Down the years many celebrities have outed themselves as secret caravan lovers, from Brad Pitt and Tom Hanks to Pamela Anderson and Sandra Bullock, but few sound so down-to-earth about their touring experiences as Patrick Duffy.
Fans of 1980s TV will surely remember Patrick as Bobby Ewing in the smash-hit series Dallas, but his latest role is representing the Caravan Club at next week’s NCC Motorhome and Caravan Show.
Far from the flashy lifestyles of the Ewing family, Patrick admits that he is more of a “nester” and prefers the cosy comforts of his motorhome, he told the Daily Express.
Whilst most celebrities opt for an opulent Airstream or even a colossal RV, Patrick lived in a six foot by eight foot motorhome throughout the 13 years that Dallas was filmed.
Furthermore, the entire cast got in the spirit of things, with Larry Hagman (who played oil magnate JR Ewing) also living in a motorhome while they were making the show.
“He always had a small refrigerator filled with champagne. We had wild parties in our motorhomes in the old days,” Patrick told the national newspaper.
Since the show finished in 1991, the veteran actors have become much more relaxed and easy-living, but the caravans and motorhomes are still a large part of their lifestyle – Larry has since bought an Airstream and Patrick retains a fondness for getting back to nature.
“My most vivid memories of my childhood are those days out in the wilds with the family,” the 62-year-old recalls. “My dad would throw the family in the truck and we would head up to the mountains.”
“Caravanning perpetuates that concept. You are not distracted by television or the internal instruments you have at home. All you have to entertain yourself with are the tools of nature.”
Patrick Duffy will be appearing at next week’s NCC Motorhome and Caravan Show, as a Caravan Club ambassador. The show runs from Tuesday 11th to Sunday 16th October and tickets cost £7 each for adults.
