List of Dynasty characters

The following is a complete list of characters and performers from the 1980s television series Dynasty.

Contents

Main characters

Blake Carrington (John Forsythe (original cast), 1981–1989; 1991)
The son of Tom and Ellen Carrington (referred as Fallon in one early episode) who became the self-made CEO of Denver-Carrington. The husband of Alexis Morrell and Krystle Jennings. Initially a ruthless man in both business and family matters, the character soon softened into a more benevolent patriarchal figure due to the influence of actor John Forsythe.
Krystle Grant Jennings Carrington (Linda Evans (original cast), 1981–1989; 1991)
The wife of Blake Carrington, former wife of tennis pro Samuel Mark Jennings (known as Mark) and the one-time liver of Matthew Blaisdel (Bo Hopkins), a married geologist who worked for Denver-Carrington. Krystle was the mother, with Blake, of Krystina, and the aunt of Sammy Jo Dean, the only child of her late sister Iris and her husband Frank. Evans left the show midway in the final season (in the story Krystle began to unravel mentally, had to have delicate surgery, and lapsed into a coma),but she returned for Dynasty: The Reunion.
Alexis Morrell Carrington Colby Dexter Rowan (Joan Collins, 1981–1989; 1991)
Former socialite turned businesswoman, married to - in order - Blake Carrington, Cecil Colby, Dex Dexter and Sean Rowan. She famously held a torch for Blake, though she later fell deeply in love with Dex Dexter. Her marriage to Colby was ordered on his deathbed, and intended to enable her to ruin Blake after Colby was gone, while her wedding to Rowan was on a whim. Mother, with Blake, to Adam, Fallon, Steven, and Amanda. Alexis was romantically attached to a number of men, including Carrington architect and estate manager Roger Grimes (J. Eddie Peck), tennis pro Mark Jennings, oilman Rashid Ahmed (John Saxon), King Galen of Moldavia (Joel Fabiani), and shipping tycoon Zach Powers (Ricardo Montalban).
Fallon Carrington Colby (Pamela Sue Martin (original cast), 1981–1984; then Emma Samms, 1985, 1986, 1987–1989, 1991)
The eldest daughter of Blake and Alexis, the wife of Jeff Colby and the mother, with Jeff, of Blake Carrington Colby and Lauren Constance Colby. As a young woman, she was famously indiscreet and enjoyed affairs with chauffeur Michael Culhane (played by Wayne Northrop) (original cast), playboy Peter De Vilbis, tennis pro Mark Jennings, doctor Nick Toscanni, and Colby heir, Miles Colby, whom she married briefly. When Pamela Sue Martin left the series in fourth season, the story had Fallon fleeing in her car on the eve of her remarriage to Jeff. Her wrecked car was later found by the road however there was no sign of Fallon. She was absent for much of the season that followed, a period in which Amanda Carrington surfaced. At the end of the season Fallon was reintroduced: suffering from amnesia and now played by Emma Samms, with no on-air explanation given for Fallon's change of appearance. Soon afterwards she and Jeff left Denver and their characters were switched to the spin-off series The Colbys. That series was cancelled after two seasons and Fallon and Jeff were returned to Dynasty in 1987. In the story, Jeff found Fallon unconscious in the desert (after being dropped off by a UFO), and they returned to Denver where Fallon fought with Sammy Jo over Jeff before dropping Jeff for good and becoming involved with cop John Zorelli (Ray Abruzzo) who helped her unlock memories of Roger Grimes' murder. Samms was unpopular with many viewers, due in some part to the writing, which presented Fallon at this time as a teary-eyed, put-upon victim. In the show's final season, Fallon was written more like the feisty original character, and Samms rose to the challenge.
Steven Daniel Carrington (Al Corley (original cast), 1981–1982, 1991; then Jack Coleman, 1983–1988)
The sexually confused, third born and younger son of Blake and Alexis who, despite his conviction that he was homosexual, married-at times, happily-Sammy Jo Dean and Claudia Blaisdel. With Sammy Jo, he fathered Danny Carrington. At different times, the lover of Ted Dinard (who Blake accidentally killed), Luke Fuller (who died in the Moldavian massacre) and Bart Fallmont. He was accused of having an affair with his friend, lawyer Chris Deegan (Grant Goodeve), but their relationship was never clarified. The role was recast during the series run and the change of appearance was explained by plastic surgery after an oil rig explosion. Steven eventually ended up with Bart Fallmont in the reunion movie.
Adam Alexander Carrington (Gordon Thomson, 1982–1989; later Robin Sachs, 1991 only)
First born, kidnapped at birth and raised as Michael Torrance in Billings, Montana, Adam Carrington did not learn of his true identity until adulthood, at which point he returned to the Carrington home. Married to Claudia Blaisdel and Dana Waring, he was a ruthless schemer - constantly plotting to enhance his position in the dynasty. His only lasting relationship was with Kirby Anders. The character of Adam was not seen nor mentioned in the first season of Dynasty and was introduced in the third season as a replacement for Blake and Alexis to squabble over after the character of Steven was written out of the series. Steven was later returned to the storyline, though the character of Adam had proved to be a success and was retained in the series until is close. Adam was also featured in the 1991 Dynasty reunion movie, however the role was recast as Thomson could not get out of his contract with Santa Barbara. Adam reunited with Kirby.

