Linda Gray is an American actress, director, producer and former model best known for portraying Sue Ellen Ewing, the glamorous but troubled wife of J.R. Ewing, on the legendary television drama Dallas. Born on September 12, 1940, in Santa Monica, California, Gray built a career that began with modeling and television commercials before she became one of the most recognizable actresses on American television. As of September 2026, she is 85 years old and remains active in the entertainment industry.
Gray became an international star when she joined Dallas in 1978. Her performance as Sue Ellen, a woman trapped in a complicated marriage to Larry Hagman’s ruthless oil tycoon J.R. Ewing, earned her a Primetime Emmy nomination and two Golden Globe nominations. The character became one of television’s most memorable women of the 1970s and 1980s, particularly because Gray brought emotional depth to what could otherwise have been a stereotypical soap-opera role.
Beyond Dallas, Linda Gray has built an unusually varied career spanning television, film, theater, directing, producing, humanitarian work and writing. She appeared in Oscar alongside Sylvester Stallone, starred in Models, Inc. and Melrose Place, performed on Broadway and in London’s West End, directed episodes of Dallas, served as a United Nations goodwill ambassador and later returned as Sue Ellen in the 2012 Dallas revival. In 2026, she has again been in the spotlight while discussing her Dallas memories, her friendship with Larry Hagman and memorabilia from the series.
Linda Gray Profile Summary
| Category | Details |
| Full Name | Linda Ann Gray |
| Date of Birth | September 12, 1940 |
| Age | 85 years old |
| Birthplace | Santa Monica, California, United States |
| Nationality | American |
| Profession | Actress, Director, Producer, Former Model |
| Years Active | 1963–present |
| Best Known For | Sue Ellen Ewing on Dallas |
| Height | 5 ft 8 in (1.73 m) |
| Husband | Ed Thrasher (married 1962–1983) |
| Children | Jeff Thrasher and Kehly Sloane |
| Grandchildren | Two grandsons |
| Major Television Role | Sue Ellen Ewing in Dallas |
| Emmy Nominations | 1 |
| Golden Globe Nominations | 2 |
| United Nations Role | Goodwill Ambassador |
| Memoir | The Road to Happiness Is Always Under Construction |
| Current Status | Active in entertainment and public appearances |
| Net Worth | Not publicly verified |
Linda Gray Early Life
Linda Ann Gray was born on September 12, 1940, in Santa Monica, California. She grew up in nearby Culver City, where her father, Leslie Gray, worked as a watchmaker and operated a shop. Her mother was Marjorie Gray. Gray’s childhood was shaped by both difficult family circumstances and an early interest in performance, eventually leading her toward modeling and entertainment.
Gray experienced significant health problems as a child. In her memoir, The Road to Happiness Is Always Under Construction, she revealed that she suffered from polio and that the illness was severe enough to leave her temporarily paralyzed. She also wrote openly about growing up with an alcoholic mother, experiences that later influenced her understanding of resilience and personal independence.
Before becoming an actress, Gray entered the world of modeling during the 1960s. She was also involved in television advertising and appeared in hundreds of commercials. One of the most famous early curiosities associated with her career is her connection to The Graduate. Gray’s legs were used as the body double for Anne Bancroft in the promotional poster for the 1967 movie, although she was not credited as an actress in the film itself.
Linda Gray Education
Linda Gray’s early education took place in California, where she grew up and developed her interest in performance. She was involved in activities that allowed her to express herself creatively and eventually pursued modeling rather than following a conventional academic career path.
Her transition into entertainment happened gradually. During the 1960s, she worked as a model and commercial performer, gaining experience in front of cameras long before she became a television star.
Gray eventually took acting classes as an adult. This was an important turning point because she had initially been established more as a model than a serious actress. In her memoir, she described taking an acting class as part of her decision to build a life and identity beyond the restrictive circumstances of her marriage.
Linda Gray Career
Modeling and Commercials
Linda Gray began her professional entertainment career as a model during the 1960s.
At the time, the modeling industry was one of the major routes into television and film for young women in California. Gray appeared in advertisements and eventually became a prolific commercial performer.
