Linda Gray became a household name thanks to her role as Sue Ellen Ewing on the beloved soap opera Dallas. Over the course of more than 300 episodes, she not only showcased her incredible talent but also faced numerous personal challenges along the way. Today, at 84 years old, Gray continues to shine.
Throughout the history of film and television, we have witnessed remarkable performances by countless actors. Some portrayals resonate so deeply that it’s hard to imagine anyone else in the role. For instance, who could envision Little House on the Prairie without Michael Landon as Charles Ingalls or Mary Poppins without Dick Van Dyke as Bert? Similarly, Linda Gray’s portrayal of Sue Ellen is irreplaceable, and fans of the show are grateful she was cast in such a pivotal role.
Gray’s life has been nothing short of extraordinary, resembling a roller coaster filled with ups and downs. She has confronted life-threatening illnesses, addiction, and a challenging marriage. Despite these adversities, she has always emerged stronger, committed to making the most of her life and career.
Starring alongside Larry Hagman and Patrick Duffy on Dallas, Gray recently opened up about her experiences working with Hagman and the dynamic chemistry they shared on set.
Born on September 12, 1940, in Santa Monica, California, Gray faced a significant challenge in her childhood when she was diagnosed with polio. Her grandfather had also contracted the virus, leaving her family in distress. However, Linda maintained a surprisingly optimistic outlook during her own diagnosis. “They didn’t know what it was when he was 17, and he was always in a wheelchair”, she recalled. “When I was diagnosed, everyone went crazy in my family, but I wasn’t. I thought I could have a wheelchair like Grandpa.”
Growing up in Culver City, California, where her father owned a watchmaker shop, Linda was drawn to the performing arts from a young age. She often entertained her neighbors and even starred as Cinderella in a school production at Notre Dame Academy in Los Angeles.
While her father provided a stable presence, he was emotionally distant. As Gray noted in her 2015 memoir, The Road to Happiness Is Always Under Construction, “He was just kind of there, like a piece of furniture”, and emotional discussions were off-limits. In contrast, her mother, Marge, a former artist and ballerina, struggled with alcoholism, leaving Linda and her sister to take charge of the household. “She wasn’t mean, she was just blurred, in her own world”, Gray wrote. This upbringing inspired Linda to pursue a different path, determined to avoid her mother’s fate.
With dreams of a career in medicine initially, Gray soon shifted her focus to acting, influenced by the Hollywood landscape surrounding her. She spent her teenage years modeling for various companies and airlines.
At 21, Linda married photographer Edward Lee Thrasher, but the marriage became a struggle. Her aspirations took a backseat as she became a wife and mother, welcoming son Jeff in 1960 and daughter Kehly six years later. Linda felt emotionally neglected, describing the marriage as “cold” and ultimately deciding to leave after 21 years.
Despite her husband’s disapproval of her pursuing acting, Gray took the plunge and began landing television commercials. She had minor roles in films like Under the Yum Yum Tree and Palm Springs Weekend but hit the jackpot when, at 27, she became Anne Bancroft’s body double for The Graduate poster (1967). Ironically, she later portrayed Mrs. Robinson in a 2001 stage adaptation of the same film.
In her memoir, Gray also shared a humorous rejection letter from Glamour magazine she received in the early 1960s, which she kept as a reminder of resilience. “It kicked me from behind, and made me want to go and do something”, she said.
Though she loved motherhood, the lack of a fulfilling career frustrated her. When she finally enrolled in acting classes, her husband dismissed the idea, suggesting she wait until their children were older. At 37, she forged ahead and trained alongside younger actors. It wasn’t long before she secured her first significant role as a guest star on Marcus Welby, M.D. in 1974.
The turning point came in 1978 when Gray was cast as Sue Ellen Ewing on Dallas. Initially meant to be a recurring role for just five episodes, her performance resonated with audiences and critics alike, leading to her becoming a series regular and turning her into a star.
Dallas, set against the backdrop of family rivalry and scandal at Southfork Ranch, showcased Gray’s exceptional talent. Her chemistry with Larry Hagman was palpable, but she clarified that it stemmed from a sibling-like bond. “He was the bad big brother that I never had”, she explained. Their dynamic translated beautifully on-screen, captivating both the network executives and viewers alike.
