Linda Gray

Biography

Linda Ann Gray, born on September 12, 1940, is a renowned American actress, director, producer, and former model, celebrated for her iconic portrayal of Sue Ellen Ewing, the enduring spouse of J.R. Ewing, played by Larry Hagman, in the CBS drama series Dallas, which aired from 1978 to 1989, with further revivals in 1991 and 2012 to 2014. Her compelling performance garnered her a nomination for the Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series in 1981, along with two Golden Globe Awards.

Gray's career took off in the 1960s with a focus on television commercials, where she appeared in approximately 400 ads. The 1970s saw her in various TV series before she landed her breakout role in Dallas. After exiting the show in 1989, she starred alongside Sylvester Stallone in the movie Oscar in 1991 and took on a leading role in the Fox series Models Inc. from 1994 to 1995. She reprised her beloved role as Sue Ellen in various Dallas specials and series revivals.

The stage has also showcased Gray's talents; she starred as Mrs. Robinson in The Graduate in London's West End in 2001 and later on Broadway. In 2007, she played Aurora Greenaway in the world premiere of Terms of Endearment. Following the conclusion of Dallas in 2014, she graced the stage as the Fairy Godmother in a London production of Cinderella.

Born in Santa Monica, California, Gray grew up in Culver City, where her father owned a watchmaking shop. Before her acting career took flight, she worked as a model and made her early appearances in films like Under the Yum Yum Tree and Palm Springs Weekend in 1963. Gray's acting journey began in the 1970s, with notable guest roles on series like Marcus Welby, M.D., and McCloud