without his father, John Ross is filled with "passion and resentment" from the pain he feels for not having his father when he was young, and still needing his father. Your IP: A rivalry between John Ross and Christopher ensues as John Ross wants to drill oil, while Christopher believes renewable energy, methane, is the way of the future. Outside of Dallas, she is best known in Hollywood for her collaborations with Alfred Hitchcock: she was in a few episodes of Alfred Hitchcock Presents and had a central role in Vertigo. J.R. correctly suspected that Barnes and Ryland would join forces to destroy the Ewing family. This came after a 16-year gap in acting credits. As an actor, this is just an amazing opportunity. During her pregnancy, Sue Ellen drinks heavily, forcing J.R. to have her committed to sanitarium. He and Christopher agree to start a new company called Ewing Energies, combining oil and methane. A letter is read from Miss Ellie revealing that she has left half of Southfork to John Ross upon J.R.'s death. [39] Henderson's onscreen pairing with Julie Gonzalo's was immediately praised. When his parents split again, J.R. sends him off the boarding school to spite Sue Ellen. Bum reveals that he killed J.R. by his request, stating that J.R.'s last act was out of love for his family. Larry Hagman's J.R. Ewing made a lasting impression as arguably the most infamous villain in television history, and when it came to finding the right man to play his son, John Ross, for the "Dallas" reboot, there were some pretty big shoes to fill. I believe that God was presenting this to me for a reason and I went for it and here I am 10 years later, somehow, portraying son of J.R. on a show called Dallas the city where I was born.. In May 1987, Christopher is devastated when he accidentally overhears a conversation between Miss Ellie and Clayton about him being adopted. Like most of the stars of Dallas, Gray reprised the role in several of the offshoots and spinoffs, but she also continues to act in a variety of other roles. Bobby goes after Cliff, thinking he's taken JR's son, while Jock is sent on a wild goose chase. However, Christopher is willing to play dirty if it will help his family.[18]. It wound up airing for 14 seasons during its original run, with its final episode airing in the spring of 1991. [6] John Ross harbors some resentment towards both of his parents: towards J.R. for not having been around much when he was young, and towards Sue Ellen for having kept him tucked away in boarding schools for most of his life. His parents comfort him and explain their reasons for not initially telling him the truth. John Ross treats life as a game of chess and does his best to stay a step ahead of everyone. [4] Metcalfe admitted that his hesitation also stemmed from his belief that the series was just "another prime-time soap opera to me, it wasn't somewhere I wanted to go." According to Henderson, John Ross will come to understand that his father is still with him. There are hints of how excited people are Its very exciting for us as a cast, especially the new members, he said. The role was originated by two unknown infant actors on the December 11, 1981 episode. She was on the show at the very beginning, but was written out after the 1985 season. "Whether John Ross is headed into a corner or he's trying to get under someone's skin," John Ross views everything as a "challenge. He attempts to nullify Miss Ellie's will on the basis of her diminished mental capacity after Jock's death. [2] The Huffington Post listed Henderson on their list of the Hottest Actors for the summer 2012 television season. He also branched out a bit as an older man, landing recurring roles on shows like Desperate Housewives and Nip/Tuck. And perhaps, the one to listen to, as well. Outside of television, Principal started a successful beauty line called Principal Secret Skincare, which she left in 2019. When his parents split again, J.R. sends him off the boarding school to spite Sue Ellen. He was 81 years old. Christopher is not completely defined by his morality, but at "his core he's a very moral and ethical guy," said Metcalfe. Now, nothings a guarantee. John Ross is officially named by his grandfather Jock (Jim Davis). Unable to find a toy gun, Christopher takes Bobby's revolver and after some "hide and seek", he takes a shot at John Ross; he misses, only shattering a screen door. Cliff is falsely convicted of J.R.'s murder. During her pregnancy, Sue Ellen drinks heavily, forcing J.R. to have her committed to sanitarium. Lucy Ewing had a bit of a yo-yo run on Dallas. [1] The series also focuses on Christopher's feud with John Ross as they disagree on how to revive the family's former glory. Sue Ellen had recently given birth to her son, John Ross, but his birth had complicated her life, as Sue Ellen was unsure as to whether John