John Forsythe didn’t just star as the imposing patriarch on ’80s classic Dynasty: he was a father of three in real life, welcoming children in two of his three marriages. Two of his children pursued careers in showbiz while another found success in political writing. These varied careers might come as a surprise, but for a man who found success as a producer, theatre actor and movie star, there’s certainly some sense to their sector-spanning talents.
Read on to meet the children who starred with their famous father on his self-titled show, discover more about his Hollywood marriages and find out what legacy he left behind…
© Disney General Entertainment Content via Getty ImagesJohn Forsythe memorably starred as Blake Carrington in ‘Dynasty’
Who is John Forsythe?
With six decades of star credits to his name, John Forsythe’s career carried across the decades from his first role in 1939 with a touring theatre company to iconic leading man status.
His best-loved hits include 2000 feature Charlie’s Angels, based on the ’70s hit, 1966’s Madame X and an nine-season run on Dynasty.
© Getty ImagesJohn Forsythe was married three times during the course of his life
Inside his love life
John Forsythe was married three times during his life. He first wed actress Parker McCormick in 1939, remaining married for four years and welcoming son Dall W. Forsythe in 1943. They separated the same year.
He married Julie Warren that same year, remaining together until her death in 1994. Over the course of their marriage they welcomed two children, Brooke and Page. John remarried after her passing, wedding Nicole Carter in 2002 and remaining married to her until his death in 2010.
© Disney General Entertainment Content via Getty ImagesJohn starred as the Carrington family patriarch on ‘Dynasty’
An acting Dynasty
Stir up a concoction of shoulder pads and oil empires and you’ll get ’80s soap opera Dynasty. John Forsythe brought the ruthless Blake Carrington to life, playing the head of the Carrington family.
From business to personal clashes and corporate strategy, Blake became a fan favourite and John won an extensive fanbase in the process.
© Getty ImagesJohn welcomed his oldest son in 1943
Dall W. Forsythe
Dall W. Forsythe was born in 1943 to John Forsythe and his first wife, actress Parker McCormick. He is the only child from this first marriage, and has two half siblings.
Now 83 years old, Dall is a senior fellow at NYU’s Wagner Graduate School of Public Service. He’s written several books including Taxation and Political Change in the Young Nation, 1781-1833 and Memos to the Governor.
© Getty ImagesBrooke is the daughter of John and his second wife Julie
Brooke Forsythe
John and his second wife Julie welcomed two children together during their marriage. Brooke Forsythe seemingly inherited some of her parents’ acting talent, starring alongside her father.
In 1965, Brooke appeared as Norma Jean in a 1965 episode of The John Forsythe Show which ran between 1965 and 1966 and starred John as Major Foster.
© Penske Media via Getty ImagesJohn and Julie welcomed two children, including daughter Page
Page Forsythe
Like her sister Brooke, Page appeared in The John Forsythe Show, though she doubled her sister’s credits with two appearances in 1965.
She also appeared in a 1971 episode of To Rome with Love and as an unnamed waitress on Family Affair in 1969.
© WireImage via Getty ImagesJohn Forsythe passed away on 1 April 2010
A lost legend
John’s star power lasted more than 60 years, from cosy sitcom Bachelor Father to secret spy shenanigans in Charlie’s Angels.
He died at the age of 92 on 1 April 2010, leaving behind a legacy of TV stardom, experience behind the camera and memorable leading roles on the big screen.
