In March 1980, the entire country was left at the edge of their seats with the television cliffhanger of, “Who Shot JR?” on the hit primetime soap opera, “Dallas.” Millions tuned in months later to find out who was responsible for the shooting of Larry Hagman’s character, and it made the show an American classic. It wasn’t until six years later that Emma Bell, one of the stars of the show’s modern remake, was even born. Despite having missed the show’s first go-round, Emma has joined the cast as Emma Brown where her character is right in the middle of all the “Dallas” drama, deception, and dirt.
To some it might seem like Emma Bell is an overnight sensation, but she has been paying her dues since the age of twelve when she began her acting career in an off-Broadway production. She moved to New York City at sixteen to attend a performing arts high school, and slowly carved her niche in the acting scene through appearances in commercials and television.
Bell’s career picked up steam in her lead role in the 2010 film, Frozen, as well as her work on season one of AMC’s “The Walking Dead,” and the horror film, Final Destination 5. All her television and film work ultimately led to her current role on TNT’s hit show, “Dallas.” The steamy drama is known for the characters’ outrageous behavior, but talking to her you realize she couldn’t be more different from her “Dallas” persona. “I usually play these loveable characters who get killed off, so I’m glad to be a part of a television family that has embraced me and I can develop a character over a longer period of time.”
Filming on “Dallas” has been somewhat different this season in the wake of star Larry Hagman’s passing. A huge presence in the industry and on set, “Larry’s spirit is still with us and guiding the pens of the writers,” says Emma. “We miss him terribly, but in a way it feels like he’s still right there.”
One thing Emma has noticed since she began working on the show is the response people have towards her character’s naughty behavior. She notes that her character isn’t an angel, but people don’t hold the male characters to such high moral standards. “People comment online and say really nasty things about her,” Emma laments. She says it’s a reminder to her about bullying and how difficult it is now for people who experience online harassment. “I just remember that kids now can’t just go home and feel safe, the bullying follows them online, so it’s harder than when I was young.” Emma says she was an “uncool” kid and experienced bullying firsthand, and decided to use it to fuel her ambitions. Looks like she’s getting the last laugh.
Despite all of the backstabbing and deceit in the plot of “Dallas,” Emma’s real life passion is anything but naughty. She runs a non-profit organization called UnitePeople whose mission is to ”empower the community through an awareness of a healthier more sustainable way of living.” Based in Southern California, the organization is primarily focused on biodynamic food and the promotion of urban farming and sustainable food production in urban communities. Emma says her goal is to “create a network of urban farms in people’s private yards all around [Los Angeles]” and educating people on how to eat better and grow their own food, “even if it’s as simple as a window box in their apartment.” UnitePeople works to provide food to those who provide the, the communities organizations, and the volunteers who made the project come to life. Bell is passionate about the project and aims to educate people about how to work together to produce healthy and sustainable food in their own neighborhoods.
Unlike the stereotype of a Hollywood diva, Bell’s positive attitude shines through when you talk to her. She doesn’t see Hollywood as a cutthroat environment, and says her experiences have all been positive. She says she has been blessed to work with some of the best in the business including recent Golden Globe winner, Jacqueline Bisset as well as television legend Judith Light, who plays her grandmother on “Dallas.” Bell says she feels supported by her castmates and doesn’t worry about competition or catty behavior. “I have experienced none of that,” she says.
Notorious for being incredibly humble and kind, Emma did admit to having one diva tendency. She said she is very territorial with her secret chocolate stash. “I like to keep dark chocolate bars around, for chocolate emergencies, and if my boyfriend steals one it can get pretty ugly.” So she’s basically the anti-diva. Looks like Emma couldn’t be less like her character on “Dallas” and we’re happy about that.
With the current season of “Dallas” airing now on TNT, and more episodes slated to debut in the summer, it looks like we’re going to be seeing a lot more of Emma Bell. Follow her on Twitter @EmmaBell17