Ross' father was her husband, J.R. ( Larry Hagman ), or her former lover, J.R.'s enemy Cliff Barnes ( Ken Kercheval ). He resorts to drugs, alcohol and sex with Bobby's stepdaughter, Emma (Emma Bell) to cope. Christopher Ewing is a fictional character from the American prime time drama series Dallas and the continuation series. Eventually, like all things,Dallas ran its course. J.R. calls him, telling him that he has a plan which he claims will be his "masterpiece", but doesn't tell him what it is. Tyler Banks Edit Tyler Banks was one of the actors who played John Ross Ewing III on the first series of Dallas . The family's new found peace is short-lived. [29] The following episode, "Love & Family" saw the couple's spontaneous Las Vegas wedding giving John Ross ownership of Pamela's shares of Barnes Global. While the critics have already praised the show, Josh is hoping his work and the work of his castmates resonates with the TV audience. [15] Taking advice from Hagman himself, Henderson's John Ross relishes being bad and savors every moment of it. John Ross bonds with one of the counselors, Peter Richards whom also has an affair with Sue Ellen. [25] So when John Ross suddenly doesn't have his father anymore, John Ross goes on a "dark mission." Putting it simply he's a sweetheart with a twist. He tells Sue Ellen and Bobby this before proclaiming that he is not just like his father - he's worse. Brenda Strong, who played Christopher's stepmother, Ann Ewing, praised the actor's performance in the filming of the pilot, noting how much he had improved since his role on Desperate Housewives. Bobby goes after Cliff, thinking he's taken JR's son, while Jock is sent on a wild goose chase. After an explosion on Christopher's methane rig causes Pamela to suffer a miscarriage of her twin babies, John Ross comforts her, but is reluctant to tell her that Cliff is behind the explosion that killed her babies. In February 2011, the role was recast and actor Josh Henderson had signed on to appear in the role of John Ross for the continuation series. [26] John Ross gets to a point where he is no longer concerned for his own well being. Henderson told Access Hollywood that John Ross decided not to attend college. They created this monster. [6], "Hes a very complex person; hes got a lot of issues, and he grew up with not the best relationship with his parents. Over a decade-plus of backstabbing, inbreeding, lust and greed,. You kind of can't blame him" Henderson said of John Ross. [2][3] Tension also stems from John Ross's romance with Christopher's ex-fiance, Elena Ramos. [17] John Ross is not surprised when his alliance with Pamela becomes sexual because they understand one another; "they're both kind of the same person" when they want to prove themselves to their fathers. "They don't carry the torch forever" Cidre continued. Dallas was such a big deal. [7] The unknown child actors were replaced by Eric Farlow in 1982, when the character made an appearance on the series spin-off, Knots Landing. However, many of the actors from the series went on to star in many other popular television series and movies. Bobby and Sue Ellen buy back control of Ewing Global outmaneuvering Pamela and John Ross' attempt to take control themselves. She married Bobby to join the Ewings, but she was born into the Barnes family. However, Elena has trouble with John Ross's business tactics. The cliffhanger mystery of "Who shot J.R.?" The infant is then kidnapped by the grieving mother Priscilla Duncan, but is eventually returned. Played by Ken Kercheval, Barnes dedicated his life to getting one over on the underhanded J.R. Ewing. [1] As the show's most famous character, J.R. has been central to many of the series' biggest storylines. I am so proud of you and why in the hell are you playing J.R.s son?!?. In 1982, Bobby and Pam adopted a boy named Christopher (Joshua Harris, originally Eric Farlow), who was the biological son of J.R.'s deceased sister-in-law, Kristin Shepard . Josh may still be pinching himself, but he more than holds his own on the show alongside the veterans, and hes left a big impression on castmates like Brenda Strong, who plays Ann Ewing, the wife of Bobby Ewing. Jenna's first appearance came in a single episode, and at the time, Morgan Fairchild portrayed the character. ", "Interview: Dallas bad boy Josh Henderson", "Former Tulsan Josh Henderson to star in 'Dallas' reboot on TNT", "Interview with Linda Gray and Josh Henderson of "Dallas", "Dallas Interview: Josh Henderson Reacts to Ratings, First Day of Filming", "Dallas: We Never Wanted to Remake the Original", "Josh Henderson To Star In TNT's 'Dallas', Larry Hagman Officially On Board", "Josh Henderson Previews Dallas Season 2, "Dark" Ride for John Ross", "TNT & TBS Pick Up 4 Pilots Including 'Dallas', "Ministry Q&A: Josh Henderson's shirtless, ambitious 'Dallas' turn", "Keck's