What Really Happened to Larry Dallas?
Larry Dallas—quick-witted, charming, and always working an angle—became one of Three’s Company’s most unforgettable characters. Played by Richard Kline, Larry first appeared in Season 1 as the upstairs neighbor to Jack, Janet, and Chrissy. A used-car salesman with questionable ethics and a self-proclaimed ladies’ man, he quickly became Jack Tripper’s closest friend and comedic partner-in-crime.
From Guest Star to Series Regular
Originally just a recurring guest for the first three seasons, Larry’s popularity with fans (and the cast) skyrocketed. By Season 4, he was promoted to the main cast and added to the opening credits—a sure sign he had won over audiences and cemented his place in the show.
More Than Just Comic Relief
While Larry was known for his womanizing ways and shady sales tactics, he also proved to be fiercely loyal. Beneath his smooth-talking exterior was a dependable friend who stood by Jack even in the show’s most chaotic moments.
A Legacy Beyond the Original Show
Larry Dallas wasn’t confined to Three’s Company. He also appeared in both spin-offs—The Ropers (1979) and Three’s a Crowd (1985)—making him one of only two characters, alongside Jack Tripper, to appear in all three series.
Richard Kline’s Life After Larry
Following the end of Three’s Company, Richard Kline enjoyed a long and varied career:
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Hosted several TV pilots.
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Guest-starred in popular series such as Matlock, The Love Boat, Murder, She Wrote, Married… with Children, L.A. Law, and Hill Street Blues.
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Acted in films including I Now Pronounce You Chuck & Larry and Jack and Jill.
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Worked extensively in theater, touring nationally and performing on Broadway in Waitress (2019) and The Sting (2018).
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Founded his own acting workshop, training the next generation of performers.
A Man of Depth in Real Life
Born April 29, 1944, in Queens, New York, Kline earned his MFA in theater before serving as a lieutenant with the 101st Airborne in Vietnam from 1969 to 1971. He has spoken about the “double guilt” he felt—being a liberal actor serving in a controversial war, and doing so away from the front lines.
Still Going Strong in His 80s
Now in his 80s, Kline continues to act occasionally, teach, and appear at Three’s Company reunions. Reflecting on the show’s enduring appeal, he once remarked that you can’t escape the fame of Three’s Company, especially when it’s still on TV more than forty years later.
Why Larry Dallas Still Resonates
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The Suave Scene-Stealer: Larry’s charm and wit made him stand out instantly.
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Jack’s True Friend: His unwavering loyalty gave the show heart as well as humor.
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A Sitcom Survivor: One of the few characters to appear across all related series.
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A Multifaceted Actor: Kline’s own rich life story adds depth to the man behind the mustache.
In Short:
Larry Dallas started as a side character but became a central figure in Three’s Company. Richard Kline’s portrayal—and his life beyond the sitcom—show that both the character and the actor have left a lasting mark on television history.
