At 70, Linda Gray Reveals the Truth About Her Life

Linda Gray forever remembered as Sue Ellen Ying from Dallas is now 70 and ready to share the real story behind her life raised in Culver City she transitioned from a successful modeling career to becoming a TV icon but behind the glamour Linda faced immense personal challenges including a controlling marriage and profound family tragedies her story is one of perseverance and resilience as she navigated the highs of Lowe's of Hollywood discover The Incredible Journey of Linda Gray a woman who defied the odds to leave a lasting mark on television history Linda Gray the iconic actress who brought the character of Sue Ellen Ying to life on the hit TV show Dallas was born in 1940 in Sunny Santa Monica California growing up in the nearby town of Culver City Linda's childhood was filled with the sights and sounds of Hollywood her father Lesley wasn't a movie star or director he was a watchmaker with his own shop in town Linda's early life was a far cry from The Glitz and glamour of South Fork Ranch where she'd later become a household name but even as a young girl Linda had a natural beauty and a certain Star Quality it wasn't long before she was discovered by the modeling world in the 1960s she became a successful model appearing in countless advertisements and commercials she even had brief cameos in a few movies like under the Yum Yum tree and Palm Springs weekend in 1963 although these were small roles they gave Linda a taste of what it was like to be on set and sparked her interest in acting little did she know that her modeling career was just the beginning of a long and successful journey in the entertainment industry Linda Gray's acting journey is a fascinating one starting in the vibrant 1970s she first appeared in various guest roles on popular television series like Marcus wellby MD a show about a kind-hearted doctor helping his patients through their toughest times imagine gray stepping into different roles on McLoud where a cowboy cop from New Mexico solves crimes in New York City and switch a detective show with plenty of action and Intrigue in 1974 Gray's career took a significant turn when she signed with with Universal Studios a giant in the entertainment industry this was a big deal opening doors to even more exciting opportunities one such opportunity was her role in the film The Big ripoff in 1975 where she showcased her acting chops in a thrilling narrative she followed this with a role in the 1976 movie dogs which added another dimension to her growing filmography a groundbreaking moment in Gra career came in 1977 when she was cast as Linda merkland in the television series All That Glitters this wasn't just any role Linda merkland was the first transgender series regular on American television All That Glitters was a unique show a parody of the typical soap opera format flipping traditional gender roles and social norms on their head although the show was shortlived lasting only 13 weeks it was a Trailblazer in television history and Gray's role was at the heart of its groundbreaking narrative following All That Glitters Gray's versatility as an actress Shone through again when she played Carla cord in the 1977 television movie murder in pton place in this suspenseful film she portrayed a suspicious wife adding a layer of mystery and drama to the story line each of these roles highlighted Gray's ability to dive into diverse characters making her a memorable figure in the entertainment world of the 1970s Linda Gray's rise to stardom is largely credited to her iconic role as Sue Ellen Ying in the CBS drama series Dallas premiering in 1978 Dallas quickly became a television sensation capturing the tumultuous lives of the wealthy Ying family Sue Ellen portrayed by gray was Jr Ying's long-suffering alcoholic wife initially Sue Ellen was a recurring character appearing in just five episodes of the first series however Gray's compelling performance quickly turned her into a fan favorite and by later in 1978 she became a series regular staying with the show until 1989 Gray's portrayal of Sue Ellen was nothing short of groundbreaking the character was complex showcasing a range of emotions and struggles Sue Ellen's battles with alcoholism and her tumultuous relationship with JR made her a central figure in the show's dramatic narrative critics and audiences alike were captivated by her raw and heartfelt performance the Biography Channel highlighted Sue Ellen as an unforgettable character noting how she was often seen with a vodka bottle in hand wearing shoulder pads long before they became fashionable on shows like Dynasty her tearful tormented expression as she endured Jr cruel ways left a lasting impression on viewers the boulevard echoed this sentiment emphasizing the enduring impact of Dallas and its characters even years after the show ended the publication pointed out that despite the show going off the air in 1991 memories of the Ying fames scandals corruption and betrayals continued to linger in the public Consciousness Dallas was more than just a TV show it was a cultural phenomenon and Sue Ellen Ying was at the heart of its drama the impact of Dallas and Sue Ellen Ying remains significant even today the show's Legacy continues to influence modern television dramas and Gray's portrayal of Sue Ellen is often cited as one of the most memorable performances in TV history the character's Journey from a baguer dependent wife to a strong independent woman was a storyline that resonated with many highlighting themes of resilience and personal growth Linda Gray's portrayal of Sue Ellen Ying wasn't just a career-defining role it was a cultural Touchstone in Dallas