Exclusives: Dallas' Next Generation", "Dallas Star: John Ross Matching Wits With J.R. Will Be a Season-Long 'Roller Coaster Ride', "Dallas Season 2 Burning Questions Answered: J.R.'s Farewell, Hiccups for Ann and Bobby", "Dallas Q&A: Josh Henderson Talks 'Naughtier' John Ross, His Memories Of Larry Hagman", "Dallas Interview: Josh Henderson Talks About J.R.'s Legacy", "Dallas' Julie Gonzalo on Unleashing the Real Rebecca: "You Can't Underestimate Her", "Josh Henderson Previews Dallas' Sexy New Alliance and the Big [Spoiler] Murder Mystery", "Dallas Season Finale: Rebecca's Real Identity Revealed and 6 More Shocking Twists", "INTERVIEW: Josh Henderson Talks Texas Heat and Working Out For Those Dallas Season 3 Shirtless Scenes", "Casting Updates For TNT's 'Dallas' Reboot", "Hottest Actors Of The Summer 2012 TV Season", "TNTDrama: Dallas (JOHN ROSS EWING PLAYED BY JOSH HENDERSON)", https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=John_Ross_Ewing_III&oldid=1135474403, Unnamed daughter from J. R. and an unknown woman, Lucas Krebbs (biological cousin and adoptive half-cousin), This page was last edited on 24 January 2023, at 22:10. J.R. agrees to give Sue Ellen custody only if John Ross can choose where he lives; and he chooses to live at Southfork. J.R.'s wife Sue Ellen was originally envisioned as a small role, since the show was initially only set to be a five-episode miniseries. Because of the show, I got noticed by agents. Dallas (TV Series 1978-1991) Omri Katz as John Ross Ewing. He is driven by ambition, greed, and a strong need to prove himself. His parents divorce that year and during that time, Christopher lives with Pamela. Hagman passed away in 2012 due to complications with leukemia. Dallas (1978-1991) Omri Katz: John Ross Ewing. Copyright 2022 NBCUniversal Media, LLC. Farlow first appeared in the episode, "New Beginnings" which first aired on October 29, 1982. John Ross bonds with one of the counselors, Peter Richards (Christopher Atkins) whom also has an affair with Sue Ellen. He was written into the original series at the end of season 2. After narrowly escaping a fire, John Ross becomes withdrawn, and Sue Ellen takes him to child psychologist Dr. Suzanne Lacey (Diana Douglas) against J.R.'s wishes. That John Ross is dead. She was mentioned here and there throughout her absences, and she also made a few appearances on the 2012 revival series. The 45-year-old Cena - who was . Interestingly, she is responsible for the only major award Dallas ever won: she received a Golden Globe for Best Actress in 1982. Christopher is bitter and angry when Pamela requests a divorce; later, he's forced into the middle of a custody battle between Bobby and Lisa Alden, Jeff Farraday's sister. In 1990, Bobby and April marry, and Christopher approves. Just after J.R. tells his son he's proud of him, he is shot and killed. Allison Jones (one-night stand) Jeff later returns with additional documentation for Bobby concerning Kristin and Christopher. . However, that came during the season after Bobby had been killed, when Patrick Duffy had decided he was done with the show. John Ross is left asking the question, 'Why did you leave me? Well beyond the show's initial conclusion, audience interest persisted, leading to the three-season "revival series" that aired starting in 2012. Keel was the perfect actor for the role, as he had a long career before joining the series, acting in musicals and westerns. Geddes recovered, and was brought back to the role until the series ended in 1991. Jenna Wade was Bobby Ewing's first love, and she was most memorably played by Priscilla Presley. Catch Dallas Wednesdays at 9/8c all summer long on TNT. However, his happiness is short-lived: April is killed on the honeymoon. Accompanied by Bobby and his girlfriend, April Stevens, Christopher goes on his first date that fall. John Ross seems to have become a carbon copy of his father. [9] Joshua Harris then stepped into the role on September 27, 1985, in the episode "The Family Ewing." While he manipulates everyone else in his life, John Ross hopes Elena can serve as his way to escape from the scheming and manipulation. His first major Hollywood role was as Frank Butler in Annie Get Your Gun, and he also acted in other musicals like Show Boat, Kiss Me Kate, and Seven Brides for Seven Brothers. Luckily for producers of the TNT show, Dallas-born, Tulsa-bred Josh Henderson […] My grandfather was one of the most amazing Baptist ministers in history, he was unbelievable, Josh beamed of his grandfathers accomplishments. From 1983, the role was played solely by child actor Omri Katz, who played the character until the series' conclusion in 1991. Wondering what happened to the cast of Dallas? This is obviously quite important with Bum saying that J.R. is still "saving his ass from the grave". Ken Kercheval died in 2019 at the age of 