Charlene made waves as Lucy Ewing on Dallas. It’s hard to believe she was only 17 years old. The actress looked back at her time on the primetime soap that changed the way we watched television. (Remember the iconic line, “Who shot JR?”)
Big Break
Tilton joined a legendary cast that included Barbara Bel Geddes, Jim Davis, and Larry Hagman. However, she was just getting her start in acting. In an interview with Woman’s World, she commended the cast for their “stellar work ethic.” Tilton took everything in as she “watched them” on set. She also shared the advice she received from her costars.
“I learned things such as you always arrive 15 minutes early,” Tilton explained. “You come to work prepared. You know your lines, it’s an all-for-one environment, no one is a diva, no one is demanding, and you always be professional. That’s how I got educated. I had no idea what I was doing when I was cast in Dallas because I was 17 years old.”
There were plenty of divas on the soap. However, they weren’t allowed backstage. A strong work ethic and professional attitude were a must. Tilton still gets those first day jitters to this day. She felt similar pressure in her roles on Enough is Enough, Freaky Friday, and Happy Days.
Sweet Memories
Tilton also opened up about her friendship with Hagman. She recalled moments from their past. “Larry was always warm, loving, and fun with everyone. Larry loved laughing, blowing bubbles, and he took a lot of home movies when he was on set.” Most of those moments too place “behind the scenes” or at Hagman’s home.
Tilton is still in touch with her Dallas costars. They take part in conventions and reunions. “We did German Comic Con about two years ago and — get this — 50,000 people showed up,” she added. Now, that Dallas is available to stream, it’s gained a new generation of fans. (Here’s how to start streaming old episodes of Dallas.)
