Leta Powell Drake Interview with Jim Davis

Junket interview with Jim Davis conducted circa regarding the TV series "Dallas" Interview broadcast on KOLN/KGIN-TV (Lincoln, NE).
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[@TheDavidbooth]

Dallas was never the same when he passed!

[@rockyracoon3233]

Gross understatement!

[@threetreasures7698]

NEVER the same!

[@daveb.4460]

Jim was my great Uncle (my grandmother’s sister). We spent many nights at his dinner table.

[@lloydkline3265]

Really, lucky Dallas was never the same when he left, his photo was always there

[@joenelson3037]

Dave B. That is awesome!!!!!! I’ve long idolized him.

[@annedonker4795]

that is amazing. tell us more!!

[@RobTheNotary]

So was his presence

[@vincentjefferson1454]

By far, my favorite character on the show!! A MAN’S MAN!!!

[@SaxonC]

His memory was kept alive throughout the entire run of Dallas. One hell of a man!

[@sherryhannah9262]

Saxon C in the living room at Southfork his picture was on the wall

[@GeorgeCarlinWasAGod]

Great times and great memories! It really is hard to believe that "Jim Davis" left us 42 years ago. Where has the time gone?

[@SaxonC]

Jim Davis was born to play Jock Ewing. Even though JR became the dominant character, his daddy was the only man on earth that JR would never double cross and looked up to. Jim Davis had such a powerful screen presence and that’s why after his death, the memory of Jock was front and center until the end of the series ten years later. RIP Jim Davis

[@damonmcfarland9364]

but...he lied to him one time.

[@teddelguercio2173]

​@@damonmcfarland9364Indeed. About his knowledge of the nationalization of the Asian wells.

[@jahno7154]

Jim Davis once said he always plays himself in what ever role he played. He was brilliant in Dallas he had such a great presence.

[@dzanier]

He did.

[@derrickjackson6737]

Jim Davis was a OUTSTANDING actor he was Big Daddy Jock Ewing

[@paullee7467]

He sounds just the same as Jock in other roles too. Watching Banacek from the mid-70s, he plays a security guard, but sounds just like jock.

[@jahno7154]

@@paullee7467 He had a southern drawl.

[@GeorgeCarlinWasAGod]

Indeed! He was not replaceable and I am glad they decided not to bring "Jock" back during the "10th Season" and no offense or disrespect intended towards "Steve Forrest".

[@hannainc4996]

What a guy, he was perfect in the role of Jock. Gone way too soon!! Love him

[@jenniferstarotpositivefree]

The best actor to play Jock. Forever Dallas!

[@smitchix1]

Ummmm...pretty sure he was the ONLY actor ever to play Jock.

[@Burzurk1987]

@@smitchix1 I think that’s what she meant. They could not have picked a better person to portray the character of Jock Ewing. They got it right the first time by selecting Jim Davis.

[@rrickarr]

Wow! He is exactly the same as the character.

[@melissagahn]

I loved him more than any other character even JR. R.I.P. Mr. Davis.

[@rockyracoon3233]

Ditto!

[@tombstone1111]

You better believe it Melissa.

[@rockyracoon3233]

@@tombstone1111 Right on!

[@Ebd1990]

I loved Jock. I waited for his every word on Dallas. I love to see his scenes

[@scottmoore1614]

Jock was always my favorite character on Dallas. The show was NEVER the same after Jim Davis passed away. He was an amazing actor and a remarkable presence on the show. It took him his whole life for Davis to land his big role on Dallas. He was perfect as Jock Ewing, truly the part he was born to play. I know that the cast members thought the world of him and were heartbroken when he passed away. His spirit was always there even after he was gone.

[@scottmoore1614]

Jim Davis seemed like such a humble, down to earth man. Here was a guy who had been kicking around Hollywood for decades, yet he only found real fame very late in his career. I would have loved to have sat down and talked to him. He seemed so cool and very genuine.

[@dzanier]

agreed.

[@JohnBlack2345]

Oh Jim. Miss you sir. You were the backbone of this classic show. Continue To Rest Well.

[@justina249]

That man commanded respect. Even to this day after being gone so many years. My hats of to you Jim

[@grobbler1]

Hagman and Davis were the two best actors on Dallas.

[@Mattea68]

Jim Davis will always be Jock Ewing as Barbara Bel Geddes will always be Ms Ellie Ewing..neither can ever be replaced

[@somebose7395]

They were replaced by donna reed and wes paramalee

[@tombstone1111]

@@somebose7395 Donna Reed sucked ass but Wes Parmalee should've been kept as Jock Ewing to bring sanity back to the show. Steve was a great actor and one of the ONLY men worthy of replacing the great Jim Davis as Jock. In the end some dumb cunt named Michelle owned Ewing Oil and fired JR. Had Wes been Jock, none of this insane bullshit would've been possible. And Clayton Farlow would've been sent packing since the real head of South Fork returned in all of his glory. A true opportunity missed.