83, Keel passed away in 2004 at the age of 85. John Ross is the son and namesake of show's most iconic character, J.R. Ewing, and his longtime love, Sue Ellen Ewing. The drug addict Kristin travels to Los Angeles where she becomes involved with a drug dealer named Jeff Farraday. The character appears on-screen as an infant on September 21, 1979, in the episode "Whatever Happened to Baby John?, Part 1", portrayed by Tyler Banks. The eldest is J.R., the relentless CEO of Ewing Oil. John Ross's dynamic with his father is more of a chess game as opposed to his feud with Christopher. Creator David Jacobs Stars Larry Hagman Ken Kercheval Patrick Duffy See production, box office & company info John Ross is romancing his business partner and childhood friend,Elena Ramos. After an explosion on Christopher's methane rig causes Pamela to suffer a miscarriage of her twin babies, John Ross comforts her, but is reluctant to tell her that Cliff is behind the explosion that killed her babies. However, his main goal is gaining control of the company. John Ross and Christopher then learn from a letter that J.R. was dying from terminal cancer, and J.R. orchestrated his own murder to put an end to the Barnes-Ewing feud for good. Katz is listed as a retired actor, but with a Hocus Pocus revival still in the works, we'll see if he comes out of retirement once again. [11], The character appears on-screen as an infant on September 21, 1979, in the episode "Whatever Happened to Baby John?, Part 1", portrayed by Tyler Banks. John Ross shakes Bum's hand, letting him know he understands. The Ewings lose control of Ewing Global when anIPOresults in a shady deal withNicolas Trevinoand his benefactor the Mendez-Ochoa drug cartel; resulting in the cartel winning control of Ewing Global. However, both boys bond with Cally, and Christopher is a bit jealous of the attention she gives John Ross. Christopher's life is turned upside down when Pamela has a bad car accident; when Bobby keeps him away from the hospital, the boy believes it is because he is adopted. When Sue Ellen later rekindles her romance with Dusty Farlow, John Ross goes to live with them at the Southern Cross Ranch inSan Angelo, much to J.R.'s dismay. The illegitimate Ewing, Ray Krebbs never got the spotlight on Dallas that other members of the family did. In the 2012 continuation of the television series, a grown-up Christopher (now portrayed by Jesse Metcalfe) takes after Bobby and concerns himself with the welfare of the land and environment. It is possible that a car bomb was planted on the orders of Elena's lover Nicolas Trevio, but the cliffhanger was never resolved. Metcalfe agreed with Curt Wagner's observation of Christopher as wanting to live up the standard set by Bobby, but being more of a realist, and knowing that good guys usually finish last. [35] Dani Lyman said Henderson fills the role "brilliantly. Dr. Lacey recommends that John Ross attend a day camp with counselors. Henderson also described the character as a schemer who is willing to stoop to any low to get what he wants. Im doing these things and Im a little torn because I care for Elena and I dont want to lose her. When Elenas mother gives him the [engagement] ring back, everything is just BOOM! how many calories in 1 single french fry; barbara picower house; scuba diving in florida keys without certification; how to show salary in bank statement She made the family watch. He sang in shows like Oklahoma!, where he played the lead role of Curly for a year and a half before moving to a contract with MGM. John Ross Ewing 149 episodes, 1983-1991 Priscilla Presley . I knew that I had to do something that stood out, something that was intense, something that kind of had the spirit of J.R. inside of him, but also was a spin in his own [right], Josh told AccessHollywood.com of what went into his performance as John Ross in the new series. Miss Ellie Ewing had an interesting history on Dallasdue to some real-world situations. J.R.'s longtime secretary, Sly Lovegren was definitely a lesser character when compared to the central crew of Dallas, but she still appeared in nearly 200 episodes of the series. However, as a couple, they have "ups and downs" because neither one is willing to allow themselves to get hurt. [25] John Ross puts on a "front" as if he tries to convince himself that he is "just as conniving and slick" as his father; however, once he goes down this path, he realizes he needs J.R. more than he thought. Director Paul Feig has already assembled a star-studded cast for his new Amazon movie Grand Death Lottery, with John Cena, Simu Liu and Awkwafina set to star. He lives with his wife in California and is a watercolor artist and philanthropist. She's reportedly developing a cartoon series for Netflix called Agent King, and is also attached to fantasy series Almythea: Rise of Wingtar. Geddes retired from acting after Dallas, and she passed away in 2005 at the age of 82. JR, meanwhile, gets a call from some old friends who claim to have something to do with the kidnapping. When John Ross gets a motorcycle as a gift from his new-found half-brother, James, Christopher is left alone. in the same way Did Pam and Bobby Ewing have baby? Jenna didn't become a regular character on the show until 1983, which is when Presley started playing her. He also was the focal point of one of the most cliched moments ever on the show the infamous shower scene that revealed the entire previous season in which Bobby died had all been a dream. Specifically, they were forced to watch as Nicolas blew up Christopher's car . 