Dallas star Pat Colbert dies aged 77: Fans pay tribute to ‘graceful and elegant’ star as she passes away after suffering three strokes in ten years

Former Dallas star Pat Colbert has died at the age of 77, sources confirmed Wednesday.

The actress, best known for her role as Dora Mae in the iconic American drama, had already suffered three strokes in the ten years before her death.

She died on June 23 at her home in Compton, Los Angeles. Her death was confirmed by The Hollywood Reporter by her sister, Tami Colbert.

Colbert also starred opposite Lee Majors in the 1980s action series The Fall Guy and the American soap opera Capitol, in which she played Cora Mullens.

Her role on Dallas spanned 67 episodes between 1983 and 1991, with Colbert famously playing Dora Mae, the hostess and manager of the Dallas Oil Baron’s Club.

The actress, best known for her role as Dora Mae in the iconic American drama, had previously suffered three strokes in the decade prior to her death

The character, who appeared occasionally, never had a prominent role in the story, but was beloved by Dallas fans for her grace, elegance and sense of style.

Notably, Colbert was the only African-American actress to appear in the series’ 13-year history.

Shaun Chang of the Film and TV Blog reflected on her role: ‘Dora Mae is the only recurring African-American character on the show. She never really had a story arc, because she never tried to be anything more than the Ewing family story. Yet she played her role with grace and intelligence.’

Originally from Los Angeles, she was born Sandra Patricia Colbert in the Southern California city on January 16, 1947. She grew up in a house built by her own father, LeRoy. Her mother, Eula, worked in foster care.

She later attended Centennial High School in Compton, after which she graduated from high school and began a career as an actress and model.

She is survived by her brother Aaron, sisters Johnetta and Tami, and her son Michael.