1. Linda Evans (Krystle Carrington)
The Golden Heart: Linda Evans as Krystle brought a soft, compassionate energy to the drama-heavy Carrington family. She was the beloved wife of Blake, often the peacekeeper and moral compass amidst the family’s relentless conflicts. Evans left the show before its final season in 1989, making her departure an emotional one for fans.
Where She Is Now: Evans has largely stepped back from acting, but she’s stayed in the spotlight with appearances on reality TV shows and memoir writing, sharing her memories of Dynasty and her life in Hollywood.
Here’s a look back at the unforgettable cast of Dynasty, one of the most iconic prime-time soaps of the 1980s. From scandal to wealth and drama, the series kept us glued to the screen. Let’s dive into what each of these unforgettable characters brought to the show, how they left, and what the actors have been up to since.
2. John Forsythe (Blake Carrington)
The Patriarch of Power: John Forsythe’s portrayal of Blake Carrington was pure elegance and authority. As the head of the Carrington family and a wealthy oil tycoon, Forsythe made Blake a complex character—someone capable of warmth but also ruthless when it came to business or family. Forsythe stayed until the show’s finale in 1989, giving a masterclass in charisma each week.
Where He Is Now: Forsythe continued to act well into the ’90s and even reprised his role as the voice of Charlie in Charlie’s Angels. He passed away in 2010, but his legacy on Dynasty and in Hollywood remains legendary.
3. Joan Collins (Alexis Carrington Colby)
The Queen of Glamour and Grit: Joan Collins as Alexis Carrington Colby was a tour de force of fabulous outfits and wicked schemes. The ultimate TV “bad girl,” Alexis stirred up trouble wherever she went, especially with her ex-husband Blake. Collins stayed on until the end of the series, cementing Alexis as one of TV’s most iconic villains.
Where She Is Now: Collins has remained a Hollywood icon, appearing in various shows and movies, writing books, and always dazzling fans with her glamor and wit. She’s as elegant and sharp as ever, and we love her for it!
4. Gordon Thomson (Adam Carrington)
The Dark Son: Gordon Thomson portrayed Adam Carrington, Blake’s long-lost son, whose arrival brought out all kinds of complex family dynamics. Ambitious and often manipulative, Adam’s character kept viewers guessing. Thomson stayed on Dynasty through its end, making Adam a fascinating fixture in the Carrington saga.
Where He Is Now: Thomson has kept busy with TV roles, appearing in shows like Days of Our Lives and The Young and the Restless. He’s still beloved by fans who remember him as the black sheep of the Carrington family.
5. John James (Jeff Colby)
The Good Guy: John James’s Jeff Colby was the loyal and dashing husband to Fallon, caught between his devotion to her and the tumultuous Carrington legacy. Jeff’s character brought stability to the whirlwind of Dynasty drama, making James a fan favorite. James also reprised his role in The Colbys spin-off before returning to Dynasty for its finale.
Where He Is Now: James has worked on various projects, often doing voiceover work and staying active in the acting community, though he’s taken on fewer roles in recent years.
6. Michael Nader (Dex Dexter)
The Wild Card: Dex Dexter, played by Michael Nader, was the handsome love interest of Alexis, providing her with a challenge and romance unlike any other. Known for his rebellious streak, Dex added fresh drama. Nader left Dynasty when it ended in 1989, and he later appeared on soap operas like All My Children.
Where He Is Now: Sadly, Nader passed away in 2021, but his unforgettable role as Dex still resonates with fans who remember his on-screen chemistry with Joan Collins.
7. Jack Coleman (Steven Carrington)
The Sensitive Soul: Jack Coleman took on the role of Steven Carrington after the departure of the original actor, bringing a gentler, complex side to the Carrington family. Steven’s struggles with identity and acceptance struck a chord with viewers, making him a relatable and endearing character. Coleman remained on the show until its final season.
Where He Is Now: Coleman continued to act, making a splash as Noah Bennet in Heroes and appearing in numerous TV roles. He remains a well-loved actor, especially for Dynasty fans.
8. Heather Locklear (Sammy Jo Dean Carrington)
The Beautiful Rebel: Heather Locklear’s Sammy Jo, Krystle’s niece, was the epitome of the fiery young character who brought unpredictability to the Carrington family. Beautiful, resourceful, and a bit mischievous, Sammy Jo kept things interesting. Locklear’s character left and returned a few times, creating some of Dynasty’s best storylines.
Where She Is Now: Locklear went on to star in Melrose Place and became a household name. Though she’s faced personal challenges, Locklear continues to act and remains one of the most beloved stars from the ’80s.
9. Pamela Sue Martin (Fallon Carrington Colby)
The Strong-Willed Daughter: Pamela Sue Martin originated the role of Fallon, the beautiful, headstrong daughter of Blake and Krystle. Fallon’s bold personality and loyalty to her family made her one of the most engaging characters. Martin left Dynasty in 1984, although the character was later brought back with a new actress.
Where She Is Now: Martin has continued to act in smaller roles and has a quiet, private life but occasionally makes appearances at Dynasty-related events and reunions, much to fans’ delight.
10. Diahann Carroll (Dominique Deveraux)
The Bold Trailblazer: Diahann Carroll’s Dominique Deveraux was a groundbreaking character, as she was one of the first Black women to play a glamorous role in a prime-time soap. Dominique, half-sister to Blake Carrington, had elegance, ambition, and a powerful presence, bringing a new layer of sophistication and intrigue to Dynasty. Carroll joined the cast in the mid-1980s and stayed on until close to the series’ end.
Where She Is Now: Diahann Carroll continued her successful career in TV and film, with notable roles in A Different World and Grey’s Anatomy. She passed away in 2019, but her legacy as a pioneering star on Dynasty and her contribution to television history remains celebrated.
11. Al Corley (Steven Carrington – Original)
The Complex Character: Al Corley was the original Steven Carrington, Blake’s son, whose struggles with identity and acceptance were compelling and groundbreaking for the time. Corley’s sensitive portrayal of Steven made him an unforgettable part of the Carrington family’s dynamics. Corley left the show in 1982, reportedly due to disagreements over Steven’s storyline, with Jack Coleman taking over the role after his departure.
Where He Is Now: Corley transitioned into producing and directing, and he still occasionally acts. He has also remained a strong voice for LGBTQ representation, a theme he connected with during his time on Dynasty.
12. Emma Samms (Fallon Carrington Colby – Second Portrayal)
The Tenacious Heiress: Emma Samms took on the role of Fallon after Pamela Sue Martin left, bringing her own unique spin to the Carrington daughter. Samms’ portrayal kept Fallon’s fierce loyalty to family intact while adding a new kind of warmth to the character. She stayed with the show until it ended in 1989, and she also starred in The Colbys spin-off series.
Where She Is Now: Samms continued acting, with appearances on General Hospital and various TV shows. She’s become an advocate for health issues after revealing her struggles with long COVID, showing her resilience beyond her years on Dynasty.
Dynasty gave us unforgettable characters who each brought their own twist to this high-stakes world of power and drama. Whether they left Hollywood or stayed in the spotlight, each of these actors will always be remembered for their place in one of television’s most glamorous shows.
