According to The Hollywood Reporter, the illustrious actress Pat Colbert, who portrayed the beloved restaurant host Dora Mae in the legendary primetime soap opera "Dallas," has passed away at the age of 77. Her sister, Tami Colbert, revealed that Pat's demise occurred on June 23, after enduring the challenges of three strokes over the past decade.
Before her triumphant stint on "Dallas," Pat had already established herself as a formidable talent, co-starring in the NBC series "Flamingo Road" and making appearances in episodes of "Benson" and "The Fall Guy." However, it was her role as Dora Mae, the warm and welcoming host of the Oil Baron's Club, a bustling local restaurant that was a favorite hangout for the Ewing family, that truly made her a household name. She gracefully graced the screens of over 65 episodes, from Season 6 until the very last episode of the show's epic 14-season run.
Shaun Chang, a renowned blogger, commented on Pat's significant contribution, stating, "As the sole recurring African American character in the series, Dora Mae may not have had a distinct storyline, as 'Dallas' focused primarily on the Ewing family saga. However, Pat portrayed her with unparalleled elegance and intelligence, always commanding respect from the lead characters and the show itself." Chang further emphasized, "The numerous recurring supporting characters in 'Dallas' contributed to creating a vibrant sense of community within the major city setting, and Dora Mae was indeed a pivotal thread in the fabric of the series."
In addition to her illustrious career on "Dallas," Pat also starred alongside Bill Cosby in the 1987 comedy "Leonard Part 6" and later made appearances in two episodes of NBC's "Sisters." Her legacy in the entertainment industry will forever be remembered and cherished.
