Linda Gray

Linda Gray – Life, Career, and Notable Quotes

: Linda Gray (born 1940) is an American actress famed for her role as Sue Ellen Ewing on Dallas. From modeling to television, stage, and reinvention, explore her biography, acting journey, philosophy, and memorable quotes.

Introduction

Linda Gray is best known as Sue Ellen Ewing, one of American television’s most iconic soap opera figures in Dallas. Beyond that central role, she has navigated a long career spanning modeling, commercial work, TV roles, film, and stage. Her journey illustrates both determination and adaptability in an industry that demands reinvention.

Early Life & Background

• Full name: Linda Ann Gray

• Born: September 12, 1940, in Santa Monica, California, U.S.

• She grew up in Culver City, California, where her father Leslie worked as a watchmaker.

• Before acting, Gray worked extensively as a model, and appeared in nearly 400 television commercials early in her career.

Her early modeling and commercial work gave her experience in front of the camera and familiarity with the entertainment industry before she transitioned fully into acting.

Acting Career

Breakthrough with Dallas

Linda Gray’s career took off when she was cast as Sue Ellen Ewing in the CBS primetime soap Dallas (initial run 1978–1989, plus later returns).

Although Sue Ellen began as a relatively minor character, Gray’s portrayal brought depth, vulnerability, and drama, leading producers to expand the role.

For her work, Gray earned a Primetime Emmy nomination (1981) for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series and multiple Golden Globe Award nominations.

She reprised the role of Sue Ellen in Dallas: J.R. Returns (1996), Dallas: War of the Ewings (1998), and the Dallas reboot (2012–2014).

Her character underwent many dramatic arcs: alcoholism, betrayal, resurgence, and personal transformation.

Work Beyond Dallas

After Dallas, Gray extended into film, TV guest spots, and stage work:

• Starred opposite Sylvester Stallone in the 1991 comedy Oscar.

• Appeared in the TV series Melrose Place and Models, Inc. (1994–1995).

• On stage, Gray played Mrs. Robinson in The Graduate (West End, then Broadway) in the early 2000s.

• Other stage credits include Terms of Endearment, Cinderella (London pantomime), and various regional theatre productions.

Her ability to shift between screen and stage shows versatility and a sustained commitment to her craft.

Personal Life

• Gray was married to Ed Thrasher (art director/photographer) from 1962 until their divorce in 1983.

• They had two children: Jeff Thrasher and Kehly Sloane.

• Jeff passed away in November 2020 from leukemia.

Gray’s personal experiences, including marriage, motherhood, loss, and professional ups and downs, often resonate in her performances, particularly in roles that require emotional vulnerability.

Personality, Philosophy & Public Voice

Gray has spoken candidly about aging, self-care, identity, and authenticity. Her public statements often blend pragmatism with a strong sense of self.

Some key themes in her philosophy:

• Physical health & authenticity:

  “If you don’t like your wrinkles and you think Botox or surgery is going to fix it, do it and shut up. But don’t keep talking about it.”
  “I feel better if I exercise and eat healthily.”

• Balance & gratitude:

  “I’m extremely blessed because I travel extensively for my work, but I always try to incorporate a bit of leisure with business.”

• Resilience & impermanence:

  “I always tell people that my life is in pencil; I have to keep an eraser in hand because I could always get a call that could change everything.”

These quotes reflect a person mindful of change, committed to self-care, and realistic about the unpredictable nature of life and career.

Famous Quotes

Here are several notable quotes attributed to Linda Gray:

• “If you don’t like your wrinkles … do it and shut up. But don’t keep talking about it.”

• “I feel better if I exercise and eat healthily.”

• “I’m extremely blessed because I travel extensively for my work, but I always try to incorporate a bit of leisure with business.”

• “I always tell people that my life is in pencil; I have to keep an eraser in hand because I could always get a call that could change everything.”

• “Larry Hagman was my best friend for 35 years. He was the Pied Piper of life and brought joy to everyone he knew.”

These quotes display her wit, emotional intelligence, and grounded perspective, especially as one ages in the public eye.

Lessons from Linda Gray

1. Evolve with grace
   Gray's career demonstrates the importance of adapting—moving from modeling to commercials, to prominent TV roles, to stage work—without losing one’s core identity.

2. Embrace imperfection
   Her candid reflections on aging and appearance encourage authenticity rather than illusion.

3. Resilience in face of change
   The industry is fickle, and Gray’s “life in pencil” mindset underscores the need for flexibility, readiness to pivot, and acceptance of unpredictability.

4. Balance in public life
   Finding space for personal renewal—physical, mental, emotional—amid a public-facing career is crucial. Her commitment to self-care and leisure shows the value of preserving inner life.

5. Transform supporting roles into legacy roles
   What began as a smaller part in Dallas grew into her defining role through consistent depth and layers of performance.

Conclusion

Linda Gray’s journey from model to one of television’s legendary soap opera stars—and then to stage actress and public figure—illustrates a life lived in motion yet rooted in authenticity. Her portrayal of Sue Ellen Ewing left a lasting mark on TV history, but her broader career and outlook show someone who has steadily navigated change, loss, reinvention, and creative purpose.