Sue Ellen's life was marked by heartache and Triumph reflecting the broader themes of power betrayal and Redemption that the series was known for her struggle with alcoholism was portrayed with a raw honesty that brought attention to a serious issue making Su Ellen's Journey one of the most poignant on television at the time Gray's performance added layers to Sue Ellen making her more than just a character in a soap opera she was a woman grappling with her demons trying to find her place in a world dominated by the men around her this depth resonated with viewers who saw in Sue Ellen a reflection of real struggles and the possibility of overcoming them after the iconic role of Sue Ellen Ying on Dallas Linda Gray continued to Captivate audiences with a variety of roles across different genres in 1991 she transitioned from television drama to big screen comedy starring in the film Oscar alongside Sylvester Stallone this film allowed gray to Showcase her versatility as an actress stepping into the world of comedic timing and light-hearted storytelling Oscar provided a ref refeshing change of pace from the intense drama of Dallas giving gray an opportunity to expand her acting repertoire following her stint in comedy gray made a memorable guest appearance in the British drama series Lovejoy this show starred Ian McShan who had also played her love interest during her final season on Dallas the reunion of gray and McShan delighted fans as their onscreen chemistry was as compelling in love joy as it had been in Dallas this guest appearance further solidified Gray's status as a versatile and sought-after actress Gray's post Dallas career also included starring roles in several made for TV movies in 1991 she appeared in the entertainers a heartwarming film where she starred alongside comedy Legend Bob newart this film showcased Gray's ability to blend into different storytelling Styles demonstrating her talent in a variety of roles in 199 93 gray took on a significant role in Bonanza the return a continuation of the Beloved western series her presence in this film brought a touch of classic television drama to a new generation of viewers the same year she starred in Moment of Truth why my daughter a dramatic TV movie that dealt with serious real life issues Gray's performance in this film was both powerful and poignant highlighting her ability to tackle challenging and emotional subject matter with Grace and authenticity in 1994 gray appeared in accidental meeting another made for TV movie that showcased her dramatic skills this film like many others in her career underscored her talent for portraying strong complex female characters Gray's roles in these made for TV movies were significant as they allowed her to continue to engage Eng AG with audiences bringing compelling stories to the small screen in 1994 Linda Gray took on a new role that brought her back into the spotlight of prime time television she made several guest appearances on the fox Prime Time soap opera Melrose Place a popular series known for its dramatic storylines and complex characters gray played Hillary Michaels the sophisticated and influential mother of Amanda Woodward a character portrayed by by Heather loer Hillary Michaels was a powerful figure adding a layer of intrigue and familial tension to the shows already dramatic plot Gray's role as Hillary Michaels extended Beyond melrose's place when she continued the character in the spin-off series models Inc this show also produced by Aaron Spelling focused on the glamorous and Cutthroat world of modeling in models Inc Hillary Michaels ran a modeling agency serving as a mentor and authority figure to the young models under her Wing Gray's portrayal of Hillary was marked by a blend of Elegance and sternness making her a compelling and memorable character in the series despite the show's promising premise and Gray's strong performance model's Inc was cancelled after just one season after her stint on model's Inc gray returned to the role that had made her a household name Sue Ellen Ying from Dallas she reprised her iconic character in Two reunion television movies Dallas Jr returns in 1996 and Dallas war of the eings in 1998 these movies were a treat for fans bringing back the Beloved characters and continuing The Saga of the Ying family Gray's return as Sue Ellen was well received as she once again delivered a nuanced performance capturing the complexities of her character's relationship with j Jr and the ongoing drama of South Fork Ranch despite these notable appearances the late 199s and early 2000s saw a period of relative quiet in Gray's career she did not appear in movies or on television for several years following the Dallas reunion films this Hiatus allowed gray to step back from the hectic pace of acting and focus on other aspects of her life and career her absence from the screen however did not diminish the impact of her previous work or the affection audiences held for her Linda Gray's roles in melo's place and models Inc showcased her versatility and ability to reinvent herself in different contexts playing Hillary Michaels allowed her to explore a character vastly different from Sue Ellen Ying yet equally Dynamic and influential her return to Dallas in the reunion movies served as a reminder of her enduring talent and the significant Mark she had left on television history in 2001 Linda Gray made a notable return to the stage taking on the iconic role of Mrs Robinson in the West End theater production of Charles webs The Graduate this role held a special significance for gray as it brought her full circle in a unique way back in 1967 Gray's legs not Anne BS were famously featured on the poster