Actor Patrick Duffy has become emotional while recounting the night his parents were brutally murdered inside the tavern they owned in Boulder, Montana, nearly four decades ago.
The 77-year-old actor, best known for playing Bobby Ewing in the television series Dallas, recalled the tragic incident during an appearance on the Still Here Hollywood podcast hosted by Steve Kmetko.
His parents, Terence and Marie Duffy, were shot dead on November 18, 1986, after two teenagers armed with shotguns entered their establishment.
The suspects, Sean A. Wentz and Kenneth A. Miller, were both 19 at the time of the killings. They were subsequently charged with deliberate homicide and convicted.
Two Teenagers Returned to the Tavern After Being Thrown Out
During the podcast interview, Duffy explained that the teenagers had initially been removed from the tavern by his father because they were drunk and behaving disruptively.
According to the actor, the pair left the establishment but later returned after their anger escalated.
He recalled that the incident happened late at night when his parents were the only people inside the bar.
Duffy said his father recognised the teenagers as soon as they walked in carrying shotguns.
According to testimony presented during the trial, Terence reportedly stepped towards them and reminded them that he had previously ordered them to leave.
The teenagers then opened fire, killing him.
His mother, Marie, had been standing at the opposite end of the bar working on a crossword puzzle.
When she saw what was happening, she reportedly ran towards her husband but was also shot dead.
Killers Robbed the Bar After Shooting His Parents
Duffy explained that the teenagers did not immediately flee after killing his parents.
Instead, they reportedly jumped over the bar, went to the cash register, stole money and took a couple of bottles of alcohol before leaving the scene.
The actor recalled how the robbery added another criminal element to the murders, explaining that the two men were eventually sent to prison.
Wentz, who fired the fatal shots, received a 180-year prison sentence but was released on parole in 2015.
Miller, who participated in the crime, was released on parole in 2007.
Buddhist Faith Helped Him Process the Tragedy
When asked how he managed to cope with the sudden loss of both parents, Duffy credited his Buddhist practice with helping him understand death and maintain a sense of connection with those who had passed away.
He revealed that he had been practising Buddhist chanting for approximately 15 years before the murders.
According to the actor, Buddhist philosophy had taught him about the continuous cycle of life and helped shape his understanding of loss.
Duffy also remembered receiving the devastating news in the morning through a telephone call from his sister, who was a police officer and was preparing to travel to Montana.
He explained that his understanding of Buddhism helped him believe that the death of his parents did not necessarily mean the end of his relationship with them.
Duffy Remembers Telling His Young Sons About the Murders
The actor also recalled the difficult responsibility of informing his two young sons, Padraic and Conor, about the deaths of their grandparents.
At the time, Padraic was 11 years old, while Conor was six.
Duffy said the boys were preparing to leave for school when he asked them to join him in their usual morning Buddhist chanting.
He explained that they regularly chanted together before school, but on that particular morning, he told them they needed to chant for their grandparents because both had been killed.
He encouraged the children to understand that their grandparents would hear and understand their prayers.
Wife Carlyn Rosser’s Death Brought Another Devastating Loss
In 2017, Duffy experienced another significant bereavement when his wife of 43 years, Carlyn Rosser, died aged 77 after battling cancer.
The actor previously described her death as unexpected, saying there had been no indication that she was about to pass away.
Speaking about the experience in a 2019 interview, he explained that adjusting to life without his wife was difficult.
However, he said his two sons, who are now 51 and 46, provided considerable support during the period.
Duffy acknowledged that although his sons tried to support him, he believed he was better prepared to navigate the circumstances because of his previous experiences with loss.
He also reflected on how growing older changes a person’s understanding of life, noting that eventually, the road ahead becomes shorter than the one already travelled.
Actor Says He Still Feels Connected to His Late Wife
Despite Rosser’s death, Duffy said he continues to feel close to her and believes their connection remains meaningful.
He explained that he can still hear and picture her in his mind and often considers what she would expect of him.
The actor added that he continues to regard himself as a married man despite her passing.
He also spoke about his determination to preserve her memory while continuing to make the most of his life.
Duffy said he believes people can repair damaged relationships and create something valuable from their experiences if they are given enough time.
He added that he had worked hard to make the best of his life and remained grateful for how it had turned out.
Patrick Duffy Has Been Dating Linda Purl Since 2020
Since 2020, Duffy has been in a relationship with actress Linda Purl, 71.
Duffy rose to international fame during the 1980s through his portrayal of Bobby Ewing on the CBS television drama Dallas.
He became particularly popular following the show’s famous shower scene, which revealed that his character, previously believed to have been killed, was actually alive.
Purl also became familiar to television audiences during the same decade through her role as Ashley, the girlfriend of Henry Winkler’s character Fonzie, on the sitcom Happy Days.
The actor’s recollections of his parents’ murders and his subsequent experiences with bereavement have featured prominently in his reflections on family, loss and his continued connection with loved ones.