of Blake and Alexis

Amanda (Bedford) Carrington (Catherine Oxenberg, 1984–1986; then Karen Cellini, 1986–1987)
Amanda was not seen or heard-of in the series until the fifth season; the character was devised as replacement for the departing Fallon. Amanda was the second daughter (last born of four) of Blake and Alexis, raised in London as Amanda Bedford by Alexis's cousin Rosalind Bedford (Juliet Mills). She was hidden from her father Blake out of spite by Alexis, who discovered she was pregnant after she separated from her husband. Married to Prince Michael of Moldavia, and one-time lover of Dex Dexter (on whom she had a crush), Clay Fallmont, and chauffeur Michael Culhane (once again played by Wayne Northrop). The role was recast after Oxenberg left the series when her demands for a pay raise were not met and no on air explanation was given for Amanda's change in appearance. The replacement actor, Karen Cellini, proved to be unpopular and partway through Cellini's first season in the role, the character was abruptly written out of the series; Amanda was never heard from again.
Jeffrey "Jeff" Broderick Colby (John James (original cast), 1981–1985, 1986, 1987–1989; 1991)
The nephew and protege of Cecil Colby. Born to Philip and Francesca Colby, he was raised by Cecil on the Colby estate in Denver, Nine Oaks (which neighbored the Carrington estate) because his father died before coming into his inheritance. Married to Fallon Carrington and briefly to Kirby Anders, he was the father of L.B. Colby and Lauren Colby. At different times, he was involved with Nicole Simpson ([[Susan Scannell), Lady Ashley Mitchell (Ali MacGraw).
Claudia Barrows Blaisdel Carrington (Pamela Bellwood (original cast), 1981–1986)
The emotionally fragile wife of Matthew Blaisdel, mother of Lindsay, and at one time a close friend of Krystle. Dynasty creator Esther Shapiro felt Blaisdlel was the "everywoman" of the show. When introduced, Claudia had recently been released from a psychiatric hospital. She befriended Steven and they soon had an affair. Forced to confess on the stand at Blake's murder trial, Matthew left her. She married Steven, but when she found out heer daughter Lindsay had died, she became unhinged and was sent off to a hospital again. She returned and resumed her relationship with Steven. Eventually the marriage ended over Steven's sexual confusion and Claudia became involved with and married Adam. After that marriage fizzled, Claudia became unhinged again and died in a fire she started accidentally at La Mirage.
Samantha Josephine "Sammy Jo" Dean Reece Carrington Fallmont, (Heather Locklear, 1981–1989, 1991)
Greedy, trouble-making yet beautiful niece of Krystle Carrington, wife of Steven Carrington and Clay Fallmont, and mother of Danny Carrington. It was later revealed that she was the daughter of Daniel Reece, played by Rock Hudson. Sammy Jo was the show's secondary villainess for much of the show's run, though she was an amateur compared to the far more polished Alexis. Locklear split her time between Dynasty and another Spelling-produced series, T.J. Hooker.
Dominique Deveraux (Diahann Carroll, 1984–1987)
