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He was very close to Dallas (1978) co-star Victoria Principal, who bore a strong resemblance to his late daughter, and he had Principal's picture along with his daughter's in his pocket when he was buried.

Didn't have to walk too far in between scenes while doing Dallas (1978) prior to suffering his own health problems, but was determined to keep working until he was unable to. He had to leave the show when the cast (and he) knew that he was dying in 1981 (though he appeared in almost every episode of the 1980-81 season).

In April 1981 the writers of Dallas (1978) decided not to write his death into the storyline right away. They initially thought about replacing him with another actor, but out of respect decided that only Davis should play Jock Ewing. Jock was kept alive on the show (he was down in South America drilling for oil) until early 1982 when it was learned that he died in a plane crash.

The Search (1982), in which it was revealed that Jock was dead, was dedicated to his memory. Furthermore, the episode's end credits rolled in silence as a gesture of respect.

Only child Tara Diane (15 January 1953 - 9 February 1970) died in a car crash at age 17.