When it comes to ’80s primetime soaps, fans know Dallas and Dynasty—so now it’s time to complete the trifecta with Falcon Crest! Set in California’s Tuscany Valley, this drama unfolded around the Giobertis and Channings, two powerful families fighting for control of the valley’s lucrative wineries. Premiering in 1981, Falcon Crest lasted until 1990, earning its place as a favorite among primetime dramas. Fun fact: creator Earl Hamner, Jr. initially didn’t intend for it to be a soap, but by season two, the self-contained episodes gave way to ongoing storylines full of juicy twists.
Ready to revisit the vineyard? Let’s see what the cast has been up to since their Falcon Crest days.
1. Jane Wyman (Angela Channing)
Angela Channing, the ruthless matriarch of the Channing dynasty, wasn’t just a powerhouse in the show—Jane Wyman carried that energy in real life too. Known for a legendary career that began in the 1930s, Wyman won an Oscar for Johnny Belinda (1948) and became a primetime force in Falcon Crest. Behind the scenes, she was reportedly as determined as her character, allegedly causing some cast members to quit. Jane semi-retired after health issues in 1989 but made a final acting appearance in Dr. Quinn, Medicine Woman in 1993. Married five times—including to President Ronald Reagan—Jane passed away in 2007 at 90 years old.
2. Lorenzo Lamas (Lance)
As Lance, Angela’s troublemaking grandson, Lorenzo Lamas became a primetime heartthrob. After a small role in Grease (1978), he found fame with Falcon Crest. Though his film Body Rock bombed, the soundtrack single he sang cracked the Billboard charts! Later, Lorenzo starred in action-packed B-movies like Snake Eater and the series Renegade. At 66, he’s still active, recently appearing in Sons of Thunder (2022). Offscreen, his colorful love life includes five marriages and some jaw-dropping family dynamics.
3. David Selby (Richard Channing)
As Angela’s illegitimate stepson Richard, David Selby delivered layers of drama and intrigue. Best known before Falcon Crest as Quentin Collins on Dark Shadows, Selby also made his mark in films like Up the Sandbox (1972). Post-Falcon Crest, he continued acting and writing, penning books and poetry collections. Now 83, David’s recent roles include a 2020 appearance on NCIS: New Orleans.
4. Susan Sullivan (Maggie Gioberti)
Maggie Gioberti, the show’s moral center, faced her share of drama before being written off in season eight. Susan Sullivan, a TV staple since the 1960s, enjoyed success on soaps like A World Apart and Another World. She later found sitcom fame as Kitty Montgomery on Dharma & Greg. Recently, she’s appeared on The Kominsky Method and Last Man Standing. At 81, she’s as sharp as ever and active online.
5. Margaret Ladd (Emma Channing)
As Emma, the emotionally fragile Channing sibling, Margaret Ladd brought complexity to the screen. After Falcon Crest, she took a long hiatus, returning in the 2000s for roles in Mozart in the Jungle and Woody Allen’s Crisis in Six Scenes. Now 81, Margaret enjoys a quieter life with her husband, playwright Lyle Kessler.
6. Abby Dalton (Julia)
Julia, Angela’s daughter and the family winemaker, was portrayed by Abby Dalton, whose acting career began in the 1950s. She earned an Emmy nod for Hennessey and appeared on The Joey Bishop Show before joining Falcon Crest. After the series, she appeared in shows like Murder, She Wrote and films like Prank (2008). Abby passed away in 2020 at 88 after a long illness.
7. Robert Foxworth (Chase Gioberti)
As Chase Gioberti, Robert Foxworth was the voice of reason in the Gioberti-Channing conflict. Interestingly, he turned down the role of J.R. Ewing on Dallas—imagine how different primetime TV might’ve been! After Falcon Crest, Foxworth transitioned to voice acting, including the role of Ratchet in the Transformers films. Now 81, he lives a quieter life, with his son Bo Foxworth following in his acting footsteps.
Who was your favorite Falcon Crest character? Did we leave anyone out? Let us know in the comments and share your memories of this vineyard drama! And here’s a fun debate: Was Falcon Crest better than Dallas or Dynasty? Let’s hear it!