The show broke numerous viewing records, becoming one of the most-watched television series in history. The iconic episode revealing who shot J.R. Ewing drew an estimated 80 million viewers, a record that stood until surpassed by MASH*.
For her role, Gray received two Golden Globe nominations and an Emmy nomination for Outstanding Lead Actress. After divorcing Ed Thrasher in 1983, her son Jeff pursued a career in directing and earned an Emmy nomination in 2018. Tragically, he passed away in 2020 after battling leukemia. Gray honored him on Instagram, celebrating his life and the love he shared with those around him.
Throughout her tenure on Dallas, Gray appeared in 308 episodes. Following the show’s conclusion, she continued to work in television and reprised her role as Sue Ellen in the 2012 revival of Dallas, which aired for two seasons. She received a Special Award at the 2014 USA Film Festival, further cementing her legacy.
Now, at 84, Linda Gray remains as stunning as ever. She has navigated many challenges, from her childhood struggles to her difficult marriage and the loss of her son. Through it all, she has learned to transform adversity into resilience.
We admire her strength and wish her continued success in the years to come! Feel free to share this inspiring story with your family and friends.
Angelina Jolie through the years: The star’s life in photos
Angelina Jolie has lived her whole life in front of the spotlight. She was born to father, Jon Voight, and mother, Marcheline Bertrand in 1975. Now, on her 46th birthday, see her evolution through the years in the limelight.
Getty Images
2 of 24
Jolie clings tight to father, Jon Voight, in 1980.
Getty Images
3 of 24
Angelina Jolie, Jamie Haven and Jon Voight attend the Academy Awards in 1986.
Getty Images
4 of 24
Angelina Jolie, Jon Voight, and Jamie Haven at the 60th Academy Awards.
Getty Images
5 of 24
Jolie starts life in front of the camera while modeling a bikini in 1991.
Getty Images
6 of 24
Jolie attends the premiere of “Wallace” in 1997.
Getty Images
7 of 24
Jolie at the premiere of “Gia” in 1998.
Getty Images
8 of 24
Jolie goes blonde for the SAG Awards in 1999.
Getty Images
9 of 24
Angelina Jolie and Billy Bob Thornton get close at the “Gone in 60 Seconds” premiere. The two were married from 2000 to 2003.
Getty Images
10 of 24
Jolie smolders in a beige dress at the “Taking Lives” premiere in 2004.
Getty Images
11 of 24
Jolie out with baby Maddox in 2003.
Getty Images
12 of 24
Jolie arrives to the Venice Film Festival in 2004.
Getty Images
13 of 24
Jolie beams next to Brad Pitt at the premiere of “Mr. and Mrs. Smith” in 20o5. The two began their relationship while filming the movie while Pitt was still married to Jennifer Aniston.
Getty Images
14 of 24
Jolie films “Life or Something Like It” with a platinum blond wig.
Getty Images
15 of 24
Pitt and Jolie attend the premiere of “God Grew Tired Of Us” in 2007.
Getty Images
16 of 24
Jolie steps out with Maddox and Shiloh in 2007.
Getty Images
17 of 24
Angelina Jolie steps onto the red carpet while pregnant in 2008.
Getty Images
18 of 24
Pitt and Jolie attend the SAG Awards in 2009.
Getty Images
19 of 24
Jolie out with her children in 2011.
Getty Images
20 of 24
Jolie showing off some leg at the Academy Awards in 2012.
Getty Images
21 of 24
Pitt and Jolie attend the “Maleficent” premiere in 2014. The two filed for divorce in 2016.
Getty Images
22 of 24
Pax Jolie-Pitt and Angelina Jolie attend the Netflix Golden Globes in 2018.
Getty Images
23 of 24
Angelina Jolie attends the “Maleficent” premiere with her kids, Vivienne, Zahara, Shiloh and Knox in 2019.
Getty Images
24 of 24
Jolie beams with her daughter, Vivenne, in 2020. While Jolie hasn’t acted in a movie since 2019’s Maleficent, she has stayed in the spotlight as her custody battle with ex, Brad Pitt, rages on.
Leave a Reply