Successful and wealthy chanteuse (birth name Millie Cox), illegitimate daughter of Tom Carrington and Laura Matthew, making her a half-sister to Blake and Ben Carrington. Carroll joined the cast at the end of the fourth season as a foil for Joan Collins' Alexis, though when the character was originally written, the producers had not decided how to use her. A number of scenes were filmed to introduce her (to circumvent any chance the storyline would leak the press) including alternative lines that revealed Dominique as the mother of Kirby Anders and also the former wife of Cecil Colby. Dominique was initially conceived as a strong, tough schemer and fighter who loved going toe-to-toe with Alexis, but after reconciling with the Carrington family, she mellowed considerably. Dominique eventually left town in 1987, was not mentioned again until Season 9, when many references to her left the door open for her return in a never produced Season 10. Dominique also appeared in many episodes of The Colbys.
Farnsworth "Dex" Dexter (Michael Nader, 1983–1989)
Alexis' third husband, and arguably the second great love of her life, after Blake. Dex carries on a brief affair with Alexis' daughter Amanda, which strains the relationship between mother and daughter and ultimately ends his marriage. Dex was something of an adventurer and, throughout his time on the series, went on a number of daring missions. He spent time as a Green Beret, including service in the Vietnam War (which he mentions on several occasions).
Dana Waring Carrington (Leann Hunley 1986–1988)
Blake's beautiful and loyal assistant at Denver–Carrington. She and Adam fall and love and marry, but dark secrets, Adam's struggle with alcohol and their struggle to have a child strains their marriage irrevocably.
Benjamin "Ben" Carrington (Christopher Cazenove, 1986–1987)
The vengeful brother of Blake, who was cut off by Blake after the death of their mother. Alexis brings him to Denver to stir up trouble and help her destroy Blake.
Sabella "Sable" Scott Colby (Stephanie Beacham, 1985; 1988–1989)
The ex-wife of Colby Enterprises magnate Jason Colby and the cousin of Alexis. Sable left Los Angeles and came to Denver, where she supported Blake after Krystle's departure to a Swiss clinic and became a formidable opponent of Alexis by getting her hands on the Carlton Hotel, Alexis' oil tankers and her former husband Dex Dexter (and even becoming pregnant with his child). Former top bitch of Dynasty spino-ff, The Colbys, Sable was written into the final season of the series due to the great popularity of the character. It was also later revealed that her twins, Monica and Miles, were the product of a rape suffered soon after she had married Jason Colby. She passed the child off as Jason's; Alexis found out and decades later, betrayed her cousin's trust and revealed the truth. This resulted in a cat fight rivaled only by the famous lily pond encounter between Alexis and Krystle.
Monica Scott Colby (Tracy Scoggins, 1985; 1988–1989)
First cousin of Jeff Colby, she was believed to be Jeff's half–sister until her mother, Sable, revealed that Monica and her twin brother Miles were not Jason Colby's children. Monica follows her mother to Denver, helping her in her efforts to fight Alexis, serving as Sable's legal counsel. Monica had previously been a character on The Colbys.
Leslie Saunders Carrington (Terri Garber, 1987–1988)
Daughter of Ben Carrington and Melissa Saunders. During her short stay in Denver, she managed to become the lover of Dex Dexter, Michael Culhane, Jeff Colby, Sean Rowan and Clay Fallmont.