for the film adaptation of The Graduate where they were shown being admired by Dustin Hoffman's character this iconic image became one of the most recognizable in film history adding a layer of nostalgia and Intrigue to Gray's performance on stage Gray's portrayal of Mrs Robinson in the West End production was met with critical Acclaim her performance brought a new depth and complexity to the character making the predatory and sophisticated Mrs Robinson both relatable and compelling this role allowed gray to Showcase her theatrical skills and versatility stepping out of her television Persona and embracing the live immediate nature of stage acting in September 2002 gray briefly reprised the role of Mrs Robinson in the Broadway production of The Graduate she filled in for Kathleen Turner bringing her unique interpretation of the character to American audiences this stint on Broadway further solidified her reputation as a talented and versatile actress capable of handling both screen and stage with equal finesse Gray's theater work didn't stop there she made her theater directing debut with the play Murder in the First showcasing her Talent behind the scenes this move into directing highlighted her deep understanding of the theatrical craft and her ability to guide guide and shape of production from a director's perspective additionally Gray's stage acting career included notable performances in several other plays she appeared in terms of endearment bringing the emotional complexity of the story to life on stage in The Vagina Monologues she tackled a series of powerful and provocative monologues that explored various aspects of Womanhood her role in Agnes of God show ased her ability to handle intense dramatic material and in love letters she demonstrated her skill in delivering a heartfelt and engaging performance through the exchange of letters between two characters over many years in 2004 Linda Gray made a notable return to television by guest starring in five episodes of the daytime soap opera The Bold and the Beautiful she portrayed Priscilla Kelly a character who added New Dimensions and in INRI to the series already dramatic story lines Gray's presence on the show brought a fresh wave of excitement and Drew in fans eager to see her back on the small screen her performance as Priscilla Kelly was praised for its depth and Nuance proving that her acting prowess had only grown with time gray continued to diversify her acting portfolio by starring in several Independent films each offering her the chance to explore different characters and narratives in in 2006 she appeared in the award-winning drama reflections of a life where she played the best friend of a woman undergoing treatment for breast cancer this role allowed gray to delve into a poignant and emotionally charged storyline highlighting her ability to convey empathy and strength through her character in 2010 gray starred in expecting Mary a heartwarming film that showcased her versatility as an actress the film follows a young pregnant girl who finds herself in a small town and Gray's character plays a significant role in the unfolding drama and comedy her performance was lauded for its warmth and sincerity adding a layer of authenticity to the film Gray's talent for taking on diverse roles continued with the Flight of the swan in 2011 this film presented a unique narrative and Gray's involvement brought a touch of Grace and experience to the project her ability to adapt to different genres and storylines was evident as she seamlessly transitioned from one character to another each time delivering a compelling performance in 2012 gray appeared in Hidden Moon further showcasing her versatility this film a romantic drama with elements of mystery allowed gray to explore new emotional Landscapes her role in Hidden moon was marked by her usual dedication to Bringing depth and complex it to her characters making her performance memorable and impactful in 2008 Linda Gray expanded her television repertoire by joining the cast of 90210 a series on the CW that served as a spin-off from the original Beverly Hills 90210 this appearance was particularly notable as it marked Gray's involvement in three out of the Five series in the Beverly Hills 90210 franchise while she had previously portrayed Hillary Michaels in Melrose Place 1992 and models Inc her role in 9022 T was different showcasing her ability to bring new life to different characters within the same franchise Universe Gray's returned to the iconic role of Sue Ellen Ying in 2012 for the TNT Drama Series Dallas a continuation of the original series was met with great enthusiasm from fans and CR alike the new Dallas series aimed to capture the same Intrigue and drama that made the original a cultural phenomenon and Gray's presence was crucial in achieving this goal her portrayal of Sue Ellen now older and wiser but still dealing with the legacy of the Ying family added a rich layer of continuity and Nostalgia Gray's performance was praised for its depth and the way it honored the character's complex history while bringing New Dimensions to sue Ellen in the modern storyline in 2013 Linda Gray's style and elegance were recognized by two prestigious lists she was named one of the 50 best dressed over 50s by the guardian highlighting her impeccable fashion sense and timeless style this acknowledgement celebrated her ability to remain a fashion icon well into her later years setting Trends and inspiring women of all ages additionally in April 2013 gray was featured in people Magazine's annual most beautiful woman list this recognition not only celebrated her enduring Beauty but also underscored her status as a beloved