[@carolynargabright8132]

Davis seems more easygoing and more loquacious than 'Jock', who was the tough guy.

[@daveseth790]

@@tombstone1111 the strange part that Jim Davis and Steve Forrest played together once before in a episode of a night gallery called the waiting room.

[@phunistle442]

Sounds like Jock Ewing the entire time.

[@rong805]

As soon as the interview was over, he ripped off his costume and left. 😂😂

[@1224dlc]

I’ve always loved this man! He was larger than life! He will always be Jock to me...no matter what character he played. I will always think of him as the powerful man he portrayed. Such a handsome man!

[@carolynargabright8132]

I loved his voice, it was authentic to the character of 'Jock Ewing' in "Dallas".

[@z512345]

That was caused by the years of smoking, too bad.

[@silentrage8961]

​@@z512345 You're an Idiot. The man has had the same sounding voice since his start in Hollywood.

[@Via_The_Void]

Lovely to see this. I loved Jim Davis as Jock Ewing in Dallas.

[@MrEMT4466]

Via_The_Void LIKE A LION!!!!

[@zombiefulci3301]

That weather beaten face and character rich voice is gold. Jim Davis was one of the only people in show business that i loved.

[@SaxonC]

This is the case where an actor and his character are a perfect match! A true legend and my favorite patriarch and the greatest character in tv

[@michaelgibsontv]

I could have listened to him for days. She was just getting him to warm up and then stopped. Damn.

[@PaulLadd1]

Those junket interviews are usually kept short, because of tight schedules.

[@davidkidd2644]

I've always wondered how different Dallas would have been if he has lived.

[@rayoflight6505]

It certainly would've been different however the greatest Dallas storyline was arguably the one with Jocks will and the battle for Ewing Oil so his death did provide the show with great material imo

[@lucasvernieri]

So do I

@@rayoflight6505 agreed

[@tombstone1111]

it would've been much better. Jock WAS Dallas.

[@tombstone1111]

@@rayoflight6505 Maybe so but it was disgraceful to have a business wimp like Bobby win the contest when everybody with an IQ over 20 knows JR would've won this contest as easy as Mike Tyson beating Peewee Herman in a fight. They really screwed JR once Jock was gone. As far as I'm concerned, the show should've ended when Jock Ewing died. And for the record, his "replacement" Clayton Farlow was a total jackass and not fit to put Jock's boots on. Wes Parmalee, whether he was Jock or not (I say he was) would've been a hundred times better husband for Ellie and a much better and more interesting character that Howard Keel.

[@grantgabler7566]

Now that's a cowboy.

[@survivingsicklecell1732]

I love 💕😘 Jim Davis he's so smooth and handsome

[@Zzsmuf]

He seemed like a gentle soul.

[@danielfrench753]

I can't tell where Jim stops and Jock begins??

[@lastdays3148]

True indeed, I have always loved his character on Dallas.

[@SouthCircinus]

"...that´s all". ahahahah

[@pasqualedavino8911]

as three series and 1981 is dead jock is dead as scene dead of jock as

[@marcieswadener2454]

yes you can to

[@daveb.4460]

pasquale davino What language is that?

[@TheEwing69]

Filmed during the 1979-80 season, when Dallas ranked # 6 in the ratings. The show became a hit when CBS moved the show to Friday nights.

[@lloydkline3265]

Pretty interview

[@19_wolves]

What a talented man. I’m in the middle of watching Dallas. They put a beautiful painting of him at the end of the episode 😢saying he passed away. My heart is broken. I don’t want to think of watching Dallas with out Jock. 😭

[@michaelcabe8103]

I have always fantasized about an episode of Dallas where they find Jock's body and send him home for burial....I can see JR walking into Bobby's office saying, "Bobby.....They've found Daddy".

[@blakemcnamara9105]

Would've been so much better than the Wes Parmalee storyline.

[@C5Cse7en]

So many of the clowns in Hollywood need to watch and listen to this man, this is what a real man sounds like, not the BS we constantly see today

[@SOCORROSILVA-in7px]

Jim Davis portrayed Jock Ewing extremely well and after his death, Miss Ellie decides to send her sons, JR Ewing, Bobby Ewing and Ray Krebbs, down to the crash site and everybody came home without a dad.