She reportedly appeared in nearly 400 television commercials during this period. The experience helped her become comfortable in front of cameras and introduced her to the technical demands of production.
Although she was not yet a household name, the work gave Gray the practical experience she would later use when transitioning into scripted television.
Early Acting Roles
Gray began appearing in television programs and films during the 1960s and 1970s.
Her early screen credits included appearances in productions such as Under the Yum Yum Tree and Palm Springs Weekend. These roles were relatively small compared with the television work that would later define her career.
She gradually accumulated guest appearances on television and began developing the skills necessary for more substantial dramatic roles.
Gray’s career trajectory was unusual because she did not become a major television star until she was in her late 30s.
Landing Dallas
The defining turning point came in 1978 when Gray was cast as Sue Ellen Ewing in Dallas.
Gray recently recalled that she initially did not expect to receive the part. A friend, Mary Frann, had apparently already been associated with the role, so Gray was surprised when she was asked to audition.
The audition itself was unusual. Gray recalled going to Warner Bros. Studios late on a Friday afternoon without a conventional script or much information about the character. She nevertheless felt afterward that something significant had happened.
Her instinct was correct.
She was cast as Sue Ellen Ewing, the wife of J.R. Ewing, played by Larry Hagman.
Sue Ellen Ewing
Sue Ellen initially appeared to be the stereotypical wealthy oilman’s wife, but Gray’s performance gradually transformed her into one of the most complex characters on the series.
Sue Ellen’s marriage to J.R. was marked by infidelity, manipulation, alcoholism, jealousy and emotional abuse. Despite her vulnerability, the character repeatedly demonstrated intelligence, ambition and resilience.
Gray’s performance gave Sue Ellen an emotional dimension that resonated with viewers. She became much more than J.R.’s unhappy wife.
The role also placed Gray alongside Larry Hagman, Patrick Duffy, Barbara Bel Geddes and other members of the Dallas ensemble.
Who Shot J.R.?
One of the most important moments in television history came during the famous Dallas cliffhanger involving the question, “Who shot J.R.?”
J.R. was shot at the end of the third season, leaving viewers across the world desperate to discover the identity of the attacker.
Gray later recalled that the resulting public obsession became overwhelming.
During the months before the mystery was resolved, she could barely go out in public without being confronted by fans. Her children became frustrated because ordinary family activities could turn into encounters with strangers asking about the identity of J.R.’s shooter.
The eventual revelation that Kristin Shepard, J.R.‘s sister-in-law, was responsible became one of television’s most famous plot twists.
Emmy and Golden Globe Recognition
Gray’s performance as Sue Ellen earned major industry recognition.
She received a Primetime Emmy nomination for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series in 1981.
She was also nominated for Golden Globe Awards for Best Actress in a Television Series – Drama in 1981 and 1982.
Her performance also brought international recognition. She received the Bambi Award for her work on Dallas and an Italian television acting award, while the Hollywood Radio & Television Society named her Woman of the Year.
Directing Dallas
Gray’s ambitions extended beyond acting.
During her time on Dallas, she became interested in directing and eventually directed episodes of the series.
Her interest in directing reportedly caused tension with the show’s producers. According to biographical accounts, she was at one point dismissed during the eighth season after asking to direct, but Larry Hagman strongly supported her and threatened to leave if she was removed.
Whether working in front of or behind the camera, Gray increasingly demonstrated that she wanted greater creative involvement in the productions she worked on.
Leaving Dallas
Gray remained on Dallas until 1989.
By that point, Sue Ellen had become one of the defining characters of American primetime television, but Gray wanted to move beyond the role.
Leaving such a successful series created an unexpected problem: audiences and casting directors had become so strongly associated with Gray and Sue Ellen that finding dramatically different roles was difficult.
Gray has since spoken about how difficult the transition was. After spending more than a decade playing one of television’s most recognizable characters, she found herself struggling to convince the industry that she could play someone else.
Oscar
One of the opportunities that helped Gray move away from Sue Ellen came when director John Landis cast her in the 1991 comedy Oscar, opposite Sylvester Stallone.
Gray played Roxanne, a character dramatically different from the glamorous Texas socialite viewers associated with her.
