Miss Ellie on Dallas was one of the most iconic roles that was ever created on a TV show and it was quite obvious that if she was switched, then the audience would notice. Barbara Bel Geddes portrayed Miss Ellie from 1978 until 1984 when she was forced to undergo heart bypass surgery after doctors picked up on an underlying medical condition and decided not to return during recovery.

The show decided to cast Donna Reed in her place, but this didn’t go down to well with viewers since Barbara had become a much-loved character over the years. The show somehow managed to talk Barbara back into reprising her role and once again she returned to the show for the 1985-86 season. Geddes was one of the biggest stars of the show and she remained a main part of the cast until the later stages of the penultimate season, which was released in 1990.