‘Falcon Crest’ star Abby Dalton dies age 88 after long illness

American actress Abby Dalton, best known for her role in drama Falcon Crest, died last week at the age of 88 after battling “a long illness”, Deadline reports. The Emmy-nominated actress passed away on Monday, November 23, in Los Angeles, her rep told the publication.

Abby got her start in acting in the 1957 film Rock All Night, but her big break came when she was cast in the popular television series Hennesey, which earned her an Emmy nomination in 1961 for outstanding performance in a supporting role by an actor or actress in a series. She also held starring roles in The Joey Bishop Show and The Jonathan Winters Show.

After taking on smaller parts in several series during the 1970s, Abby relaunched her career in 1981 when she took up the role of Julia Cumson in Falcon Crest, which proved to be a huge success.

Abby’s fellow Falcon Crest co-stars have paid tribute to her on social media, with American actress Susan Sullivan leading the way, writing on Twitter, “The lovely Abby Dalton has left the stage. She was a mother, a wife, an accomplished actress and beautiful friend.”

The lovely Abby Dalton has left the stage. She was a mother a wife an accomplished actress and beautiful friend. #FalconCrest pic.twitter.com/LQhvsKBAMD

— Susan Sullivan (@realssullivan) December 1, 2020

Meanwhile, English actress Sarah Douglas wrote, “Very sad to learn of the death of the fabulous Abby Dalton, with whom I was fortunate enough to work with on #FalconCrest. She was always SO much fun and a terrific talent. Condolences to all her family and friends.”

Fans have also paid their respects, with Twitter user @Ianto_back2_TW writing, “I loved watching her on The Joey Bishop Show. She was beautiful and talented.”

Abby is survived by her husband Jack D. Smith and her children Matthew, Kathleen and John, as well as her three grandchildren and a great-grandson.