Barbara Stock is an accomplished American actress whose career spanned over two decades, primarily in television but also in film and theater. Known for her poise, versatility, and memorable roles in classic series, Stock left a lasting impression on audiences and critics alike. This article explores her career, highlighting her most significant movies and TV shows, her acting style, and her legacy in the entertainment industry.
Early Life and Career Beginnings
Barbara Stock was born on May 26, 1956, in Illinois, USA. Before entering the world of acting, she hosted the local talk show “Mid-Morning” on WTTV in Indianapolis. Her professional acting journey began in the late 1970s, and she quickly found her footing in both television and theater. Stock’s Broadway debut came when she replaced Shelley Burch as Claudia in the Tony Award-winning musical “Nine,” directed by Tommy Tune in 1983.
Complete Filmography Overview
| Year | Title/Series | Role | Notes/Medium |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1980 | Fantasy Island | Pru | TV Episode |
| 1981 | CHiPs | Officer Paula Woods | TV Episodes |
| 1981–1991 | Dallas | Heather Wilson / Liz Adams | TV Series |
| 1982 | I, Desire | Mona | TV Movie |
| 1982 | The Facts of Life | Nurse Barbara Burton | TV Episode |
| 1983 | Bring ‘Em Back Alive | – | TV Episode |
| 1983 | T. J. Hooker | Amy Robbins | TV Episode |
| 1983 | Fantasy Island | Abby Poutreau | TV Episode |
| 1983 | Remington Steele | Kitty Curtain | TV Episode |
| 1984 | The A-Team | Girl in Red Ferrari | TV Episode |
| 1984 | The Yellow Rose | Lila Devereaux | TV Episode |
| 1984 | Knight Rider | Margo Sheridan | TV Episode |
| 1984 | Mike Hammer | Lenore Wiggin | TV Episode |
| 1985 | Otherworld | Scarla Raye | TV Mini-Series |
| 1985 | Berrenger’s | Debbie | TV Episodes |
| 1985 | Moonlighting | Laura Boyd | TV Episode |
| 1985 | Street Hawk | Elizabeth Morgan | TV Episode |
| 1985 | Scene of the Crime | Sharon Bryce | TV Episode |
| 1985 | Wizards of the Lost Kingdom | Udea | Film |
| 1986 | Long Time Gone | Georgia Diablo | Film |
| 1986 | Murder, She Wrote | Daniella Morgana Carmody | TV Episodes |
| 1986 | Sidekicks | Catherine Sable | TV Episode |
| 1987 | Mike Hammer | Marie Riviere | TV Episode |
| 1987 | The Verne Miller Story | Vi Miles | Film |
| 1985–1988 | Spenser: For Hire | Susan Silverman | TV Series |
| 1988 | The Twilight Zone | Mary McNeal | TV Episode |
| 1988 | In the Heat of the Night | Jacqueline ‘Jackie’ Holt | TV Episode |
| 1989 | Father Dowling Mysteries | Jessica Ford | TV Episode |
| 1989 | MacGyver | Dr. Laura Sand | TV Episode |
| 1990–1991 | Dallas | Liz Adams | TV Series |
| 1991 | Pacific Station | Cary Fiedler | TV Episode |
| 1992 | Seinfeld | Scam Woman | TV Episode |
| 1993 | Hearts Afire | Jan Lindsay | TV Episode |
| 1993 | Trade Winds | Grace Sommers | TV Mini-Series |
| 1995 | Touched by an Angel | Jill Bennett | TV Episode |
| 1996 | Hijacked: Flight 285 | Veronica Mitchell | TV Movie |
| 1997 | Port Charles | Nicole Devlin | TV Series |
| 1997 | Baywatch | Dr. Meyers | TV Episode |
| 1998 | Charmed | Mrs. Grace Spencer | TV Episode |
| 2001 | The Princess & the Marine | Susan | TV Movie |
Breakthrough Roles:
Spenser For Hire Susan Silverman
Barbara Stock’s most iconic role is Susan Silverman in the ABC crime drama series “Spenser: For Hire” (1985–1988). As the intelligent and compassionate psychologist and love interest to Robert Urich’s Spenser, Stock appeared in 43 episodes across three seasons. Her portrayal brought emotional depth and realism to the character, making her a fan favorite and a key part of the show’s success.
Dallas Heather Wilson and Liz Adams
Stock’s association with the legendary CBS soap opera “Dallas” is unique. She first appeared as Heather Wilson in two episodes in season five (1981–1982). Nearly a decade later, she returned as Liz Adams, a major character and the fiancée of Cliff Barnes, in the show’s final seasons (1990–1991), appearing in 26 episodes. Her dual roles demonstrated her adaptability and popularity with both producers and viewers.
Other Notable TV Roles
Barbara Stock was a prolific guest star, appearing in more than 100 hours of television and over 30 different series. Some of her most notable TV appearances include:
- Murder, She Wrote (Daniella Morgana Carmody)
- MacGyver (Dr. Laura Sand)
- The Twilight Zone (Mary McNeal)
- The A-Team (Girl in Red Ferrari)
- Knight Rider (Margo Sheridan)
- Remington Steele (Kitty Curtain)
- Moonlighting (Laura Boyd)
- Father Dowling Mysteries (Jessica Ford)
- Touched by an Angel (Jill Bennett)
- Charmed (Mrs. Grace Spencer)
- Seinfeld (Scam Woman, in the episode “The Subway,” where she famously handcuffs and robs George Costanza).
Her recurring role as Nicole Devlin in the soap opera “Port Charles” (1997–1998) and appearances in “Baywatch,” “Hearts Afire,” “In the Heat of the Night,” and “Pacific Station” further cemented her reputation as a versatile and reliable television actress.
Film Appearances
While Barbara Stock’s primary focus was television, she also appeared in several films and TV movies:
- Wizards of the Lost Kingdom (1985) – Udea
- Long Time Gone (1986) – Georgia Diablo
- The Verne Miller Story (1987) – Vi Miles
- Hijacked: Flight 285 (1996, TV Movie) – Veronica Mitchell
- The Princess & the Marine (2001, TV Movie) – Susan
Her film roles, though fewer, showcased her ability to transition seamlessly between genres and formats.
Theater Work
In addition to her on-screen career, Barbara Stock made significant contributions to theater. Her most notable stage role was as Claudia in the Broadway musical “Nine,” where she brought elegance and emotional resonance to the production.
Acting Style and Approach
Barbara Stock is celebrated for her blend of raw emotion and technical skill. She immersed herself in every character, researching and preparing meticulously to deliver authentic and believable performances. Whether in drama, comedy, or soap opera, Stock’s presence elevated the material and left a lasting impression on audiences.
Life After Acting
Barbara Stock retired from acting in 2001. She launched a successful interior design business, Barbara Stock Design, serving clients in Los Angeles and the San Fernando Valley. Her post-acting career reflects her creativity and entrepreneurial spirit.
Legacy and Impact
Barbara Stock’s career is a testament to talent, resilience, and dedication. She is remembered for her compelling performances, especially as Susan Silverman in “Spenser: For Hire” and Liz Adams in “Dallas.” Her ability to bring depth and authenticity to every role made her a respected figure in television history. Even after stepping away from the spotlight, her work continues to inspire both audiences and aspiring actors..
Conclusion
Barbara Stock’s career is a testament to talent, resilience, and dedication. She is remembered for her compelling performances, especially as Susan Silverman in “Spenser: For Hire” and Liz Adams in “Dallas.” Her ability to bring depth and authenticity to every role made her a respected figure in television history. Even after stepping away from the spotlight, her work continues to inspire both audiences and aspiring actors.