PATRICK DUFFY — Bobby Ewing

THEN: Patrick got his big break as the well-intentioned Bobby Ewing before leaving the show in 1985 in search of better roles, his character dying in a car crash. After a year in which Patrick’s hopes failed to materialise, Dallas producers resurrected Bobby . . . literally! Incredulous viewers saw him stepping from the shower, with the entire previous series being no more than a dream.

NOW: Patrick married a ballerina called Carlyn in 1974, who converted him to Buddhism. Duffy claims his religion helped him deal with the tragic murder of his parents in 1986. He still crops up regularly in American TV movies.