The opportunity was particularly meaningful because Gray has said that she felt many people in Hollywood no longer wanted to hire her because she was so strongly associated with Sue Ellen.
Landis’s decision to cast her gave Gray the chance to demonstrate her range.
Melrose Place and Models, Inc.
Gray returned to television in the 1990s with roles that deliberately moved her away from Dallas.
She appeared on Melrose Place, playing Hillary Michaels, a powerful woman connected to the modeling industry.
She subsequently took the leading role of Hillary Michaels in Models, Inc., a Melrose Place spinoff that premiered in 1994.
The series focused on a modeling agency and the complicated personal and professional relationships surrounding its models and executives.
Although Models, Inc. lasted only one season, the role demonstrated Gray’s ability to play a commanding character far removed from Sue Ellen Ewing.
Stage Career
Gray developed an extensive theater career after Dallas.
She appeared in productions including Agnes of God, The Vagina Monologues and Love Letters. Her performance career eventually took her to both London’s West End and Broadway.
In 2001, she played Mrs. Robinson in the stage adaptation of The Graduate in London’s West End. The following year, she brought the role to Broadway, replacing Kathleen Turner for a limited engagement.
The role was particularly fitting because of her earlier connection to The Graduate through the famous poster image.
Gray also starred in Terms of Endearment, appearing in the original British stage production and subsequently touring the United Kingdom.
Directing and Producing
Gray continued developing her career behind the camera.
She made her theater-directing debut with Murder in the First and also directed television material.
Her work as a director gave her another creative outlet and reinforced the fact that she was interested in much more than simply acting.
She has also worked as a producer and has been involved with independent productions and stage projects.
Returning as Sue Ellen
In 1996, Gray returned to the character that made her famous in Dallas: J.R. Returns.
She later reprised Sue Ellen in Dallas: War of the Ewings in 1998.
The biggest return came in 2012, when TNT revived Dallas for a new generation.
Gray returned alongside Patrick Duffy and Larry Hagman, reprising Sue Ellen Ewing while a younger generation of characters became the focus of the story.
The revival ran for three seasons, ending in 2014.
Larry Hagman’s death in 2012 made the revival especially emotional for Gray and the rest of the cast.
Friendship With Larry Hagman
Linda Gray and Larry Hagman developed a close friendship that lasted from the beginning of Dallas until Hagman’s death in 2012.
Their relationship was partly built on the extraordinary chemistry they had as Sue Ellen and J.R.
Gray has described Hagman as one of her favorite scene partners because they could challenge one another creatively. Their on-screen relationship was filled with conflict, but behind the scenes they developed a playful friendship.
In 2026, Gray revealed that she still keeps several personal gifts Hagman gave her, including funny notes and a Rolex watch.
She has described those items as treasures that she will never give away.
Humanitarian Work
Gray has also devoted considerable time to humanitarian causes.
She served as a United Nations goodwill ambassador and has supported causes including AIDS awareness and environmental protection.
Her charity work became an important extension of her public career, particularly after her television fame gave her a large international platform.
Rather than restricting herself to entertainment, Gray used her visibility to draw attention to social and humanitarian issues.
Memoir
In 2015, Gray published her memoir, The Road to Happiness Is Always Under Construction.
The book explored her childhood, career, marriage, personal challenges and philosophy on life.
Gray used the memoir to discuss experiences that were not necessarily visible to audiences who knew her primarily as Sue Ellen Ewing.
She wrote about childhood illness, growing up with an alcoholic mother, the difficulties of her early marriage and the decision to eventually pursue acting more seriously.
The book also presented Gray’s philosophy of resilience and personal growth, particularly as she approached her mid-70s.
Recent Work
Gray has continued acting well beyond the traditional retirement age.
Her later credits have included television movies, independent films and guest appearances. She has also remained active in stage work and public appearances.
In 2023, she appeared in Ladies of the ’80s: A Divas Christmas, alongside several other actresses associated with the television era that made her famous.
She has also remained connected to younger audiences through projects such as the video game Starfield, in which she provided a voice performance.
Linda Gray in 2026
In 2026, Gray has received renewed attention because of her reflections on Dallas and her decision to part with some of her memorabilia from the series.
