Few characters define primetime drama like Sue Ellen Ewing—her tumultuous marriage and fierce resilience captivated audiences throughout the ‘70s and ‘80s. Behind that unforgettable performance was Linda Gray, whose career and life have taken her far beyond Southfork Ranch. Here’s a look at how she’s spent the years since hanging up her silk blouses and heading into new adventures.
Life Beyond the Ewings
Portraying Sue Ellen for over a decade, Linda Gray became synonymous with the bold, complex character who endured betrayal, battled addiction, and ultimately reclaimed her strength. After Dallas ended, Gray stepped into film roles—a notable turn alongside Sylvester Stallone in the 1991 comedy The Marrying Man—and later embraced the stage, captivating theatre-goers as Mrs. Robinson in The Graduate. In 2012, she delighted fans by returning to the role she made famous in the Dallas revival, proving that Sue Ellen’s resilience still resonated decades later.
Finding Solace in Palm Springs
Now 82, Linda Gray has traded Hollywood spotlights for the sun-soaked tranquility of Palm Springs. Yet life hasn’t been without its challenges. In recent interviews, she revealed the profound grief of losing her son during the COVID-19 pandemic—an experience that prompted her to leave the 50-year family ranch and move into her childhood home, where her parents once lived for 25 years. Through personal heartache, Gray’s grace and strength shine just as brightly as her on-screen courage.
From prime-time icon to community pillar, Linda Gray’s journey reminds us that behind every beloved character is an actress whose real-life story can be just as compelling as the dramas she brings to life.
