Steven Francis Kanaly Bio
Steven Francis Kanaly (born March 14, 1946) is an American actor best known for his portrayal of Ray Krebbs on the CBS primetime soap opera Dallas. His screen career ran from 1972 to 2014 and included recurring collaborations with writer-director John Milius and roles in films such as The Life and Times of Judge Roy Bean, Dillinger, The Wind and the Lion, Midway and Big Wednesday.
Early Life and Background
Steven Francis Kanaly was born in Burbank, California, and grew up in the San Fernando Valley. He attended California State University, Northridge, where he studied prior to beginning his acting career.
Kanaly served in the Vietnam War as a radio operator with the First Air Cavalry Division. His military service informed later creative collaborations; he provided details of his experiences to screenwriter John Milius that were used for scenes in Apocalypse Now involving the character of Colonel Bill Kilgore.
Path to Actor
Kanaly’s entry into film acting came through personal connections rather than formal stage training. He befriended writer-director John Milius after they met at a shooting range in California, and Milius recommended him to director John Huston for a role in The Life and Times of Judge Roy Bean.
His first film opportunity was in 1972 when he appeared in The Life and Times of Judge Roy Bean. Kanaly later described that he had not done professional acting prior to that role and that the film experience convinced him to pursue work in feature films and television.
Steven Francis Kanaly Career
Early Career (1972–1977)
Kanaly’s on-screen career began in the early 1970s with work in high-profile films. His first significant screen credit was in The Life and Times of Judge Roy Bean (1972), which led to additional roles in the mid-1970s, including Dillinger (1973) and The Wind and the Lion (1975).
During this period he developed a professional relationship with John Milius, appearing in several projects Milius influenced or wrote. Kanaly’s rugged presence and real-world experience as a Vietnam radio operator contributed to casting decisions and helped him secure authentic character parts in both Westerns and historical dramas.
Breakthrough (1978–1989)
Kanaly’s breakthrough came with television when he was cast as Ray Krebbs, the foreman of Southfork Ranch, on the CBS primetime soap opera Dallas. He originated the role in 1978 and remained a principal cast member through the series’ original run, appearing as Ray Krebbs from 1978 to 1989.
The role of Ray Krebbs established Kanaly as a recognizable presence on American television and allowed him to balance steady television work with periodic film appearances. His performance as the ranch foreman became a signature character in a show that was a worldwide ratings phenomenon throughout its peak years.
Kanaly reprised Ray Krebbs on several occasions after the series’ initial conclusion. He returned for the final episode of the original series in 1991 and again for the made-for-television reunion film Dallas: War of the Ewings in 1998. He later appeared as Ray Krebbs in the 2012 TNT revival of Dallas and reprised the role in 2013 to attend the funeral of J. R. Ewing.
Notable Works and Milestones
Steven Kanaly’s most enduring credit remains his portrayal of Ray Krebbs on Dallas. Early film collaborations with John Milius and directors such as John Huston are notable milestones that transitioned him from a newcomer in 1972 to a steady working actor on both the big and small screens. His contributions to productions ranged from supporting parts in major studio films to long-running television storytelling.
Steven Francis Kanaly Family
Kanaly has been married to Brent Power since 1975. The couple has made their home on a ranch in Ojai, California, where they have lived for many years.
Personal Life
Outside of acting, Kanaly is a highly regarded watercolor artist. He and his wife live on their Ojai ranch, where he has pursued painting in addition to his screen work. Public records and interviews note his long-standing residence in Ojai and his sustained interest in visual art.
Kanaly has also participated in public service and advocacy projects. He recorded a radio public service announcement for CARE in 1981 and, along with former Dallas costar Susan Howard, appeared in 1992 advertisements advocating responsible firearms ownership. His service in Vietnam and his later collaborations with filmmakers reflect a career shaped by both life experience and creative partnership.