[@derrickjackson6737]

It was a sad moment JR wanted his Daddy those Boys missed they Daddy

[@browningautomatic2393]

GREAT INTERVIEW ! WEDNESDAY 5/3/23 MAY 3, 2023

[@thrillionaire6567]

Jim Davis was an amazingly kind Man and a great Actor. He WAS Dallas! RIP Sir

[@AuntKimmySez]

Rest in peace, Mr Davis. You are truly missed. Much love to you!❤️🥺

[@kennyholeater2494]

This is the problem with today's society, we need American and I mean real American men running the country !

[@thomasshort1784]

@Joey B I've heard Jim Davis leaned more conservative politically (Hell, he might've even been a Republican for all I know) so, it would've been interesting if he would've supported President Trump had he lived!

[@chemprofmatt]

@@thomasshort1784 Clint Eastwood also is conservative, but he recognizes what a disgusting person Trump is. I imagine Ronald Reagan and John Wayne would have felt the same. The only people in Hollywood who do support Trump are B-listers at best.

[@theguitarjohnshow]

One Hell of A Man and a Damn fine actor Soo many westerns a real cowboy

[@kimkrim6204]

I love Jim Davis acting so glad he finally got his big break on Dallas but I loved Him in rescue 8!

[@2499303030]

The show wasn’t the same after he passed !! He was the Best

[@TheEndOfMadness]

God bless your soul Jim.

[@bilalahmed2123]

RIP Jim Davis

[@clintdavis47]

What a Voice !

[@redbaronreborn3372]

Rare find.wonderful interview.

[@brandue4523]

Jim Davis is what all men think a real man should be...

[@brianmcghee3597]

Amen!

[@latinguy67]

Nothing but respect for this amazing actor. I echo the sentiments of many who felt the show wasn't the same after his too early passing in real life.

[@johnr033]

God Bless Jim Davis!

[@user-se8ds5ev5k]

Mr Davis was in a whole damn bunch of old westerns that I watched when I was a kid in the 60s and 70s. I have always enjoyed the parts he played, but he hit the nail on the head in Dallas! I will never forget the time he told Bobby that power was not something he gave to Bobby, but power is something that you TAKE! Bobby said that he'd remember that, and then Jock said, YOU DO THAT, BOY!

[@henryoil]

He was such a regular guy for someone who had bounced around Hollywood for so long. Acting was a job for him, a true working actor. I've seen pictures from a photo interview he did from his home around the time he did this interview. It was just an ordinary home than anyone would have lived in at the time. Nothing grand or glamorous. He seemed like someone you could just shoot the shit with over a good beer.

[@tinahollis2510]

Dallas is still my favorite show watch it every day

[@rockyracoon3233]

Jock Rocked!😄

[@justinpratt5983]

Thank you for posting this!!

[@magpieone9390]

Damn,he was good looking

[@impalaman9707]

Jock was my favorite TV dad of all time! I liked ol' Jock! Like the song says, they must have told him to "act naturally", and he did!

[@USAPethead]

So grateful that this is online, thank you NSHS for posting it. Dallas went off the air when I was 4 but I am a lifelong fan thanks to reruns, tapes dvds etc. The rest of you Dallas fans if you are looking at this, there is also an interview like this with Ken Kercheval also posted by Nebraska Historical Society. What an amazing privilege to get to speak to either one of them let alone both! Wonderful.

[@gardenroom65]

Loved this show!!! Xxx watched it at univer 40 yrs ago. An inspiration for a bigger life in the sun.

[@justinp5661]

Thank you for this

[@wgtdsoares]

That's wonderful...

[@jasonsturges3540]

I Miss Jim Davis. He's missed.

[@ericnielsen7767]

Definition of a classic actor

[@narendrapatel9144]

RIP SIR WE WILL ALWAYS LOVE AND MISS YOU

[@terencehennegan1439]

He epitomised a boss oilman.

[@RADIUMGLASS]

There are not too many men like him anymore.

[@AuntKimmySez]

I doubt if there are any out there like him now. Bless his heart.😔❤️

[@scottmoore1614]

Tough as a briar knot, just like my late grandfather was.

[@justinp5661]

This is a treasure

[@devinpowell4784]

I’m watching Dallas and Falcon Crest on freevee. Jim Davis was gone by the time I started watching with my mom back in the day. I think I started watching it in season 8. I have really been enjoying the early episodes of Dallas. Jim was a huge loss for the show, I love the character of Joc so much, a real man’s man. The latest episode I have watched Miss Ellie had her mastectomy. This is what she won her Emmy for. I watched Dallas, Falcon Crest, Dynasty and Knots Landing with my mom. Knots was my fave tho.

