Shannon Wilcox, ‘Songwriter’ and ‘Dallas’ Actor, Dies at 80

Michaela Zee
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Shannon Wilcox, a character actor who appeared in 1984’s “Songwriter” alongside Willie Nelson and in five episodes of “Dallas,” died Sept. 2 in Los Angeles. She was 80.

Wilcox’s death was confirmed by her talent agent Peter Young.

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Wilcox worked on such films as 1982’s “Six Weeks” with Dudley Moore and 1991’s “Frankie and Johnny” opposite Al Pacino. She also played the mother of Elisabeth Shue’s Ali Mills in John G. Avildsen’s “The Karate Kid” and appeared in other notable films throughout her career, including “Se7en,” “Runaway Bride,” “Raising Helen,” “The Princess Diaries” and its 2004 sequel, “The Border,” “Legal Eagles,” “For the Boys,””Exit to Eden,” “Dear God” and “The Other Sister.”

Wilcox made her onscreen debut on the action series “Starsky and Hutch” in 1976. She later guested on several series from the late ’70s to ’80s, including the short-lived sitcom “Sirota’s Court,” “Dog and Cat,” “Hawaii Five-O,” “Hart to Hart,” “Cagney & Lacey,” “Magnum, P.I.,” “Remington Steele” and “Buck James.”

In 1990, she had a recurring role as Anita on “Dallas,” in which she appeared in a continuing story arc in the 13th and 14th seasons involving Larry Hagman’s J.R. Ewing. Additional TV credits include “Grey’s Anatomy,” “Truth Be Told,” “The Resident,” “NCIS,” “ER” and “Matlock.”

Wilcox was married plastic surgeon to John Williams from 1965 until their divorce in 1984, and to “Godfather” actor and Emmy winner Alex Rocco from 2004 until his death in 2015.

Wilcox is survived by her daughter, actor Kelli Williams, and her son, writer-producer Sean Doyle.

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