Linda Gray, best known for her role as Sue Ellen Ewing on the iconic soap opera Dallas, has had a remarkable journey in both her personal and professional life.
Born on September 12, 1940, in Santa Monica, California, Gray faced early challenges when diagnosed with polio as a child.
Her upbringing was marked by a troubled family life,
with her mother’s alcoholism and her parents’ separation.
Despite facing adversities, Gray’s passion for performing led her to pursue a career in acting. In her teens, she worked as a model and had uncredited appearances in films like “Under the Yum Yum Tree” and “Palm Springs Weekend” in 1963. She even served as Anne Bancroft’s body double in the poster for “The Graduate” in 1967.
At 21, Gray married photographer Edward Lee Thrasher, and their marriage became emotionally cold and unsatisfying for Linda. Despite the challenges, she became a mother to two children, Jeff and Kehly. The marriage lasted 21 years before Linda decided to pursue her acting career, eventually leading to their divorce in 1983.
Gray’s breakthrough came in 1978 when she landed the role of Sue Ellen Ewing on Dallas. Initially intended as a recurring role, her performance made her a star, and she became a regular cast member. Her chemistry with Larry Hagman, who played J.R. Ewing, contributed to the show’s immense success.
Dallas, known for its themes of corruption, betrayal, and scandal, became a television phenomenon. The “Who shot J.R.?” storyline in 1980 drew an audience of over 80 million, making it a historic television moment.
Gray received critical acclaim for her portrayal of Sue Ellen, earning Golden Globe nominations and a Primetime Emmy Award nomination. During her time on Dallas, she divorced her husband and faced personal challenges. Tragedy struck in 2020 when her son Jeff passed away after battling leukemia.
After Dallas, Gray continued her acting career in various television series and returned to the role of Sue Ellen Ewing when Dallas was revived in 2012. At 82, Linda Gray remains a resilient and iconic figure, having navigated through life’s challenges with grace and determination. Her ability to turn adversity into strength has endeared her to fans, and her legacy in the entertainment industry endures.
Today, she’s 82 years of age. But still looks as stunning as ever!
