Deborah Rennard, best known as the wife of acclaimed film and television writer-director Paul Haggis, first made her mark in Hollywood with a memorable acting debut. She stepped into the role of Sly Lovegren—the sharp, devoted secretary to Texas oil tycoon J.R. Ewing—on the hit prime-time soap “Dallas.” Taking over the character during the show’s fifth season in 1981, Deborah Rennard remained a central figure until the series concluded in 1991, earning a loyal fan base along the way.
While many saw Sly Lovegren as the quintessential supportive secretary, Rennard worked hard to break that mold. Off-screen and on, she embraced roles that showcased her range and strength as an actress. For instance, she took on edgier, more complex characters—portraying a sultry femme fatale in the action-packed drama “Lionheart” and embodying a fierce feminist warrior in the post-apocalyptic sci-fi flick “Land of Doom.” These performances highlighted a side of Deborah Rennard that went far beyond the polished image of a Dallas secretary.
Her career continued to evolve with guest appearances on popular TV dramas. She brought depth and intrigue to episodes of the steamy crime series “Silk Stalkings” and lent her presence to the long-running classic soap “Days of Our Lives.” Then came a turning point: a recurring role as Dr. Esther Pearson on the beloved police procedural “Due South,” a show created by none other than her husband, Paul Haggis. This marked the first time Deborah Rennard collaborated directly with Haggis on a major project, adding both professional and personal significance to her performance.
Beyond acting, Rennard expanded her creative horizons behind the camera. She contributed as a producer on several of Haggis’s projects, including his short-lived but critically praised crime series “EZ Streets.” Later, she played a key role in bringing the powerful military mystery “In the Valley of Elah” to life—a film written and directed by Haggis that earned widespread acclaim. Her work as a producer demonstrated not only her dedication to storytelling but also her deep partnership with Haggis in shaping compelling narratives.
Looking back on her journey, one standout moment was in 1996, when Deborah Rennard reunited with her “Dallas” co-stars for the TV movie “Dallas: J.R. Returns.” The film aimed to tie up lingering plotlines, and Rennard’s return as Sly Lovegren was warmly welcomed by fans who had followed her character’s journey for over a decade.
Throughout her career, Deborah Rennard has balanced her identity as an actress, collaborator, and creative force—often working alongside Haggis while still carving out her own unique path in the entertainment industry. Whether on screen or behind the scenes, her contributions continue to reflect both talent and tenacity.
So, when it comes to Deborah Rennard’s filmography, things get a bit interesting — her highest rated movie actually happens to be Lionheart (1990), which, believe it or not, also holds the title for her lowest rated film. Yeah, that’s right — Deborah Rennard’s most notable work in terms of ratings is this one particular project that somehow lands at both ends of the spectrum. It’s kind of ironic, really. Deborah Rennard seems to have a unique connection with Lionheart (1990), given how it stands out so distinctly in her career. Whether that’s due to mixed reviews or varying audience interpretations, it’s clear that Deborah Rennard’s role in this film has sparked quite a range of reactions.