[@carmensmith1453]

Rip Mr Davis

[@suzannepitchford4558]

JR loved his Daddy ❤️

[@tombstone1111]

You know, I have been a bitter little bitch for over 30 years because they made Wes Parmalee NOT be Jock Ewing. But after seeing this interview, I now fully admit, there can be just one Jock Ewing and that was Jim Davis, not Steve Forrest. Rest in Peace to both great men, Jim and Steve. Love you both! ♥

[@darylhodge6691]

They were the worst episodes smh

[@danylll9139]

great series

[@johanbrand8601]

My hero! The real man! The GOAT!

[@SOCORROSILVA-in7px]

Jock Ewing really taught JR Ewing something whenever it came to the business.

[@evaheiser4083]

Jim Davis war ein super Schauspieler ich habe ihn sehr gern gesehen ❤❤

[@dsurrey-6559]

Lovely guy.

[@jrhendershot1936]

He was one of the best actors

[@KF6LIL]

I heard he hired some contractor's to rebuild his home at the southfork ranch year's truly a texas landmark of a legacy of milestone's

[@fredericlucasromero6006]

J aimais beaucoup Jim davis, impressionnante carrure un grand acteur, et je l aimais beaucoup dans le rôle de jock ewing qui lui allait comme un gant. Rip monsieur jim davis. 💋❤️🌹🙄👍🙏😔😪

[@joycefolsom130]

He was a good looking man

[@danielcorreard3746]

a little fun dallas fact lorimar who produced dallas originally wanted the duke john wayne to play the part of Jock but he was battling cancer at the time so he recommended his good friend JIm Davis for the part Davis at the time was homeless and living in his car which is the same car Jock drove on dallas..

[@patrickpellerin5144]

He was so poor for real ?

[@danielcorreard3746]

@@patrickpellerin5144 well i went to southfork ranch a couple of years ago and the guide was a dallas historian and that's what she said. i tend to believe her because of what she knew about the show.

[@wheelinthesky300]

Jock Ewing, real man. Jim Davis, real man.

[@z512345]

No one else could have played the part of Jock Ewing. His problem was that he was an avid smoker for years.

[@blueberrycobbler]

His illness and ultimate death was not caused by smoking. He had multiple myeloma and the cause for it is unknown.

[@z512345]

@@blueberrycobbler Yes, but the many years and thousands of cigarettes didn't help.

[@AldermanFredCDavis]

Interesting to me, that 'back in the day' most of the people you saw on TV (even commercials) were either children or they were 'old' (like 40, 50, 60) year's of age. Nowadays, it seems like most of the people on TV are in their 20's and 30's.

[@bigwrestlingfan3365]

Wonder what Dallas would of been like if he didn't pass. I'd imagine he only had a year left after this interview.

[@Theod71]

❤❤❤❤❤❤

[@waterwells7576]

He didn’t even have to act to play Jock

[@sneakerfreak2002]

Classy guy

[@axltyler]

He mentions Jock's Trial two parter, the original cliffhanger before the Who Shot JR cliffhanger. Wow, this was before Dallas went nuclear.

[@Vivi-cu7ez]

Cool guy

[@Chris6719]

Nobody else but Jim Davis could have played Jock Ewing. Jock was always my favorite character followed by Bobby

[@MrEMT4466]

HE'S LIKE A LION!!!!! THEY OUGHT TO COMPARE HIM TO GOLIATH THE LION IN THE CARTOON SERIES YOUNG SAMSON AND GOLIATH!!!!!

[@williamharrell3622]

Davis RIP

[@nascarfan88ta]

Kinda sad to think Dallas was his first real major role and he passed just as the show was really getting fine tuned

[@blueberrycobbler]

His first major role, as mentioned in this interview, was opposite Bette Davis. However, it didn’t do well. Even Davis had spoken about him at the time stating she thought he would continue on in leading man roles.

[@zombiefulci3301]

He should have been Ben Cartwright instead of Lorne Greene who just didn't look like an Anglo settler of the west, more like Yehuda Goldenbergerwitz

[@brownyes6211]

Jim Davis was a great actor. But on Dallas, it didn't seem like he was acting. What a great icon.

[@vashna3799]

He was god like in the role of the mighty Jock Ewing.

[@demariomays4597]

gone too soon rip jim aka jock

[@sherryhannah9262]

I hope y’all will reply to this even though I didn’t watch Dallas I thought Jock Ewing was a good looking man though he was an older guy

[@Madeintheshade65]

Do anyone remember when he used to advertise Winn Dixie Steaks

[@pumpkincafe3486]

This guy definitely had Native American roots ... I wonder if he knew it.

[@planetX15]

What year was this interview?

[@SeanRankin2]

1980

[@charliewhoknows1617]

R.ip Jim.

[@ballygeale1]

He landed Victoria principal in real life as they say

[@ivancvik]

He's pure him in or out film

[@johndoyle2429]

He had no problem with the Spin-off to Dallas, that's knots landing.