Linda Gray, renowned for her unforgettable role as Sue Ellen Ewing in the hit show Dallas, has led a life filled with excitement and challenges. From her humble beginnings in Culver City, California, to her legendary career in acting, Linda’s story is one of perseverance and triumph.
Growing up, Linda found solace in the presence of her friends around the filming studios, which sparked her love for acting. Despite the difficulties she faced, including her mother’s battle with alcoholism, Linda’s father remained a supportive force in her pursuit of a career in the entertainment industry.
In her book, “The Path to Happiness is Always Under Construction,” Linda reflects on her mother’s struggle with alcoholism. She shares, “She wasn’t falling down drunk, there was never any yelling…She wasn’t mean – she was just blurred, in her own world. She would forget to buy food, so I started doing the cooking. My sister and I didn’t like her.” Linda’s resilience during her upbringing set the stage for her future success.
At the age of 21, Linda married her first and only husband, Edward Lee Thrasher, a photographer. Although she cherished motherhood, Linda faced challenges when it came to pursuing her acting career. However, over time, her determination grew, and she finally mustered the courage to enroll in acting classes.
Linda’s journey took an unexpected turn when she was offered $25 to be Anne Bancroft’s body double in the promotional poster for the film “The Graduate” in 1967. Little did she know that years later, in 2001, she would portray Mrs. Robinson in the West End State production of the same film. This experience served as a testament to Linda’s perseverance in the face of rejection.
During the 1960s, Linda received a rejection letter from Glamour Magazine. Instead of letting it discourage her, she held onto the letter as a reminder that everyone faces rejection at some point in their lives. She shares, “I realized that we all have rejections, and it was her opinion when I was 20 years old. I could have had it devastate my life. But, I didn’t. This feisty streak came out – ‘Oh, yeah? I’m gonna show you!’ With great love and a lot of humor, I kept that letter. It kicked me from behind and made me want to go and do something.”
After playing several smaller roles, Linda finally landed the iconic role of Sue Ellen Ewing in Dallas. She appeared in a total of 308 episodes alongside Larry Hagman and Patrick Duffy. Speaking of her relationship with Hagman, Linda fondly recalls him as the “bad big brother” she never had. Their playful banter and affectionate teasing added depth to their on-screen chemistry.
Hagman’s support for Linda was evident when she was briefly fired from the show for asking for a higher salary. It was Hagman who passionately fought for her return, highlighting the bond they shared both on and off the screen.
Linda’s exceptional portrayal of Sue Ellen Ewing earned her numerous accolades, including two Golden Globe Awards for Best Actress – Television Series Drama and a Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Lead Actress. Her talent and dedication were recognized and celebrated by both her peers and the audience.
Despite achieving tremendous success in her career, Linda has also faced heartache and loss. Her son Jeff Thrasher, who followed in her footsteps as a director, tragically passed away from leukemia in 2020. Linda continues to navigate the pain of his absence, paying tribute to him as a “kind, funny, and sweet human being.” Despite this devastating loss, Linda remains determined to embrace life and honor her son’s memory.
At 82 years old, Linda Gray continues to captivate audiences with her timeless beauty and indomitable spirit. Her journey serves as an inspiration to us all, reminding us that with passion, perseverance, and resilience, we can overcome any obstacle and leave a lasting impact on the world. Linda’s remarkable story reminds us to celebrate every moment and cherish the ones we love.