figure in the entertainment industry over Christmas 2014 Linda Gray brought her charm and talent to London's theater scene taking on the magical role of the Fairy Godmother in the pantomime production of Cinderella this performance allowed gray to connect with audiences in a new and festive way showcasing her versatility and ability to engage in live interactive theater pantomime a traditional British theatrical entertainment often involves a blend of humor music and fairy tale narratives and Gray's participation in such a beloved tradition highlighted her broad range as a performer in 2015 gray starred in the Hallmark Channel film a perfect wedding in this heartwarming movie she played the matriarch of a family preparing for a wedding delivering a performance filled with warmth and Grace her role in this film demonstrated her ability to continue captivating audiences with heartfelt family oriented stories gray also joined the cast of The CW summer comedy series significant mother in 2015 where she portrayed the grandmother in a humorous and engaging storyline this role allowed her to showcase her comedic timing and adaptability in a modern sitcom setting adding another dimension to her diverse acting portfolio further expanding her television work gray appeared as Joanna winter thorn in the soap opera web series winter Thorn this series delved into the dramatic and Mysterious World of a powerful family involved in the candy business and Gray's role as Joanna added depth and Intrigue to the narrative her performance in winter Thorn was praised for its intensity and complexity reaffirming her talent for playing multifaceted characters at the 2015 Texas Book Festival gray made an appearance that highlighted her enduring popularity and connection with fans her involvement in such events underscores her status as a beloved figure in the entertainment industry cherished by audiences for her extensive body of work on August 17th 2016 it was announced that gray would join the cast of the British Channel 4 soap opera Holly Oaks as Tabitha Maxwell Brown the mother of the character Marne Nightingale played by Lisette Anthony gray made her debut as Tabitha on November 15 2016 and her initial run on the show concluded on November 22nd 2016 her character Tabitha brought a touch of Hollywood Glamour and drama to the series captivating the British audience following her initial appearance it was later announced that gray had signed a contract to extend her role on Holio allowing her to return to the soap opera for a longer period She reprised her role as Tabitha Maxwell Brown on February 27th 2017 continuing to add Intrigue and excitement to the story line her final appearance in this extended run was on February 28th 2017 in 2017 Linda gray added another impressive role to her extensive career by joining the cast of the Amazon Studios drama series hand of God starring opposite notable actors Ron Pearlman and Dana Delaney gray portrayed a character that added depth and intensity to the series hand of God revolves around a morally questionable judge who experiences a mental breakdown and believes God is compelling him to seek vigilante justice Gray's involvement in such a dark and complex narrative showcased her ability to handle intense layered characters and her versatility in adapting to different genres solidifying her position as a skilled actress capable of performing in both traditional and streaming media formats on October 3rd 2023 it was announced that gray would be featured in the upcoming lifetime film ladies of the 80s ad diva's Christmas this movie promises to be a delightful treat for fans of class soap operas bringing together a star studded cast of iconic actresses from the era according to the official synopsis the film follows five soap opera Divas who are preparing for a reunion show during the Christmas season they take on the role of playing Cupid to unite their director and producer ultimately discovering the true meaning of the Christmas spirit the ensemble cast for ladies of the80s AD Diva's Christmas includes Lonnie Anderson Morgan Fairchild Donna Mills and nicholet Sheridan alongside Linda Gray This Gathering of legendary actresses is sure to evoke Nostalgia and excitement among viewers who fondly remember their iconic roles from the 1980s each actress brings her unique charm and talent to the film promising a blend of humor warmth and festive cheer Gray's role in this film is particularly significant as it aligns with her illustrious career in television dramas and soap operas harking back to her Unforgettable portrayal of suelen Ying in Dallas her participation in a project that celebrates the legacy of soap opera stars is a fitting tribute to her contributions to the genre in a tale that blends the worlds of music and science fiction Barry Gibb the 74-year-old icon of the bgs reminisced about a serendipitous encounter with the then beauty queen Linda Gray This extraordinary meeting took place during the BG's performance on the iconic British television show top of the pops in 1967 a week when their hit song Massachusetts was topping the charts Barry vividly recalls that Linda the hostess for the episode surprisingly had not heard of the song despite its popularity the chemistry between Barry and Linda was immediate after the band's performance the two decided to explore the BBC Studios further an adventure that led them to the set of the Beloved science fiction show Doctor Who here amidst the iconic props and sets including the Tardis a time machine shaped like a 1950s police box the couple found themselves in a setting as Fantastical as their budding romance evading Studio security they engaged in a passionate