Steve Kanaly was born in Burbank, California, and graduated from Van Nuys High School in Van Nuys, California in 1964. He served in the Vietnam War as a radio operator with the First Air Cavalry Division. He provided details of his experiences to John Milius for the Colonel Kilgore character scenes in "Apocalypse Now." He and his wife live on a ranch in Ojai, California, where they grow avocados and oranges. He is a highly regarded watercolor artist.

Dallas - Ray Krebbs (1978-1991, 2012-present)
The Last Chance Detectives - Sheriff Smitty (1994-1996)
All My Children - Seabone Hunkle (1994-1995)
The Love Boat - Bill Davis/Mr. Massey (1980-1983)
The Sugarland Express - Jessup (1974)

Pop Culture Award - "Dallas."
TV Land Awards (2006)
Hermosa Beach Film Festival - Best Director - "Sliding Home." (1997)
Soap Opera Digest Award - Outstanding Actor in a Supporting Role in a Primetime Soap - "Dallas." (1988)
Soap Opera Digest Award - Outstanding Actor in a Supporting Role in a Primetime Soap - "Dallas." (1985)
Soap Opera Digest Award - Outstanding Actor in a Supporting Role in a Primetime Soap - "Dallas." (1984)