Pivotal characters

Matthew Blaisdel (Bo Hopkins (original cast), 1981; 1987)
Denver–Carrington geologist and former love of Krystle Carrington. Married to the emotionally fragile Claudia, with whom he shares a teenaged daughter, Lindsay.
Cecil Baldwin Colby (Lloyd Bochner (original cast), 1981–1982)
The uncle of Jeff Colby, Cecil is a longtime friend and business rival of Blake Carrington.
Michael Culhane (Wayne Northrop (original cast), 1981; 1986–1987)
Blake Carrington's shady chauffeur, secretly having an affair with Fallon.
Joseph Arlington Anders (Lee Bergere (original cast), 1981–1983)
The Carringtons' longtime majordomo. Staunchly loyal to Blake Carrington, Joseph takes an immediate dislike to his new bride Krystle.
Lindsay Blaisdel (Katy Kurtzman (original cast), 1981)
The sensitive teenaged daughter of Matthew and Claudia.
Walter Lankershim (Dale Robertson (original cast), 1981)
Veteran wildcatter, friend to Matthew Blaisdel and in conflict with Blake Carrington.
Dr. Nick Toscanni (James Farentino, 1981–1982)
Psychiatrist and surgeon, out for revenge against Blake Carrington.
Kirby Anders Colby (Kathleen Beller, 1982–1984, 1991)
The daughter of Joseph Anders, the Carrington major–domo. Schooled in Europe at Blake Carrington's expense, she returns to Denver in 1982. She marries Jeff but is pregnant with Adam's baby; Alexis' meddling later prevents her from marrying Adam. She and Adam have a daughter that was stillborn in 1984 and she leaves Denver shortly thereafter. She would again accept Adam's proposal of marriage at the end of Dynasty: The Reunion.
Samuel "Mark" Jennings (Geoffrey Scott, 1982–1984)
Handsome tennis pro and former husband of Krystle Carrington is brought to Denver due to the machinations of Alexis, who wishes to break up Blake and Krystle's marriage. He romances both Alexis and Fallon.
Tracy Kendall (Deborah Adair, 1983–1984)
Public relations employee of Denver–Carrington. Scheming and ambitious, Tracy seeks to advance her career either by subterfuge or by sleeping her way to the top. She acts as a spy for Alexis, but is dismissed after she is exposed.
Peter De Vilbis (Helmut Berger, 1983–1984)
Devilish playboy who seduces Fallon while trying to exploit the Carringtons for his own financial advantage.
Brady Lloyd (Billy Dee Williams, 1984–1985)
Music producer. Husband of Dominique Deveraux who follows her to Denver.
Daniel Reece (Rock Hudson, 1984–1985)
Wealthy businessman and the real father of Sammy Jo. He has a past with Krystle.
Lady Ashley Mitchell (Ali McGraw, 1985)
American–born widow of British diplomat Lord Maynard Mitchell and renowned photographer for World Finance Magazine. Ashley has romantic feelings for Blake Carrington and assists him in battling Alexis for the control of valuable South China oil leases.
Prince Michael of Moldavia (Michael Praed, 1985–1986)
The heir to the (fictional) European kingdom of Moldavia, Michael becomes romantically involved with Amanda Carrington, whose mother Alexis schemes for them to wed.
Joel Abrigore (George Hamilton, 1985–1986)
Film director who plots with Sammy Jo to arrange the kidnapping of Krystle.
Garrett Boydston (Ken Howard, 1985–1986)
Lawyer for the Colby family (and a regular on The Colbys). He has a romantic past with Dominique.
Miles Colby (Maxwell Caulfield, 1985–1986, 1991)
The spoilt, hot–headed son of Jason and Sable Colby and twin brother of Monica Colby. Miles is a major character on the spin–off series The Colbys.
Cassandra "Caress" Morell (Kate O'Mara, 1986)
The manipulative sister of Alexis. Rescued from a South American prison by Dex Dexter, she is reunited with her sister in Denver.
Clay Fallmont (Ted McGinley, 1986–1987)
The son of Senator Buck and Emily Fallmont, Clay engages in affairs with Amanda, Sammy Jo and Leslie Carrington.
Sarah Curtis (Cassie Yates, 1987)
Friend of Dex Dexter, whose husband and daughter die in a car crash. Sarah is persuaded to allow her daughter's heart to be transplanted into Blake and Krystle's critically ill young daughter Krystina. She becomes obsessed with Krystina and kidnaps her.
Sean (Anders) Rowan (James Healey, 1987–1988)
Handsome stranger who saves Alexis from drowning after a car accident, and becomes her fourth husband.
Jeremy Van Dorn (Jeroen Krabbé, 1991)
Media spin doctor and secret head of the Consortium, the organization which has taken over Denver–Carrington in Dynasty: The Reunion.

