The 25 Most Attractive Men On 'Knots Landing', Ranked (2024)

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Plays: Gregory Sumner

Years Active: 1979-1993

William Joseph Devane (born September 5, 1939) is an American film, television and theatre actor, known for his role as Greg Sumner on the primetime soap opera Knots Landing (1983–1993) and as James Heller on the Fox serial drama 24 (2005–2007), the role he reprised in Live Another Day (2014). He is also known for his supporting roles in films such as McCabe & Mrs. Miller (1971), Family Plot (1976), Marathon Man (1976), Timestalkers (1987) and Space Cowboys (2000).

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Plays: Marion Patrick ‘Mack’ MacKenzie

Years Active: 1982-1993

A leading man with appeal to both women and blue collars, who still has traces of his Queens, NY, accent, and who has sustained 25 years of TV stardom, Kevin Dobson is best recalled as the right hand to "Kojak," Lt. Bobby Crocker (CBS, 1973-1978), and as Mack MacKenzie on the long-running "Knots Landing" (CBS, 1982-1993). Dobson was attending NYU and working on the Long Island Railroad to support himself when his girlfriend -- whom he later married -- suggested he try to do TV commercials for make money instead of railroad work while trying to study. He won a few commercials and toured with a production of "The Impossible Years" by Walter Kerr. When he returned to New York, he was hooked, and began studying at the Neighborhood Playhouse. He won bit parts in three films made in the east -- "Love Story" (1970), "Klute" (1971), and "The French Connection" (1971) -- before heading to Los Angeles, where his first TV gig was in an episode of "The Mod Squad," but he found himself working as a fireman on the Santa Fe Railroad to make ends meet. The break came when he was cast as Lt. Crocker in "Kojak" (CBS, 1973-1978). Telly Savalas bossed Dobson around for 100 episodes, but Dobson won the hearts of the younger women watching the show. Under contract to Universal, which made the series, he was put into a co-starring role in the feature film "The Battle of Midway" (1976) and in his first TV movie, "The Immigrants" (syndication, 1978). He holds the distinction of having been one of Barbra Streisand's screen husbands, but, alas for Dobson, it was in one of La Streisand's few box office turkeys, "All Night Long" (1981). In 1981, Dobson had his first TV series as a lead, "Shannon" (CBS), playing a New York police detective who relocates to San Francisco with his son. The show lasted only a season, but he then joined "Knots Landing" as tough federal prosecutor MacKenzie, who eventually married Michele Lee. Starting in 1988, Dobson also frequently directed episodes of the series. "Knots Landing" also gave Dobson the profile to star in TV movies, many produced through his own company -- and for which his wife, Susan, was executive producer. Among the more recent were "Dirty Work" (USA, 1992), in which he was an ex-cop turned bailbondsman, and "If Someone Had Known" (CBS, 1995), in which he must arrest his own daughter. In 1996, he was the older and wiser Leo McCarthy on "FX: The Series" for syndication, and he returned to "Knots Landing: Back to the Cul-de-Sac" (CBS, 1997). As for Lt. Crocker, according to his appearance in "Kojak: It's Always Something" (ABC, 1990), which reprised the 1970s characters, Crocker had become an attorney and Assistant DA. Kevin Dobson died September 6, 2020 at his home in Coalinga, California. He was 77.

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Plays: Garrison Arthur ‘Gary’ Ewing

Years Active: 1979-1993

Theodore Tillman Shackelford III (born June 23, 1946) is an American actor. He played Gary Ewing in the CBS television series Knots Landing (1979–1993); since 2006, he has appeared in a recurring role on the CBS soap The Young and the Restless, portraying twin brothers William and Jeffrey Bardwell.

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Plays: Kenny Ward

Years Active: 1979-1983

Jim Houghton is an American actor and writer best known for his role as Kenny Ward in the CBS prime time soap opera Knots Landing from 1979 to 1983. In addition to acting, he has worked as a scriptwriter on popular soap operas such as The Young and the Restless and The Bold and the Beautiful.

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Alec Baldwin, a renowned figure in the world of entertainment, is an American actor, writer, comedian, film producer, and political activist. Born on April 3, 1958, in Amityville, New York, he is the eldest of four brothers, all of whom have made their mark in Hollywood. Baldwin's illustrious career spans over three decades, kicking off with his Broadway debut in 1986's "Loot" which earned him a Theatre World Award. Baldwin's acting prowess extends to both the small and big screens. He gained widespread recognition for his role in the television drama, "Knots Landing" during the late 1980s, but his real breakthrough came with the film "The Hunt for Red October," where his portrayal of Jack Ryan was highly acclaimed. His talent does not stop at dramatic roles; Baldwin showcased his comedic flair in the TV show "30 Rock," earning two Emmy Awards, three Golden Globe Awards, and seven Screen Actors Guild Awards. Beyond acting, Baldwin has also demonstrated a knack for writing and production. He has written several books, including "A Promise to Ourselves" and "Nevertheless: A Memoir." As a producer, he has been involved in numerous successful productions, such as "The Aviator" and "Nuremberg: Infamy on Trial." Baldwin's influence extends to political activism as well, advocating for causes like animal rights and campaign finance reform. His multifaceted career and contributions to various fields make Alec Baldwin a prominent figure in contemporary culture.

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Plays: Richard Avery

Years Active: 1979-1983

John Pleshette (born July 27, 1942) is an American actor and screenwriter, best known for his role as Richard Avery on the television drama Knots Landing, and for portraying Lee Harvey Oswald in the TV movie The Trial of Lee Harvey Oswald. Pleshette also wrote several scripts for Knots Landing in the 1980s.