Dallas star Patrick Duffy and Happy Days vet Linda Purl talk about finding love

Spending time in the kitchen is a huge part of Linda Purl and Patrick Duff’s relationship, so much so that they just launched a new baking product together that honors Duffy’s family. 

‘Our lifestyles make us very compatible in almost every conceivable way,’ Dallas’ Patrick Duffy tells People of his relationship with 67-year-old Happy Days star Linda Purl.  

The H stars, who have been dating for over two years, spoke with the site about their new sourdough kit, Duffy’s Dough, which includes a dehydrated version of a starter that dates back ‘at least 70 years,’ says Duffy, 73.

‘My parents took my sister and myself in 1952 in a little trailer house, towed by a truck, from Montana to Alaska. While we were there for almost two years, my mother was gifted by some old woman a sourdough starter,’ he said.

His mom baked with it throughout his childhood and his sister kept it active for years, inspiring Duffy to bake with it, too.

At the beginning of their relationship, he made sourdough pancakes for Purl, 67, who said they tasted ‘remarkable,’ and it sparked an idea to start a business using the starter.

‘Now I didn’t think I was ever going to start a business, but Linda is Linda and took it and ran with it instantly,’ said Duffy. ‘We have been dehydrating the original sourdough starter. So it’s absolutely pure from the time that my mother received it.’

‘I think it’s just an interesting comment on society and the times that certain things can remain unchanged and viable,’ Duffy said of the family heirloom. 

Purl explained that baking is a way they connect with family and friends, describing the benefits of literally breaking bread together and why they hope to inspire customers to join in similar family traditions.

‘There’s a possibility of really good things happening and real communication happening. It starts with the tiny little spore of yeast, but it can expand into an experience on many levels,’ she added.

It is no surprise that this project strengthened their relationship since being in the kitchen is woven into their love story.

‘When we got together, I can actually remember I arrived late in the afternoon and we had dinner and we cooked dinner in the kitchen. And it was a dance that we had never done together, but the choreography was known to both of us,’ said Duffy.

‘Linda is a master cook, and I learn every day from the way that she cooks,’ he adds. ‘Our lifestyles make us very compatible in almost every conceivable way. In the kitchen, the way we cook, the way we clean, the way we function together as individuals.’

The limited-release product will be available to order now through mid-December.