Patrick Duffy’s world fell apart when his wife of almost 40 years d.i.e.d unexpectedly in 2017. For years, the actor believed he would never recover from the pain. However, in his seventies, he discovered love again when he least expected it.
For decades, Patrick Duffy and his wife enjoyed a love story that became the focal point of his life. They were married for 43 years, and they created a family and a strong spiritual bond that formed him. When she d.i.e.d, he felt deep sadness and spent years adjusting to life as a widower.
However, an unexpected reconnection taught Duffy that love can be rekindled even in the most unlikely situations. Take a look at his enduring love story with his first wife and how he discovered happiness again years after her passing.
A Love That Stood the Test of Time
Duffy’s life changed completely when he met his wife Carlyn Rosser in his senior year of college. Rosser, a ballet dancer with the First Chamber Dance Company of New York, was ten years older than Duffy. Despite their age gap, their 43-year marriage remained strong.
The pair married in 1974 at a Buddhist temple, where Rosser introduced Duffy to the faith that would become the foundation of their relationship. That same year, they had their first son, Padraic.
Early in their marriage, the couple relocated to New York, where Duffy studied acting. His acting career began to flourish in the late 1970s. Following a period as a house painter, he earned the role of Mark Harris in the television series “Man from Atlantis.” In 1978, he landed his most renowned role as Bobby Ewing on “Dallas.”
Around the same time, Duffy and Rosser welcomed their second son, Conor. Then, their relationship was tested in 1986, when the actor’s parents were brutally slain during a robbery at their bar in Boulder, Montana.
The terrifying occurrence shook Duffy to the core, but he relied on Rosser and his Buddhist beliefs to get through it.
Rosser was also Duffy’s anchor at this time. However, in 2017, he experienced an unimaginable tragedy when Rosser d.i.e.d at the age of 77. Her d.e.a.t.h sh0cked the family, and Duffy admits he struggled to adjust.
The actor relied largely on his boys for comfort, even though he often felt it was his responsibility to assist them handle their loss.
By 2019, Duffy had accepted his new life as a widower, albeit he still considered himself married.
Duffy was deeply affected by Rosser’s death, but her memory continued to guide him. Her influence on his life, both emotionally and spiritually, remained a source of strength as he progressed through each day — until the unexpected occurred.
A Love Rediscovered in an Unexpected Chapter
Duffy never expected to fall in love again following the heartbreaking loss of his wife. However, as life frequently demonstrates, the most wonderful moments can occur when least expected. At 71, he received a second chance at happiness with actress Linda Purl, a romance that began during the pandemic’s quiet period.
Years ago, Duffy and Purl were casual acquaintances, but they lost touch over time. Their reconnection happened by chance over a group text chain with a common friend. As the weeks went on, the talks faded until only Duffy and Purl remained.
After their connection became evident, he resolved to meet Purl in person. They were inseparable after that.
Purl described their trip as “a very Victorian process” since they spent their time establishing a friendship before their relationship became romantic. Duffy, in turn, expressed amazement at finding love again.
Their connection seemed so natural that they applied it to their work life. In 2021, the duo portrayed a married couple in a television film. Duffy’s experience was unlike anything he’d ever encountered in his profession.
Duffy believes his late wife would have encouraged his newfound happiness.
Patrick Duffy’s tale demonstrates how love can endure and be renewed. Despite spending decades with Rosser, her memory stays a part of him, even when he finds happiness with Linda Purl.
