Linda Gray is an American actress, director, producer, and former model whose portrayal of Sue Ellen Ewing on the primetime soap opera Dallas made her one of television’s most recognizable and celebrated stars. Known for her powerful performances, Gray’s work on Dallas helped shape the landscape of American television in the 1980s and remains a defining moment in her illustrious career. Beyond her role as Sue Ellen, Gray has enjoyed a long and varied career in both television and film, while also establishing herself as a successful director, philanthropist, and author. Her enduring presence in the entertainment industry is a testament to her talent, grace, and ability to connect with audiences across generations.
Early Life and Career Beginnings
Linda Ann Gray was born on September 12, 1940, in Santa Monica, California, into a family that fostered creativity. Raised in Culver City, a stone’s throw away from the MGM studios, Gray was surrounded by the world of Hollywood from a young age. Despite this proximity to the film industry, her journey into acting took a more unconventional route.
Before launching her acting career, Gray worked as a model, becoming a familiar face in print ads and commercials during the 1960s and early 1970s. Her striking looks, combined with her natural charm, made her a successful model, but it wasn’t long before she realized her true passion lay in acting. Determined to pursue a career in film and television, Gray took acting classes and began to transition from modeling to the screen.
Gray’s first notable role came in 1963, though it was as a body double rather than an on-screen performance. In the iconic film The Graduate, her legs were used for the famous poster, representing Anne Bancroft’s Mrs. Robinson. Though uncredited, this marked one of Gray’s early contributions to Hollywood and foreshadowed her eventual rise to stardom.
The Breakthrough Role: Sue Ellen Ewing on Dallas
Linda Gray’s career took a dramatic turn when she landed the role of Sue Ellen Ewing on the CBS primetime soap opera Dallas in 1978. Created by David Jacobs, Dallas followed the wealthy and powerful Ewing family, who ran a successful oil business in Texas. Gray’s character, Sue Ellen, was the long-suffering wife of the show’s central villain, J.R. Ewing, played by Larry Hagman.
Initially, Sue Ellen was intended to be a supporting character, but Gray’s nuanced portrayal of the emotionally complex, alcoholic, and often embattled wife quickly elevated her role to one of the show’s central figures. As the series progressed, Sue Ellen’s journey—from a neglected and emotionally abused wife to an empowered, independent woman—became one of the most compelling storylines on Dallas. Gray’s ability to convey Sue Ellen’s vulnerability, strength, and resilience made her character one of the most beloved and iconic in television history.
Gray’s portrayal of Sue Ellen earned her widespread critical acclaim and multiple award nominations, including two Golden Globe nominations and a Primetime Emmy nomination. Her work on Dallas resonated with viewers, particularly in her depiction of Sue Ellen’s struggles with alcoholism and her tumultuous relationship with J.R. Gray’s ability to bring depth and authenticity to the character set her apart and made Sue Ellen one of the show’s most unforgettable figures.
Throughout her 11 seasons on Dallas, Gray became a fan favorite, and her chemistry with Larry Hagman, both on and off screen, was one of the show’s driving forces. Hagman and Gray had a close friendship that lasted until Hagman’s death in 2012, and their dynamic as J.R. and Sue Ellen became central to Dallas’s success.
Life After Dallas and Other Television Roles
After leaving Dallas in 1989, Linda Gray continued to work steadily in television, film, and theater. She reprised her role as Sue Ellen in several Dallas reunion specials and the 1996 TV movie Dallas: J.R. Returns, further solidifying her connection to the character that made her a star.
Beyond Dallas, Gray appeared in a variety of other television series, showcasing her range as an actress. She starred in the British soap opera Hollyoaks, playing the character Tabby Maxwell-Brown from 2016 to 2018. Gray’s work on Hollyoaks demonstrated her ability to resonate with audiences on both sides of the Atlantic, and her presence in the show brought added star power to the series.
Throughout the 1990s and 2000s, Gray made guest appearances on popular television shows such as Melrose Place, Models Inc., and The Bold and the Beautiful. Her work during this period allowed her to continue evolving as an actress, taking on different genres and characters while maintaining her enduring appeal.
The Dallas Revival and Sue Ellen’s Return
In 2012, Dallas returned to television with a reboot on TNT, and Linda Gray reprised her role as Sue Ellen, once again stepping into the shoes of the character that had defined much of her career. The new series, which followed the next generation of the Ewing family, featured original cast members Larry Hagman and Patrick Duffy, alongside new stars such as Josh Henderson and Jesse Metcalfe.
Gray’s return as Sue Ellen in the revival series was met with enthusiasm from both longtime fans of the original show and a new generation of viewers. In the reboot, Sue Ellen had transformed into a powerful, politically ambitious woman, a reflection of the character’s growth since the original series. Gray’s portrayal of Sue Ellen in the reboot received critical praise for its depth and complexity, proving that the character remained as compelling as ever.
The reboot of Dallas ran for three seasons, and Gray’s presence in the series helped anchor the show in its rich history while bringing new dimensions to her iconic role. Her continued success as Sue Ellen demonstrated her lasting impact on television and her ability to evolve with her character over time.
Directing, Producing, and Writing
In addition to her acting career, Linda Gray has also found success as a director and producer. During her time on Dallas, Gray directed several episodes of the series, becoming one of the few women in television at the time to step behind the camera. Her work as a director was well-received, and it paved the way for her future endeavors in production and storytelling.
Gray has also been an author, sharing her life experiences and personal philosophy in her book The Road to Happiness Is Always Under Construction, published in 2015. In the book, Gray opens up about her journey through Hollywood, her struggles and triumphs, and the lessons she has learned along the way. The memoir showcases Gray’s resilience and wisdom, offering readers a glimpse into her life beyond the screen.
Personal Life and Philanthropy
Outside of her work in the entertainment industry, Linda Gray has been deeply involved in various philanthropic endeavors. She has long been an advocate for AIDS awareness and research, a cause close to her heart due to her friendship with Dallas co-star Larry Hagman, who passed away from complications related to cancer in 2012. Gray’s commitment to raising awareness about health issues has made her a respected figure in the world of charity work.
Gray has also been involved with organizations that support women’s empowerment, animal rights, and environmental causes. Her dedication to making a positive impact off-screen reflects the compassion and strength she has brought to her roles on-screen.
Gray was married to Ed Thrasher, a successful art director and photographer, from 1962 until their divorce in 1983. They have two children, Jeff and Kehly. Despite the challenges of balancing a demanding career with motherhood, Gray has always been vocal about the importance of family in her life.
Legacy and Cultural Impact
Linda Gray’s portrayal of Sue Ellen Ewing on Dallas remains one of the most iconic performances in television history. Her ability to bring nuance, vulnerability, and strength to the character made Sue Ellen a complex and beloved figure. Beyond Dallas, Gray’s continued success in acting, directing, and philanthropy has established her as a trailblazer in the entertainment industry.
With a career that has spanned over five decades, Gray’s influence on television and her contributions to popular culture are undeniable. Her work on Dallas helped shape the landscape of primetime television, and her continued presence in the entertainment world ensures that her legacy will endure for years to come.