She participated in a “Ladies of the ’80s” memorabilia auction, offering items connected to her time on Dallas, including scripts, production materials and other pieces associated with Sue Ellen.
Gray described the experience as bittersweet because the objects carried decades of memories.
However, she made clear that some items were too personal to sell, particularly gifts from Larry Hagman.
Her 2026 interviews have also allowed fans to hear her firsthand memories of the making of Dallas, including the extraordinary cultural phenomenon surrounding the “Who Shot J.R.?” storyline.
Linda Gray Trending: Why Is Linda Gray Famous?
Linda Gray is currently attracting renewed attention because of her continuing connection to Dallas more than three decades after the original series ended.
In 2026, Gray has been discussing her memories of playing Sue Ellen Ewing, her friendship with Larry Hagman and the extraordinary level of fame generated by Dallas. Her reflections have coincided with renewed interest in the show’s original cast and legacy.
Gray has also been in the news because she has been auctioning selected memorabilia from her Dallas years. She has kept some of her most sentimental possessions, particularly personal gifts from Hagman, while allowing fans to acquire other pieces connected to the series.
Her continued public presence demonstrates the extraordinary longevity of Dallas. Even decades after the original show ended, Sue Ellen Ewing remains the role most closely associated with Gray and one of the most recognizable female characters in television history.
Linda Gray Age, Religion, Nationality, Height and Physical Appearance
Linda Gray was born on September 12, 1940, in Santa Monica, California. She is 85 years old as of September 5, 2026, and will turn 86 on September 12, 2026. She is American by nationality and has spent most of her life in California.
Gray’s height is commonly listed as approximately 5 feet 8 inches, or 1.73 metres. During her modeling years, her height and appearance helped her secure commercial and modeling work, although her eventual reputation was built on her acting ability rather than her appearance alone.
Gray’s religious beliefs have not been sufficiently documented in reliable public sources to confidently assign her a particular religion. She has generally spoken more publicly about personal growth, humanitarian work and life philosophy than about religious affiliation.
Linda Gray Personal Life
Linda Gray was married to Ed Thrasher, an art director and photographer, from 1962 until their divorce in 1983. Gray was 21 when she married, and she later wrote candidly about the difficulties of the relationship in her memoir. She described the marriage as emotionally restrictive and explained how taking an acting class became part of her journey toward independence.
The couple had two children, Jeff Thrasher and Kehly Sloane. Kehly followed her mother into acting and appeared in the original Dallas. Gray later became a grandmother to two grandsons. Her son Jeff died from leukemia in November 2020, a major personal loss for the actress.
Gray has generally maintained a private romantic life since her divorce. Rather than marrying again, she has focused on her family, acting, stage work, humanitarian interests and personal independence. Her relationship with Larry Hagman was one of the most important friendships of her professional life, although their relationship was entirely different from the turbulent marriage portrayed by their characters on Dallas.
Linda Gray Net Worth
Linda Gray’s exact net worth has not been publicly verified. Various entertainment websites publish estimates, but there is no authoritative financial disclosure that establishes a precise figure, so specific online estimates should be treated cautiously.
Gray’s long career has provided her with multiple sources of professional income. These include her decades of television acting, Dallas earnings, film roles, theater performances, directing and producing work, television movies, public appearances and other entertainment activities. Her career has lasted more than six decades, giving her an unusually extensive professional history.
Whatever her precise wealth may be, Gray’s financial legacy is closely tied to the longevity of her career rather than a single blockbuster film or short period of fame. Her role on Dallas made her an international star, while her work after the series demonstrated that she was able to continue earning and working across several areas of entertainment.
Legacy
Linda Gray’s greatest legacy is undoubtedly Sue Ellen Ewing, one of the most memorable women in American television history. Her portrayal transformed what could have been a supporting role into a complex character whose struggles with marriage, alcoholism, power and identity became central to Dallas.
Her career also represents an important example of longevity in entertainment. Gray became a major television star at 38, continued working through several generations of television, transitioned successfully into theater and directing, and eventually returned to her most famous character more than two decades after the original series ended.
