Cathy Podewell

Cathy Podewell, born on January 26, 1964, in Evanston, Illinois, is a distinguished American actress known for her impactful performances in both film and television. She gained widespread recognition for her portrayal of Cally Harper Ewing on the iconic series Dallas, where she played the second wife of the infamous J.R. Ewing, portrayed by Larry Hagman, from 1988 to 1991.

Podewell's acting career began with her role in the cult classic horror film Night of the Demons in 1988. Her television credits include notable guest appearances on popular shows such as Murder, She Wrote, Beverly Hills, 90210, Walker, Texas Ranger, and Growing Pains. It was during her time on Growing Pains that she caught the attention of Hagman, who recommended her for the role on Dallas.

Before embarking on her acting career, Podewell was active in her high school’s marching band and cheerleading teams. She later pursued her passion for the performing arts at the University of California, Santa Barbara, where she majored in drama and dance and was involved in various theatrical productions, including No, No, Nanette and Jules Feiffer's Hold Me. Beyond her professional endeavors, Podewell dedicates part of her summers to volunteering as a counselor at the Muscular Dystrophy Association camp in Northern California, demonstrating her commitment to community service.