Steve Kanaly Bio
Steven Francis Kanaly, born March 14, 1946, is an American actor whose career in film and television has stretched across more than four decades. He is best known for his portrayal of Ray Krebbs, the dependable foreman of the Southfork Ranch, on the CBS primetime soap opera Dallas. Over the years, he became one of the most familiar faces in American television, working alongside a roster of major stars and respected directors.
Born and raised in Southern California, Kanaly developed his craft in the 1970s and went on to appear in feature films directed by some of the era’s most influential filmmakers. He is also a respected watercolor artist, and he has long lived on a ranch in Ojai, California, with his wife, Brent Power.
Early Life and Background
Steven Francis Kanaly was born on March 14, 1946, in Burbank, California. He grew up in the San Fernando Valley during a period when the region was rapidly developing as a hub for the entertainment industry. That environment, with its studios, sound stages, and creative talent, helped shape his early awareness of the film world.
He attended California State University, Northridge, where he continued his education before entering the workforce. Following his studies, he served in the Vietnam War as a radio operator with the First Air Cavalry Division. His time in the military gave him formative experiences that would later connect him to a key figure in Hollywood storytelling.
Kanaly later shared the details of his service with Apocalypse Now screenwriter John Milius, who drew on those accounts to shape scenes for the character of Colonel Bill Kilgore, played by Robert Duvall. This connection proved to be the entry point into a lifelong friendship with Milius, who would become one of his most important collaborators in film.
Path to Acting
Kanaly’s path into acting was unconventional. Before stepping in front of a camera, he had never pursued acting in any formal way. His introduction to the craft came through John Milius, who had originally written a project to direct himself. That project was purchased by Paul Newman’s company, and John Huston was brought in to direct The Life and Times of Judge Roy Bean. Milius recommended Kanaly for a Western role in the film, leading to a successful meeting and his first screen appearance.
Kanaly later described how quickly that single week of work turned into a longer commitment. The experience convinced him that acting would be his profession, and he went on to build a steady résumé in both film and television throughout the 1970s.
Steve Kanaly Career
Early Career (1972–1977)
Kanaly made his screen debut in The Life and Times of Judge Roy Bean in 1972, working with director John Huston and a notable ensemble cast. The film marked the start of a recurring working relationship with John Milius, who continued to bring Kanaly into projects that blended action, history, and American themes.
His early film work included Dillinger in 1973, The Wind and the Lion in 1975, and Midway in 1976. Each role helped him establish a presence in the industry and demonstrated his range across genres, from period drama to war film. He was also a frequent guest on television during this period, building the kind of experience that would soon lead to his defining role.
Breakthrough (1978–1989)
Kanaly’s breakthrough came in 1978 when he was cast as Ray Krebbs on Dallas, the CBS primetime soap opera created by David Jacobs. As the loyal foreman of the Southfork Ranch, Krebbs became one of the series’ most enduring characters, appearing from 1978 to 1989. Kanaly’s steady, understated performance provided a grounding presence amid the show’s famously dramatic storylines.
During the run of Dallas, he also appeared in the 1978 film Big Wednesday, again working with John Milius, and made guest appearances in other series, including a 1979 turn on Time Express. The popularity of Dallas made him a household name and cemented his standing as a leading television actor of the era.
After the original Dallas concluded in 1989, Kanaly reprised the role of Ray Krebbs for the series’ final episode in 1991. He returned again for the made-for-television reunion movie Dallas: War of the Ewings in 1998. His later credits included a role on the ABC daytime drama All My Children from 1994 to 1995, where he played Seabone Hunkle, the father of Dixie Cooney Martin. He also guest starred on a number of other television series and appeared as J. T. Fuller in an episode of Walker, Texas Ranger.
Notable Works and Milestones
Kanaly’s most recognized work remains his long run as Ray Krebbs on Dallas, a role he returned to multiple times across decades, including the 2012 TNT revival of the series and a 2013 appearance at the funeral of J. R. Ewing. His film collaborations with John Milius, particularly The Life and Times of Judge Roy Bean, Dillinger, The Wind and the Lion, Big Wednesday, and Midway, form the core of his cinematic résumé. Other film roles include The Terminal Man and My Name Is Nobody.
Steve Kanaly Award Nominations
There are no verified major award nominations for Steve Kanaly within the inputs provided for this profile.
Steve Kanaly Awards Won
There are no verified major award wins for Steve Kanaly within the inputs provided for this profile.
Steve Kanaly Family
Steve Kanaly and his wife, Brent Power, married in 1975 and have remained together since. According to available records, the couple has two children. The family has built their life on a ranch in Ojai, California, where Kanaly has pursued his longstanding interest in watercolor painting.
Personal Life
Outside of acting, Kanaly has long been recognized for his work as a watercolor artist. He recorded a radio public service announcement for CARE in 1981, and in 1992 he and former Dallas costar Susan Howard were featured in advertisements promoting responsible firearms ownership. He continues to live on his ranch in Ojai, California, with Brent Power, his wife since 1975.