Beyond acting, Gray’s legacy includes her humanitarian work, her advocacy for personal growth and her openness about difficult experiences. Through her memoir and public conversations, she has shown a willingness to discuss the less glamorous aspects of fame, family, marriage, aging and reinvention. At 85, her continuing involvement in entertainment demonstrates that her career has extended far beyond the character that first made her famous.
Conclusion
Linda Gray is much more than the actress who played Sue Ellen Ewing on Dallas. From her early years as a model and commercial performer to becoming an international television star, Broadway and West End actress, director, producer, author and humanitarian, Gray has built one of the longest careers associated with American television. Her portrayal of Sue Ellen remains her defining achievement, but her willingness to reinvent herself after Dallas, her friendship with Larry Hagman, her humanitarian work and her continued activity in her 80s have given her career a much broader significance. As she continues reflecting on Dallas and sharing memories with longtime fans in 2026, Linda Gray remains an enduring figure in television history.
Frequently Asked Questions About Linda Gray
How old is Linda Gray?
Linda Gray is 85 years old as of September 2026. She was born on September 12, 1940, and will turn 86 on September 12, 2026.
Who is Linda Gray?
Linda Gray is an American actress, director and producer best known for playing Sue Ellen Ewing on the television series Dallas.
What is Linda Gray famous for?
Linda Gray is most famous for playing Sue Ellen Ewing, the wife of J.R. Ewing, on Dallas from 1978 to 1989 and later in the show’s television movies and 2012 revival.
Is Linda Gray still alive?
Yes. Linda Gray is alive and remains active in entertainment and public appearances as of 2026.
Who was Linda Gray’s husband?
Linda Gray was married to Ed Thrasher, an art director and photographer, from 1962 until their divorce in 1983.
Does Linda Gray have children?
Yes. Linda Gray has two children, Jeff Thrasher and Kehly Sloane. Her daughter Kehly Sloane is also an actress.
What happened to Linda Gray’s son Jeff?
Linda Gray’s son Jeff Thrasher died from leukemia in November 2020.
How tall is Linda Gray?
Linda Gray is approximately 5 feet 8 inches tall, or 1.73 metres.
How old was Linda Gray when she joined Dallas?
Linda Gray was 37 when Dallas premiered in 1978 and turned 38 during the show’s first season.
Did Linda Gray win an Emmy for Dallas?
No. She was nominated for a Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series for her performance as Sue Ellen Ewing in 1981 but did not win.
Was Linda Gray married to Larry Hagman?
No. Linda Gray and Larry Hagman were not married in real life. Hagman played her on-screen husband, J.R. Ewing, on Dallas. The two actors became close friends.
Are Linda Gray and Larry Hagman related?
No. Linda Gray and Larry Hagman were not related. They were longtime friends and co-stars who played a married couple on Dallas.
What happened to Larry Hagman and Linda Gray?
Larry Hagman died in 2012 after complications from cancer. Linda Gray remained his close friend until his death and has continued to speak warmly about him and their time together on Dallas.
Did Linda Gray return to Dallas?
Yes. Gray reprised Sue Ellen Ewing in Dallas: J.R. Returns in 1996, Dallas: War of the Ewings in 1998 and the TNT Dallas revival, which ran from 2012 to 2014.
What movies has Linda Gray appeared in?
Linda Gray’s film work includes Under the Yum Yum Tree, Palm Springs Weekend, Oscar, Star of Jaipur, Hidden Moon and other film and television productions.
Did Linda Gray play Mrs. Robinson?
Yes. Linda Gray played Mrs. Robinson in the stage adaptation of The Graduate. She performed the role in London’s West End and later on Broadway.
What is Linda Gray’s memoir called?
Linda Gray’s memoir is titled The Road to Happiness Is Always Under Construction, published in 2015.
What is Linda Gray’s net worth?
Linda Gray’s exact net worth is not publicly verified. She has earned income from a career spanning acting, directing, producing, theater, television and other entertainment work.
What is Linda Gray doing now?
As of 2026, Linda Gray remains involved in entertainment, public appearances and projects connected to her long career. She has recently been reflecting publicly on Dallas, Larry Hagman and her memorabilia from the series.