Linda Gray became a household name as Sue Ellen Ewing on the hit soap Dallas, appearing in more than 300 episodes and helping turn the show into a television phenomenon. But behind the fame, her life was filled with both triumph and hardship. Born September 12, 1940, in Santa Monica, California, Gray grew up in Culver City. As a child, she was diagnosed with polio, and her early years were shaped by family challenges. Her mother struggled with alcoholism, forcing Linda and her sister to take on responsibilities at home.

Determined not to repeat that cycle, Gray set her sights on building a career of her own. She married photographer Edward Lee Thrasher at 21 and became a mother to two children, Jeff and Kehly. However, the marriage was emotionally distant, and Linda felt her dreams were put on hold.

After 21 years, she finally left the relationship and fully pursued acting. Before Dallas, Gray worked as a model and famously served as Anne Bancroft’s body double in the iconic 1967 The Graduate poster. Her breakthrough came in 1978 when she was cast as Sue Ellen Ewing. Originally meant to be a short-term role, her performance made her a star.

Alongside Larry Hagman and Patrick Duffy, she helped create one of the most successful shows in television history. The “Who shot J.R.?” episode drew over 80 million viewers, breaking records at the time. Gray earned Golden Globe and Emmy nominations for her role.

After Dallas, she continued acting and returned for the show’s 2012 revival.In 2020, tragedy struck when her son Jeff passed away after battling leukemia. Gray honored him with a heartfelt tribute. Now in her 80s, Linda Gray remains active, resilient, and admired — proof that strength, grace, and perseverance can define a lifetime.