Coffee Time with Carlos Machado

Ep. 29 | Sheree J. Wilson on Dallas, Walker Texas Ranger & Life Beyond Hollywood

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Episode 29 of Coffee Time with Carlos Machado is a very special conversation with actress and producer Sheree J. Wilson, best known around the world for her unforgettable roles as April Stevens Ewing on Dallas and Alex Cahill on Walker, Texas Ranger.

But this isn't simply a Hollywood interview.

In this deeply personal and entertaining episode, Carlos and Sheree take a trip down memory lane through some extraordinary chapters of their lives — from the early days of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu in the United States, to the making of Walker, Texas Ranger, to unforgettable memories of Chuck Norris, Clarence Gilyard, Noble Willingham, Larry Hagman, Patrick Duffy, and the remarkable families that were created both on and off the television set.

Sheree and Carlos first crossed paths while working on Hellbound, filmed in Israel, before Walker, Texas Ranger had even become the iconic television series audiences would eventually know. Sheree shares the incredible story of how she ended up in Israel, meeting Chuck Norris and Aaron Norris, and unexpectedly discovering Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.

She remembers joining a workout with Chuck Norris and some of the martial artists around him, including Carlos Machado and Benny “The Jet” Urquidez. After an intense warm-up, Sheree jokingly thought the workout was over — only to discover that the “warm-up” was just beginning!

The conversation goes much deeper from there.

Carlos and Sheree talk about what made Chuck Norris so special — not simply as a martial artist and international star, but as a genuinely humble, generous, loyal, and deeply principled human being. They remember how Chuck treated everyone on the set like family, regardless of their position or job, and how his martial arts background helped shape his discipline, humility, self-control, respect, and grace under pressure.

The episode also explores Sheree's extraordinary journey through television history.

She talks about joining Dallas, one of the biggest television shows in the world, and working with Larry Hagman, Patrick Duffy, Linda Gray, and the rest of the cast. She describes the intimidating feeling of walking onto the set of the number-one television show and how the cast quickly became a second family.

Sheree explains the difference between working on Dallas and Walker, Texas Ranger. While Dallas had a large ensemble cast and established studio environments, Walker was an intense production filled with action, martial arts, car chases, explosions, locations, long shooting days, and enormous physical demands.

She also explains why the chemistry between the cast and crew mattered so much.

For Sheree, Walker, Texas Ranger wasn't just a television production. It was a family.

She shares how she brought people from her Dallas production family into Walker, creating a familiar team of directors, grips, gaffers, lighting professionals, and other crew members. The result was a creative family that continued working together across different projects.

Carlos and Sheree also revisit the legacy of Clarence Gilyard, one of the most beloved members of the Walker, Texas Ranger family.

Sheree then tells the story of working with Clarence for seven years after Walker, Texas Ranger, including their touring production of Driving Miss Daisy.

She explains how Clarence helped her return to the stage after decades away from live theater, how she prepared for the demanding role, and one unforgettable piece of advice she received before stepping onto a stage in front of thousands of people:

“Go give them a gift.”

That idea becomes one of the emotional themes of the entire conversation — taking the focus off yourself and giving something meaningful to other people.

Carlos and Sheree also discuss the difficult seasons of life that followed their years of professional success.

Sheree reflects on losing her father, sister, mother, and Clarence during a relatively short period of time, and why she chose to step back from some professional opportunities in order to heal and spend time with family.

The conversation is emotional, but it is also filled with hope.

Now, she is entering another creative chapter.

Sheree talks about returning to acting and producing, developing new projects, working with a new creative team, and preparing for a production in Budapest, Hungary. She also discusses the kinds of stories she wants to tell — stories with heart, purpose, strong characters, and meaningful themes.

Throughout the episode, Carlos and Sheree return to the importance of family, friendship, mentorship, martial arts, creativity, faith, discipline, and the people who shape our lives.

There are behind-the-scenes Walker, Texas Ranger memories.

There are stories about Dallas and Larry Hagman.

There are memories of Chuck Norris and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.

And there are heartfelt reflections about loss, healing, friendship, and finding your next chapter.

This is a conversation about much more than Hollywood.

It is about relationships that survive decades.

It is about the people we meet during the golden moments of our lives.

It is about what happens when careers end but friendships remain.

And it is about understanding that the next season of life can be just as meaningful as the one that came before it.

If you grew up watching Dallas or Walker, Texas Ranger, you'll recognize many of the names and stories in this episode. If you're a fan of Chuck Norris, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, martial arts, classic television, Hollywood history, or inspiring conversations about life and legacy, there is something here for you.

Pour yourself a cup of coffee and join Carlos Machado and Sheree J. Wilson for a conversation filled with laughter, memories, martial arts, Hollywood stories, family, friendship, and wisdom.

TIMESTAMPS

00:00 – Intro: Coffee Time with Sheree J. Wilson

03:15 – Reconnecting & How This Conversation Came Together

07:00 – Sheree’s Journey Into Acting

16:00 – Life on the Set of Dallas

25:00 – Meeting Chuck Norris & The People and Experiences That Shaped Her Career

28:00 — The early Machado Jiu-Jitsu days in California

38:30 – Walker, Texas Ranger: Behind the Scenes

48:00 – Martial Arts, Stunts & What Fans Never Saw

57:00 – The Difference Between Acting and Real Life

1:06:00 – Family, Friendship & Life’s Unexpected Moments

1:10:30 – Loss, Memories & Honoring the People We Love

1:15:00 – Sheree’s Life Beyond Hollywood

1:24:00 – What’s Next for Sheree J. Wilson

1:33:00 – Final Thoughts/Closing

ABOUT SHEREE J. WILSON

Sheree J. Wilson is an actress, producer, and longtime television favorite whose career includes two iconic television series: Dallas and Walker, Texas Ranger. She played April Stevens Ewing on Dallas and Alexandra “Alex” Cahill-Walker on Walker, Texas Ranger.

Beyond acting, Sheree has continued developing film and production projects and is the founder of Lone Star Cowgirl Films, where she continues to champion stories with heart, grit, and purpose. Her official website describes the company's mission as creating stories “with heart,” crafted in Texas and shared with the world.

Follow Sheree and learn more about her current projects through her official channels below.

SHEREE J. WILSON

Official Website:
https://www.shereejwilson.com/

Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/shereejwilsonofficial/


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ABOUT COFFEE TIME WITH CARLOS MACHADO

Coffee Time with Carlos Machado brings together martial artists, entertainers, entrepreneurs, athletes, leaders, friends, and fascinating people for authentic conversations about life, experiences, lessons learned, and the people who helped shape the journey.

Hosted by Carlos Machado, the conversations go beyond the obvious questions. Coffee Time is about sitting down, sharing stories, laughing about the past, learning from experience, and discovering the lessons hidden inside the moments that make us who we are.

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