Ted Shackelford, 80, has attracted renewed attention after being photographed during a rare outing in Los Angeles, offering longtime fans a glimpse of the actor best known for playing Gary Ewing on Dallas and its hugely successful spinoff, Knots Landing. Shackelford portrayed Gary for 14 years, appearing throughout the show’s 14-season, 344-episode run from 1979 to 1993. In the new photographs, he is seen wearing a blue collared shirt beneath a blue knit cardigan, black trousers, sunglasses, and sneakers while using a walker. The appearance has prompted nostalgic reactions from viewers who remember his long television career and the complicated character that made him a household name. Shackelford first entered television through Another World in the 1970s before joining Dallas as the troubled Ewing family member. Gary later became central to Knots Landing, where his storylines included family struggles, romance, alcoholism, crime, and other dramatic twists.

Although Gary Ewing became one of his defining roles, Shackelford once admitted that he never particularly liked the character, describing him as weak and lacking courage. Still, he remained grateful for the opportunity, saying the role allowed him to explore a wide range of material and provided him with a good living for 14 years. His longtime relationships with co-stars also remain part of the show’s legacy. Joan Van Ark, who played Valene Ewing, developed such strong chemistry with Shackelford that he described their communication as being like a married couple. Donna Mills, meanwhile, recently praised their onscreen chemistry and even named Shackelford as her best kisser among her Knots Landing leading men. After the series ended, Shackelford continued acting, including roles on The Young and the Restless and a return as Gary in the Dallas revival. His latest appearance is another reminder of the enduring affection fans still have for the actor and the beloved television character he played for so many years.