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.
We Baptized Our Baby – Priest’s Whispered Words Changed Everything!
Daniel thought his life was perfect. He had a loving wife, a newborn daughter, and a family baptism to celebrate their joy. But everything changed when the priest held their baby and whispered, “This is impossible.” His words sent a chill through the church, unraveling secrets and causing Daniel’s world to fall apart.
I stood by the nursery window, watching the morning light shine through the lace curtains. It created a soft glow around Brittany’s crib. I couldn’t help but smile; this was everything I had ever wanted.
Daniel felt like the luckiest man alive as he looked down at his newborn daughter, Brittany. She was so peaceful and small; she was perfect. For years, he had dreamed of this moment—being married, becoming a dad, and living in a house he helped design. It all seemed like a dream when he first met Nadine in college.
He remembered how she caught his eye, sitting outside the library with her sketchbook. Daniel knew she was someone special. They fell in love quickly, and now, after five years of marriage, they had their little angel, Brittany, who had just turned four months old.
Daniel should have been happy, and he was, but lately, something felt off. Nadine had been quiet and distant, and he thought it was just the stress of being new parents and her freelance work. But it was wearing on him. He noticed her looking at Brittany sometimes with a tight expression, as if she was carrying a heavy burden.
Today was supposed to be a joyful day—the baptism of Brittany. Daniel hoped it would lift Nadine’s spirits. He turned to look at her as she slept under a blanket, hoping this special day would help.
When they arrived at the church, Daniel felt a sense of home. The old stone walls and the smell of incense were comforting. His family had been coming here for generations, and it was part of their story. Nadine walked beside him, holding Brittany, but she looked pale and didn’t say much. He assumed she was just nervous.
As they walked toward the altar, Daniel asked, “You okay?” She managed a tight smile and replied, “Yeah, just… a little nervous.” He squeezed her hand, thinking everything would be fine.
Father Gabriel welcomed them warmly, and the ceremony began with prayers and blessings. Daniel felt proud to be there with his family, thinking about how everything was finally perfect.
But then, when Father Gabriel took Brittany in his arms, something changed. The atmosphere felt heavy, and Daniel sensed something was wrong. The priest’s hands trembled, and he looked shaken.
“What’s wrong?” Daniel asked, his voice barely above a whisper.
Father Gabriel’s face was pale as he replied, “This is impossible… this child… she’s my brother’s.”
Daniel froze, unable to process what he had just heard. “What did you say?” he asked, his voice cracking with disbelief.
Father Gabriel explained that both he and his brother had a birthmark behind their left ear and that Brittany had it too. Daniel felt as if the ground had disappeared beneath him. Brittany was his daughter! He turned to Nadine, but she was backing away, her face as pale as a ghost, and then she ran out of the church without a word.
“Nadine!” Daniel shouted, but she didn’t stop or look back. The church was silent, and all he could hear was the ringing in his ears. Panic surged within him.
Father Gabriel tried to explain that it couldn’t be a coincidence, but Daniel couldn’t understand. Brittany was his baby. He chased after Nadine, feeling the panic grow.
When Daniel reached home, he found Nadine frantically packing a suitcase. “You’re not leaving,” he said coldly. “Not until you tell me the truth.”
Nadine kept packing, trembling as she threw clothes into the bag. “Daniel, I—”
“Is it true?” he demanded, anger boiling over. “Is Brittany not mine?”
She paused, and the room went silent. Slowly, she turned to him, tears streaming down her face. “I’m so sorry,” she whispered. “I never meant for you to find out like this.”
“Find out like this?” Daniel repeated, feeling heartbroken. “How did you expect me to find out? At her graduation?”
Nadine looked down. “I didn’t know how to tell you. It was a mistake. I was lonely, and Matthew… it just happened.”
“A mistake?” he laughed bitterly. “This is our whole life! Was it all a lie?”
She shook her head, sobbing. “I love you, Daniel. I never wanted to hurt you.”
“You’ve already destroyed me,” he whispered, feeling lost.
The truth hurt, and there was nothing left to say. Nadine, the woman he loved, had betrayed him. She took off her wedding ring and placed it on the nightstand.
“What about Brittany? Are you leaving her too?” he asked, stunned.
Nadine sighed deeply. “I’m sorry, but I’m not cut out to be a mother. I don’t even know where I’m going from here.”
Daniel couldn’t believe what he was hearing, but before he could respond, she was gone.
That night, Daniel felt hollow. He sat in the living room, staring at nothing while Brittany slept upstairs. He couldn’t understand how everything had fallen apart so quickly. One moment, he was the happiest man alive, and the next, his life felt like a lie.
Father Gabriel’s words echoed in his mind—“She’s my brother’s.” But when he thought about leaving Brittany, his heart ached. She might not be his by blood, but she was still his daughter. He had been there for her since birth, holding her, feeding her, and comforting her.
He went upstairs and quietly opened the door to her room. Brittany was so peaceful, her tiny chest rising and falling with each breath. He sat beside her crib, tears in his eyes.
“You’re mine,” he whispered. “No matter what, you’re mine.”
Daniel realized that love isn’t just about blood or biology. It’s about being there and giving everything you have. Brittany needed him, and he would never walk away from her.
“This is what God decided,” he murmured as he cradled her in his arms. In that moment, he knew he would see this through, no matter what.
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