The Ultimate 'Dynasty' (1981) Cast: Where Are The Carringtons And Colbys Now In 2025?

Forty-four years after its glittering debut, the original Dynasty (1981) remains the gold standard for primetime soap opera, a glorious spectacle of catfights, couture, and cliffhangers that defined the 1980s. The saga of the Denver-based Carrington family, an oil empire built on secrets and lavish excess, captivated millions, turning its stars into global icons. As of late 2024 and early 2025, the lives of these legendary actors are as dramatic and surprising as their on-screen counterparts, with one star taking on a new biopic role and another embracing a life as a spiritual counsellor. This deep dive reveals where the legendary cast of the original *Dynasty* is now, their recent projects, and the fascinating, and sometimes tragic, paths they have taken since leaving the Carrington mansion.

The show, created by Richard and Esther Shapiro, and produced by Aaron Spelling, was designed to compete with Dallas, but it quickly carved out its own, more glamorous, niche. From the iconic "Moldavian Massacre" to the fierce, unforgettable rivalry between Krystle and Alexis, the series left an indelible mark on television history. Here is the definitive, up-to-date look at the stars who brought the Carrington and Colby dynasties to life.

The Original 'Dynasty' (1981) Main Cast: A Full Biography Profile

The core cast of *Dynasty* (1981–1989) featured a mix of established stars and rising talent. Their careers and personal lives have been a subject of fascination for decades, proving that the drama didn't end when the cameras stopped rolling.

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• John Forsythe (Blake Carrington): Born January 29, 1918, in New Jersey. Passed away on April 1, 2010, at the age of 92. Known for his roles in *Bachelor Father* and as the voice of Charlie in *Charlie's Angels*. He was the only cast member to appear in every episode of *Dynasty*.
• Linda Evans (Krystle Carrington): Born November 18, 1942, in Hartford, Connecticut. An actress and author, famous before *Dynasty* for her role in *The Big Valley*. She won a Golden Globe for her portrayal of Krystle.
• Joan Collins (Alexis Carrington Colby): Born May 23, 1933, in London, England. A Dame Commander of the Order of the British Empire (DBE), Collins is an author, columnist, and acting legend. She joined the cast in the second season, instantly boosting the show's ratings.
• Al Corley (Steven Carrington - Original): Born May 22, 1956, in Wichita, Kansas. Played the first Steven Carrington, the Carrington son whose homosexuality was a groundbreaking storyline for 1980s television. He is also a musician and producer.
• Jack Coleman (Steven Carrington - Second): Born February 21, 1958, in Pennsylvania. Took over the role of Steven Carrington in 1982 and is known for later roles in *Heroes* and *The Office*.
• Pamela Sue Martin (Fallon Carrington Colby - Original): Born January 5, 1953, in Westport, Connecticut. Played Blake's tempestuous daughter Fallon until 1984. Also known for *The Poseidon Adventure*.
• Emma Samms (Fallon Carrington Colby - Second): Born August 28, 1960, in London, England. Took over the role of Fallon in 1985, having first played the character in the spin-off *The Colbys*.
• John James (Jeff Colby): Born April 18, 1956, in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Played the steadfast Jeff Colby, who starred in both *Dynasty* and its spin-off, *The Colbys*.
• Heather Locklear (Sammy Jo Dean Carrington): Born September 25, 1961, in Los Angeles, California. Known for her iconic roles in both *Dynasty* and *Melrose Place*, Locklear was a major TV star of the 80s and 90s.

The Shocking New Lives of the Living 'Dynasty' Icons

The enduring appeal of *Dynasty* lies in its cast, many of whom have continued to lead fascinating and often surprising lives, embracing new careers, fighting for their creative vision, and continuing to dazzle on the world stage well into their 80s and 90s.

Dame Joan Collins (Alexis Carrington Colby): Still Reigning in Hollywood

The character of Alexis Carrington Colby, the oil magnate Blake's vengeful ex-wife, single-handedly saved *Dynasty* from cancellation. Joan Collins' arrival in Season 2 brought the necessary villainy and glamour, leading to the show’s peak popularity.

Current Activities (2024–2025): At over 90 years old, Dame Joan Collins remains one of the most active and glamorous figures in show business. In a testament to her enduring star power, she has continued to take on major roles. In 2024, she was thrilled to announce that she would be playing Wallis Simpson in a new biopic, proving her commitment to acting is unwavering.

