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.
Meg Ryan Drops the Hammer: Kicks Meghan Markle Out of Festival Over Shocking Drug Claims
The 2024 Sarajevo Film Festival was meant to be a big moment for Meghan Markle. It was her chance to come back into the spotlight after years of staying away from the public eye. This time away came after her dramatic exit from the British royal family.
Meghan Markle was invited as a special guest to the 2024 Sarajevo Film Festival. She was set to introduce a documentary she produced, hoping to revive her fading fame in Hollywood. However, the night took a surprising turn. Before she could walk the red carpet, security guards removed her from the event, shocking everyone. The crowd gasped as the former actress was escorted out.
The incident was shown live on TV and quickly became a major topic in Hollywood. Supporters of Meghan called the event disrespectful, while critics claimed it showed that Hollywood had turned its back on her.
So, what caused this situation? Meghan’s popularity has decreased in recent years. Her 2021 interview with Oprah Winfrey, where she made serious allegations against the British royal family, stirred up a lot of controversy. While some felt sympathy for her, others thought she was being opportunistic and ungrateful. Her later projects, like the Spotify podcast with Prince Harry, didn’t get much attention either.
Hollywood insiders have said that Meghan’s relationships with important people in the industry have worsened. She hoped her royal background would help her career, but many now see her as more trouble than she’s worth. One film executive anonymously said, “There’s a sense that Meghan is more hassle than she’s worth. She brings a lot of baggage, and studios prefer less drama.”
Meghan Markle’s invitation to the Sarajevo Film Festival was seen as her last chance to regain public attention. She planned to showcase her documentary about the refugee crisis, a project that could help improve her image. However, things went wrong as soon as Meghan arrived. Sources say she made several demanding requests, such as a private jet, a luxury hotel suite, and a team of personal assistants.
One festival representative said, “It was just too much for us to accommodate.” Tensions rose on the red carpet when security guards surrounded Meghan, leading her away from the event. Witnesses reported that she was visibly upset, shouting, “You can’t do this to me! I’m the Duchess of Sussex!” Unfortunately, her protests didn’t help.
The fallout from this incident has been significant. Festival organizers released a short statement saying security concerns were the reason for Meghan’s removal, but they didn’t give more details. This event has caused controversy, with some people accusing Hollywood’s elite of trying to humiliate her.
Many people believe that the way Meghan was treated at the festival was a clear attempt to publicly shame her. One royal commentator said, “This was a way to knock her down a peg.” Others think that Meghan’s behavior and her security demands made her presence difficult to manage. A film critic mentioned, “They had to do what they had to do to keep everyone safe. Meghan brought this on herself with her outrageous requests.”
The aftermath has been tough for Meghan. The incident quickly went viral, with many memes and jokes appearing on social media. Late-night TV hosts have also made fun of the situation, and even some of Meghan’s former Hollywood friends have distanced themselves from her. This event has reinforced the idea that Meghan is not welcome in Hollywood. With her reputation damaged and her celebrity status declining, she faces a challenging path if she wants to regain her place in the industry. One industry insider said, “Meghan wanted a big comeback, but instead, she got the ultimate humiliation. Hollywood has spoken, and the message is clear: they don’t want her here.” It remains to be seen if Meghan can make a comeback, but for now, she finds herself struggling in a town where she once hoped to rebuild her life.
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