Recurring characters

Jeanette Robbins (Virginia Hawkins, 1981–1989; 1991)
The Carrington housekeeper.
Gerard (William Beckley, 1981–1989; 1991)
The Carrington butler. He takes over as majordomo after Joseph Anders' suicide. During the eighth season of the series, he and Jeanette admit that they have romantic feelings for one another.
Hilda Gunnerson (Betty Harford, 1981–1989; 1991)
The Carrington cook.
Andrew Laird (Peter Mark Richman, 1981–1984)
Blake's attorney.
D.A. Jake Dunham (Brian Dennehy, 1981)
Prosecutor who tries Blake's case regarding the death of Ted Dinard.
Ted Dinard (Mark Withers, 1981)
Steven's boyfriend, accidentally killed by Blake.
Ray Bonning (Lance LeGault, 1981–1982)
Rashid Ahmed (John Saxon, 1982–1984)
Alexis' former flame.
Congressman Neal McVane (Paul Burke, 1982–1984; 1987; 1988)
Alexis' former flame, whose scheming puts him at odds with both her and the Carringtons.
Morgan Hess (Hank Brandt, 1982–1988)
Private investigator who pops up from time to time, usually working for Alexis despite the fact that she absolutely loathes the loud Sportcoat he usually wears.
Gerald Wilson (John Larch, 1982–1988)
ColbyCo employee.
Tony Driscoll (Paul Keenan, 1982–1984)
The Carrington groundsman.
Dr. Jonas Edwards (Robert Symonds, 1982–1987)
Father figure to Adam when he was growing up as Michael Torrance.
Chris Deegan (Grant Goodeve, 1983–1987)
Gay lawyer friend of Steven's.
Gordon Wales (James Sutorius, 1984–1988)
Tabloid reporter Gordon circles the Carringtons and Colbys for years.
Luke Fuller (Billy Campbell, 1984–1985)
During his marriage to Claudia, Steven finds himself attracted to coworker Luke.
Dean Caldwell (Richard Hatch, 1984–1985)
Her marriage to Steven troubled, Claudia finds solace with Dean.
Nicole Simpson (Susan Scannell, 1984–1985)
Ex–wife of Peter De Vilbis. Marries Jeff Colby, but her lies strain their relationship.
King Galen of Moldavia (Joel Fabiani, 1985–1986)
Prince Michael's father and old friend of Alexis Colby.
Nick Kimball (Richard Lawson, 1985–1986)
Geologist. Romances Dominique and convinces her to leave town with him.
Bart Fallmont (Kevin Conroy, 1985–1986)
Clashes with Steven on environmental issues with Denver–Carrington, but the two cannot ignore their attraction.
Elena, Duchess of Branagh (Kerry Armstrong, 1985–1986)
Former flame of Prince Michael.
Jonathan Lake (Calvin Lockhart, 1985–1986)
Jackie Deveraux (Troy Beyer, 1986–1987)
Daughter of Dominique.
Emily Fallmont (Pat Crowley, 1986)
Bart and Clay's mother, it is revealed she had an affair with Ben Carrington years ago, raising the question of Clay's parentage.
Buck Fallmont (Richard Anderson, 1986–1987)
Senator Buck Fallmont disapproves of his son Bart's homosexuality, and later disowns his son Clay after he finds out about his wife's indiscretion.
Karen Atkinson (Stephanie Dunham, 1987–1988)
Surrogate mother contracted by Adam and Dana in their pursuit of a child.
Jesse Atkinson (Christopher Allport, 1987–1988)
Karen's estranged husband, and father of her other children.
Josh Harris (Tom Schanley, 1987–1988)
Troubled player on a Carrington–owned football team; briefly involved with Sammy Jo.
Sgt. John Zorelli (Ray Abruzzo, 1988–1989)
John is a cop who becomes involved with Fallon. He is investigating the long–ago murder of Roger Grimes.
Joanna Sills (Kim Terry, 1988–1989)
Employee of Sable Colby.
James Rayford (Robert Harland, 1988)
Rudy Richards (Lou Beatty Jr., 1988–1989)
Police partner of Zorelli.
Virginia Metheny (Liza Morrow, 1988–1989)
Krystle's cousin from Ohio, who shares a dark past with Dex.
Father Tanner McBride (Kevin Bernhardt, 1989)
Priest who becomes involved with Sammy Jo.
Captain William Handler (John Brandon, 1988–1989)
The crooked cop who shoots Blake in the series finale after his schemes are exposed.

See also