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She is a fixture at major events, including the 2024 Netflix Primetime Emmys after-party and the Vanity Fair Oscars party. She is frequently photographed enjoying lavish holidays, such as in St. Tropez with her fifth husband, Percy Gibson, who is 32 years her junior. Collins is an entity of timeless glamour, often seen in chic swimsuits and high-fashion outfits, defying age expectations.

Linda Evans (Krystle Carrington): From Catfights to Spiritual Counselling

Linda Evans' Krystle Carrington was the moral center of the show, the new wife who constantly battled Alexis for Blake's heart—a rivalry that produced some of television's most famous "catfights."

Current Activities (2025): Evans' post-*Dynasty* life took a surprising turn away from the Hollywood glamour she embodied. She has embraced a path focused on wellness and spirituality. Evans has been linked to the Ramtha's School of Enlightenment (RSE) and its founder, JZ Knight, in Washington State for decades, a significant shift from her acting career.

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She has become a proponent of life coaching and spiritual guidance, with some reports even calling her a "spiritual counsellor." This focus on a holistic and spiritual life, rather than on new acting roles, is a stark contrast to her on-screen persona and highlights her personal quest for inner peace and growth.

The Steven Carrington Controversy: Al Corley’s Fight for Representation

The character of Steven Carrington, Blake's gay son, was a revolutionary concept for a major network drama in 1981. However, the show's producers struggled with how to handle the storyline, leading to significant behind-the-scenes drama and a major cast change.

The Firing and the Backlash: Al Corley, the original actor for Steven, was fired after the second season because he vocally objected to the producers' decision to make Steven bisexual and introduce a heterosexual romance. Corley felt that this was a betrayal of the character's groundbreaking identity and that the writers were unwilling to explore a genuinely gay storyline.

Corley's departure led to Jack Coleman taking over the role, a move that was controversial among fans. Corley later returned for the 1991 miniseries *Dynasty: The Reunion*. This battle for authentic LGBTQ+ representation remains one of the most significant and under-discussed pieces of *Dynasty* trivia, cementing Corley's place as an actor who stood up for his character's integrity.

The Supporting Cast: Where Are They Now?

The ensemble cast was vast, introducing a constant stream of new entities to keep the drama fresh, from the spin-off *The Colbys* to the iconic "Moldavian Massacre" cliffhanger.

• Heather Locklear (Sammy Jo Dean Carrington): The rebellious niece of Krystle, Locklear was a major star of the era. Her most recent acting credit was the 2021 Lifetime movie *Don't Sweat the Small Stuff: The Kristine Carlson Story*. In her personal life, she recently ended her five-year engagement to her high school sweetheart, Chris Heisser, focusing on her family and well-being.
• John James (Jeff Colby): Playing the good-guy hero who was constantly in love with Fallon, James was one of the show’s most reliable stars, also headlining *The Colbys*. After *Dynasty*, he struggled to find roles of similar prominence, a common challenge for actors typecast by a major soap opera. However, he has continued to make appearances and remains a beloved figure among the *Dynasty* fanbase.
• Jack Coleman (Steven Carrington - Second): Following his tenure on *Dynasty*, Coleman successfully transitioned into a long and varied career, becoming a familiar face on modern television. He is perhaps best known for his role as Noah Bennet (HRG) on the hit NBC series *Heroes* and for a recurring role on *The Office*.
• Pamela Sue Martin (Fallon Carrington Colby - Original): After leaving the show in 1984, Martin has been an advocate for environmental causes and has occasionally returned to acting, including a cameo in the 2017 *Dynasty* reboot, linking the two generations of the show.

The Legacy of 'Dynasty': More Than Just Fashion and Feuds

While *Dynasty* is often remembered for its shoulder pads, lavish sets, and the endless "catfights" between Alexis and Krystle, its true legacy is its commentary on wealth, power, and social issues. The show introduced complex storylines, including Steven Carrington’s sexuality and the cutthroat nature of the oil industry.

The immense popularity of the series led to a massive merchandising empire, making the *Dynasty* brand a cultural entity that symbolized 1980s excess. The show's creators, Richard and Esther Shapiro, successfully built a world where high drama and high fashion were inseparable, ensuring that the original *Dynasty* (1981) remains a timeless piece of television history that continues to influence pop culture and fashion trends in 2025.