144 episodes, 1983-1988 Deborah Tranelli . In 1991, John Ross moves to London with Sue Ellen and his new stepfather, Don Lockwood (Ian McShane). [10] Within the series, Henderson's John Ross so naturally refers to Linda Gray's Sue Ellen as "Mama," because that is how Henderson actually refers to Gray. When the show ended, the record label folded three weeks later, so it all stopped really quickly. On the day J.R. is buried,Bumshows up with a package, explaining that J.R.'s "masterpiece" was to take down the Ewings' enemiesCliff BarnesandHarris Ryland. See production, box office & company info. Even more memorable, he played Max, the tie-dye clad protagonist of 1993's Hocus Pocus. Sue Ellen guilts Elena into helping John Ross. Donna Culver Krebbs got a bit of a raw deal on Dallas. Omar Nobles listed John Ross and Pamela Rebecca's alliance during the season 2 premiere as one of the best moments of the episode. I dont know anything about flying planes, but I feel very fortunate to be here. And they all laughed and I was like, OK, I screwed that up, Josh recounted. [11] John Ross sincerely believes that oil is the only way which immediately pits him at odds with Christopher. [22] Henderson said that John Ross is still about gaining control of the newly formed Ewing Energies, but he has to fly under the radar. You can email the site owner to let them know you were blocked. [19] Access Hollywood said Metcalfe's performance in the pilot was the actor's best work to date.[4]. Kanaly's last acting credit came in the 2012Dallas revival series, so it seems likely he may have hung up his acting boots. The destruction of his relationship with Elena reminds Christopher of his feelings of abandonment, due to him being adopted, and the only mother he's ever known, abandoning him as well. [12] Metcalfe had some reservations about taking the role on the remake of such an iconic show, fearing it might not succeed. A stint on the musical talent competition Popstars, the very show that brought Nicole Scherzinger her first brush with fame, turned Josh down the acting path. It ends due to their fathers' disapproval and Pamela's decision to keep the shares of Ewing Energies she received upon her divorce, instead of turning them over to him. [6] Christopher is overjoyed when his parents remarry in 1986 and move back to Southfork Ranch, where he is reunited with his cousin, John Ross. This material may not be republished, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed. Jenna Wade / . Bobby and Sue Ellen buy back control of Ewing Global outmaneuvering Pamela and John Ross' attempt to take control themselves. Henderson went in for the first audition with his own idea about what the character would be like in the present day, he was quickly offered a screen test and immediately cast in the role. "[16] Even when John Ross is hurting, he puts on a "front" as though he's got everything under control.[17]. Hagman starred in I Dream of Jeannie before Dallas and, while he continued to act following Dallas' successful run, didn't quite reach the heights he once had. John Ross ends up victorious when he aligns with Judith Ryland, who replaces Bobby as the new Texas Railroad Commissioner, meaning John Ross can complete his Arctic leases deal. John Ross teases his cousin about being the baby of the family, and they have a fight. He promises to steal the company out from under them and brings J.R. on as a partner.[32]. A heartbroken John Ross swears revenge on them, despite their new partnership. And, so I just knew that I had to try to come up with something kind of very intense. John Ross is the son and namesake of show's most iconic character, J.R. Ewing, and his longtime love, Sue Ellen Ewing. "[5] Lisa Steinberg referred to Henderson's portrayal of John Ross as "smoldering. According to Metcalfe, by the time of the 2012 series, Christopher is "completely green." Actor Steve Kanaly played the role well, however, and was game to play the character again in the sequel series as well as a few of the TV movies based on the show. The family then learns that Cliff and Ryland are working with the governor to devalue Ewing Energies.