Linda Gray is best known for her role as Sue Ellen Ewing on the groundbreaking television series Dallas. Her portrayal of the complex character made her a household name, and she went on to appear in more than 300 episodes of the iconic soap opera. Today, at 82 years old, Gray remains admired not only for her acting but also for her resilience through personal and professional challenges.
This article takes a closer look at Gray’s early life, rise to fame, career milestones, and what she is doing today.
Early Life and Childhood
Linda Ann Gray was born on September 12, 1940, in Santa Monica, California. She grew up in Culver City, where her father operated a watchmaker’s shop. Gray was drawn to performance at a young age, participating in school plays and neighborhood performances.
Her childhood was not without challenges. According to her memoir The Road to Happiness Is Always Under Construction (2015), Gray faced health issues early in life when she was diagnosed with polio. Despite the diagnosis, she adapted with resilience and found encouragement from her family to pursue her creative interests.
Gray attended Notre Dame Academy in Los Angeles, where she acted in productions such as Cinderella. These experiences sparked her lifelong passion for performing.
Early Career: From Modeling to Acting
In her late teens and early twenties, Linda Gray began modeling, working with several beauty companies and airlines. She also appeared in commercials, which provided her with exposure in the entertainment industry.
Her first credited work in Hollywood came with uncredited appearances in films such as Palm Springs Weekend (1963) and Under the Yum Yum Tree (1963). While these were small parts, they helped her gain valuable on-set experience.
One unique milestone in her early career came in 1967 when she served as a body double for actress Anne Bancroft in the promotional poster for The Graduate. Gray’s legs were featured in the now-iconic image. Decades later, in 2001, she would play Mrs. Robinson in the stage adaptation of The Graduate in London’s West End.
Breakthrough Role on Dallas
Gray’s career breakthrough came in 1978, when she was cast as Sue Ellen Ewing on the CBS prime-time soap opera Dallas. Originally intended as a short-term role, her performance impressed producers, and she became a series regular.
Sue Ellen Ewing was one of the show’s most complex characters, navigating themes of betrayal, personal struggle, and ambition. Gray’s portrayal earned critical acclaim and made her one of the standout stars of the series.
Over the course of the show, which ran until 1991, Gray appeared in 308 episodes. She starred alongside Larry Hagman, who played J.R. Ewing, and Patrick Duffy, who portrayed Bobby Ewing. The on-screen chemistry between Gray and Hagman was a central part of the series’ success.
Dallas became one of the most popular television dramas of its era, setting ratings records. The 1980 episode resolving the “Who shot J.R.?” storyline attracted more than 80 million viewers in the United States, according to CBS records, making it one of the most-watched episodes in television history.
Recognition and Awards
Gray’s work on Dallas brought her critical recognition. She received:
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Two Golden Globe Award nominations for Best Actress in a Television Series – Drama.
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One Primetime Emmy Award nomination for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series.
In addition to her acting, Gray became a symbol of strength for women navigating both career ambitions and personal challenges.
Life Beyond Dallas
After the original Dallas ended in 1991, Gray continued to act in television and film. Some of her notable projects included guest appearances on shows such as Melrose Place and Models Inc., as well as TV movies.
In 2012, Gray reprised her role as Sue Ellen Ewing in the TNT revival of Dallas. The reboot ran for three seasons and introduced the Ewing legacy to a new generation of viewers.
She has also appeared in theater productions, including her well-received performance in The Graduate on London’s West End stage.
In 2014, she was honored with a Special Award from the USA Film Festival recognizing her contributions to television and film.
Personal Life
Linda Gray married photographer Edward Lee Thrasher in 1962. The couple had two children: son Jeff Thrasher and daughter Kehly Sloane. The marriage lasted for 21 years before they divorced in 1983.
Her son, Jeff Thrasher, went on to have a successful career as a television director and producer. He was nominated for a Daytime Emmy Award in 2018 and won a Canadian Screen Award in 2015 for his work. Jeff passed away in 2020, a loss that Gray described as deeply painful.
Despite challenges in her personal life, including her divorce and family tragedy, Gray has consistently demonstrated resilience. In interviews and in her memoir, she has emphasized the importance of perseverance and positivity.
Health, Resilience, and Advocacy
Gray has been candid about her early experiences with health challenges and her family history, including her mother’s struggles with alcohol. She has used these experiences to advocate for self-care, creative fulfillment, and resilience.
Her memoir, published in 2015, provides insight into how she navigated personal challenges while maintaining her career in Hollywood. The book was praised for its honesty and inspiring message.
Linda Gray Today
As of 2023, Linda Gray is 82 years old. She continues to live in Southern California and occasionally participates in film festivals, interviews, and events honoring Dallas and its legacy.
Gray remains active on social media, where she shares updates about her life, memories from her career, and messages of encouragement to fans.
While she is no longer acting regularly, her influence continues through the lasting cultural impact of Dallas and her decades of work in television and theater.
Legacy
Linda Gray’s career is a testament to talent, resilience, and longevity in the entertainment industry. From her early modeling days to her breakthrough on Dallas, she built a reputation as a versatile actress capable of delivering emotionally rich performances.
Her portrayal of Sue Ellen Ewing remains one of television’s most memorable roles, and her impact has been recognized through awards, critical praise, and enduring fan support.
At 82, Gray serves as an example of how to navigate the ups and downs of life with grace, determination, and optimism. Her legacy continues to inspire both fans and aspiring performers.
Conclusion
Linda Gray’s journey reflects the evolution of a young performer from Santa Monica into an internationally recognized actress. Best known for her role on Dallas, she achieved fame, overcame personal struggles, and continues to inspire audiences around the world.
Even in her 80s, Gray remains a beloved figure in television history, admired for her strength and celebrated for her contributions to entertainment.
