Dallas star Pat Colbert dies after suffering three strokes in 10 years

Dallas star Pat Colbert – who was best known for portraying Dora Mae in the popular soap – has died at the age of 77Dallas Dora Mae star Pat Colbert has died aged 77.It’s reported the soap star died on June 23 at her home in Compton, California. The actress’ sister Tami Colbert confirmed the news of her death to The Hollywood Reporter.The actress had suffered three strokes over the last 10 years. Pat’s funeral is set to take place on July 10.The American actress first appeared in series 7 of Dallas back in 1983. Pat’s character Dora was the manager of the Oil Baron’s Club and starred in the show until its final season, which aired in 1991.Pat was the soap’s only recurring African-American character. Dallas ran for 14 seasons from 1978 to 1991 and became a staple of American television.The star’s acting credits also include the 1987 Leonard Part 6 movie, alongside Bill Cosby. Pat played Allison Parker in the spy comedy that followed a retired spy running a restaurant.Pat joined Dallas in 1983 and stay until the show’s final seasonShe also starred in ABC series The Fall Guy in 1981. Tributes have flooded in for the talented actress on an Instagram fan page dedicated to the American show.One fan wrote: “Rest in peace, she was an elegant lady, always a pleasure to see her show Ewing members to their table before at least one of them stormed off x,” while another added: “They should have given her more of a storyline perhaps with JR! I’m surprised he wouldn’t have made a pass at this Beautiful Lady! RIP Dora Mae.””I’m on season 9 and I Absolutely love this show! I loved seeing Dora Mae at the oil barons club!! RiP,” a third said and someone else added: “Oh no I loved her! Absolutely gorgeous woman!”A fifth shared: “My sincere condolences to the family of Ms. Dora Mae. My daughter and I are currently watching the entire Dallas series. We are on season 8 and my daughter is in love with that tv show. Dora Mae was always respected by everyone, especially JR when they came into the club. Rest will beautiful lady.””As the only recurring African-American character on the series, Dora Mae never had a storyline, because Dallas never tried to pretend to be anything more than the saga of the Ewing family, but she played the role with elegance and intelligence,” Shaun Chang of the movie and TV blog Hill Place told The Hollywood Reporter.“The leading characters, and the show itself, treated her with respect and without any sense of condescension. Dallas had many recurring supporting characters who helped create a sense of community for a show set in a major city, and Dora Mae was part of the fabric of the series.”