Performed in English with Italian Surtitles
LOVE LETTERS by A.R. Gurney
The story of Melissa Gardner and Andrew Makepeace Ladd III – their 50 years of love and loss, hopes and dreams, victories and defeats and love. A beloved play performed by many stars over the years, now Florence will have Linda Purl and Patrick Duffy, a couple in real life. Linda, known to audiences for her many television roles and Patrick, television star, beloved by Italian audiences for his role as “Bobby Ewing” in Dallas among many other character roles will be sure to move you.
Linda Purl
Patrick Duffy
(Andrew Makepeace Ladd III)
A celebrated actor who discovered his talent as a young teenager, Patrick Duffy has captivated audiences for 34 years as a familiar face on some of television’s most beloved series.
Duffy reprised his iconic role as “Bobby Ewing” in the TNT continuation of the 1980’s drama series Dallas. Duffy was an original cast member of the 1978 series, starring in all 14 seasons. The series was nominated for numerous Emmy and Golden Globe Awards and won the People’s Choice Award for “Favorite TV Dramatic Program” for three consecutive years from 1980-1982 and again in 1987. In the 2012 series Duffy starred opposite a notable cast including original cast members Larry Hagman, Linda Gray, as well as new cast members Brenda Strong, Josh Henderson and Jesse Metcalfe, Jordana Brewster and Julie Gonzalo. The series aired for three seasons.
Patrick is the voiceover narrator of the avant-garde 2016 feature film “Hotel Dallas,” which riffs on the series “Dallas” and which was shot in Romania at the Hotel Dallas-a life-size replica of Southfork. The narrative alternates with documentary segments on the role of “Dallas” in Romanian history. The film is currently appearing at various film festivals in the U.S. and abroad.
Duffy was also previously seen on the popular ABC sitcom, Step by Step where he starred as “Frank Lambert,” the husband of Carol Lambert played by Suzanne Somers. The series, which had a successful run from 1991 to 1998, was set in Port Washington, Wisconsin and was based on the typical situations that arise when two families are brought together under one roof, and as one big stepfamily. The series was part of ABC’s TGIF lineup.
Additionally, Duffy has had a longstanding role in the CBS daytime soap opera, The Bold and the Beautiful, starring as “Stephen Logan.” Since its premiere in 1987, the show has become the most-watched soap in the world, with an audience of an estimated 26.2 million viewers. Patrick reprised his recurring role in early 2023. Duffy was originally introduced to viewing audiences as the lead character in the sci-fi adventure series, Man From Atlantis starring as “Mark Harris,” who was believed to be the only surviving citizen of the lost civilization of Atlantis. He possessed exceptional gifts, including the ability to breathe underwater and superhuman strength. Harris is recruited by the Foundation for Oceanic Research, a governmental agency that conducts top secret research and explores the depths of the ocean in a sophisticated submarine called the “Cetacean.” In addition, Duffy has made dozens of movies for television and hosted dozens more specials. Other roles have included stints on Freeform’s “The Fosters” and a recurring role on Amazon’s “Welcome to Sweden.” Patrick guest-starred in the ABC series “Station 19” concluding episode of the 2018/19 season, having previously guest-starred on Fox’s “Cool Kids” and ABC’s “American Housewife.” Patrick’s recent work has included guest-starring appearances on CBS’ “All Rise” and “NCIS,” respectively. He also recurred on the recent series for Netflix “On The Verge.” Fall of 2021, Patrick completed the Hallmark movie “Christmas Promise.” For Lifetime, he co-starred in a supporting lead role opposite Linda Purl in “Doomsday Mom,” in 2021. He had appeared the previous Christmas season in Lifetime’s “Once Upon a Main Street.” In September 2023, Patrick completed the key leading supporting role in the Hungarian Made For Television Movie “Rebound.” Patrick plays a recurring role on the BET series “The Family Business,” which completed its fifth season Spring of 2024.
On the big screen, Duffy appeared in the 2010 romantic comedy “You Again” opposite Sigourney Weaver and Jamie Lee Curtis. Duffy played Weaver’s high school sweetheart, “Richie Phillips.” Patrick is the voiceover narrator of the 2016 avant-garde feature film “Hotel Dallas,” which riffs on the series “Dallas” and which was shot in Romania at the Hotel Dallas-a life-size replica of Southfork. The narrative alternates with documentary segments on the role of “Dallas” in Romanian history. The film played at various film festivals in the U.S. and abroad. He could also be seen in Will Wallace’s directorial debut “Trafficked.” It is written by Siddharth Kara and stars Ashley Judd, Elizabeth Rohm, Sean Patrick Flannery and Anne Archer. Inspired by real characters, it follows three young women who are trafficked through an elaborate network and enslaved in a Texas Brothel from which they attempt a daring escape. Patrick appeared in the feature film “April, May And June,” in which he co-starred for director Will Koopman, in Amsterdam, which opened to a fall 2019 European premiere. Patrick has the feature film “Lady of The Manor,” which was directed by and stars Justin Long, currently in release through Lionsgate. He played a supporting role in the independent film noir feature film “L.A. Grit” late Winter of 2024.
As for the stage, Duffy appeared on the West End in London in Art in 2000 and also had a stint in the UK’s traditional Panto. Patrick toured the UK in 2022 in Producer Bill Kenwright’s production of Jack Weinstock and Willie Gilbert’s hit play, the thriller “Catch Me If You Can,” opposite Linda Purl. He preparation toured the UK late Fall of 2023 in Producer Bill Kenwright’s production of Playwright Reginald Rose’s celebrated play “Twelve Angry Men.”