encounter inside the Tardis adding a Whimsical and surreal twist to to their story their initial connection set the stage for a deeper relationship that culminated in marriage 3 years later in 1970 Barry and Linda's Union has endured for over five decades a remarkable achievement in the often tumultuous world of show business together they have raised a family of five children Steven Ashley Travis Michael and Alexandra their marriage and family life have been a Cornerstone of Barry's stability and happiness providing a grounding contrast to his public Persona as a member of the bgs throughout his career Barry Gibb has been known not only for his musical talents but also for his commitment to his family despite the fame and temptations that came with being a pop Icon Barry credits Linda for helping him stay grounded and avoid the pitfalls that befell his brothers Linda's unwavering support and strength have been a constant source of comfort and guidance for Barry who describes her as a tower of strength her influence was so profound that Barry stopped bringing drugs home fearing her disapproval and chose to lead a healthier lifestyle Barry's Fidelity and dedication to Linda are particularly notable given his status as a sex symbol during the height of the BG's Fame despite opportunities for infidelity Barry remained loyal a testament to the strong bond and mutual respect between him and Linda this commitment to their marriage is reflected in Barry's own words where he acknowledges Linda's role in his personal and professional success their enduring relationship stands out in an industry often marked by fleeting romances and short-lived marriages Barry and Linda have shared their lives through all the ups and downs of a music career that includes writing some of the most iconic songs of all time and dealing with the personal losses of Barry's Brothers Maurice and Robin the couple's ability to navigate these challenges together has only strengthened their bond in addition to their life together in Miami Barry and Linda maintain a residence in the United Kingdom where they enjoy the Tranquility of a nine-bedroom mansion on a 90 acre plot in beaconfield England this estate serves as a retreat and a reminder of Barry's roots and achievements Linda Gray was married to Ed Thrasher an art director and photographer from 1962 to 1983 Thrasher was a prominent figure in the entertainment industry known for his work on album covers and promotional photography for major artists their marriage spanned over two decades and produced two children Jeff Thrasher and Kaylee Sloan key followed in her mother's footsteps pursuing an acting career and even appearing in the original Dallas series gray and Thrasher's life together was marked by both professional success and personal challenges despite their eventual divorce in 1983 they remained connected through their children and the shared experiences of their long marriage tragically Ed Thrasher passed away from leukemia in November 2020 a loss that undoubtedly affected gray and her family deeply family has always been a significant part of Linda Gray's life she is a proud mother and grandmother with two grandsons who bring joy to her life the family bonds extend beyond her immediate family as gray has faced personal losses with strength and resilience her younger sister Betty passed away from breast cancer in 1989 a profound loss that deeply impacted her Gray's professional and personal life is anchored in Los Angeles California where she resides this city with its Rich history in the entertainment industry continues to be a significant part of her life living in Los Angeles allows gray to stay connected to the industry that has been a central part of her identity for decades throughout her life Linda Gray has demonstrated resilience and dedication both in her career and personal life her journey through the highs and lows of marriage motherhood and personal loss showcases her strength and and ability to navigate the complexities of life with Grace Gray's enduring presence in Los Angeles reflects her commitment to her roots in the entertainment industry and her role as a beloved figure in television history her work on the iconic television series Dallas earned her multiple nominations for the Golden Globe Award for best actress television series drama these nominations including one in 1982 highlighted her compelling portrayal of Sue Ellen ying a character that became a cultural Touchstone and demonstrated Gray's exceptional ability to bring depth and complexity to the role in addition to her Golden Globe nominations gray was also nominated for a prime time Emmy Award for outstanding lead actress in a drama series for her work on Dallas this Emmy nomination further solidified her status as a leading actress in television drama acknowledging her skill and dedication to her craft her International appeal was recognized with the Elgato Award for best actress on television and the prestigious Bambi Award for best actress on International Series in 1982 underscoring her Global impact in 1983 the Hollywood radio and television Society honored Linda Gray as woman of the year a testament to her significant contributions to television and her role as a trailblazer for women in the industry this Accolade reflected not only her talent but also her influence and Leadership within the entertainment World her work on Dallas also garnered multiple nominations from the Soap Opera Digest Awards in 1986 including outstanding actress in a leading role on a prime time serial and favorite super couple on a prime time serial recognizing both her individual performance and her on-screen chemistry with co-stars