Linda Gray: The Untold Struggles Behind the Iconic Role of Sue Ellen Ewing in Dallas

Linda Gray’s portrayal of Sue Ellen Ewing in Dallas made her a household name, but the real drama in her life wasn’t confined to the screen. Behind the glitz and glamor of her role on the beloved 1980s soap opera, Linda faced a series of grueling challenges, both physically and mentally. From enduring grueling 22-hour workdays to fighting for equality in a male-dominated industry, Gray’s journey reveals the dark side of Hollywood and the fight for recognition as an actress and director.

Early Life and Career Beginnings

Born on September 12, 1940, in Santa Monica, California, Linda Gray grew up during a time when the world was significantly different. The backdrop of World War II shaped her formative years, and life in America was modest, with gas costing just 11 cents per gallon. Gray spent much of her childhood in Culver City, near Hollywood, where the entertainment industry was already a dominant force. Her father, Leslie Gray, a watchmaker, instilled in her a sense of precision and attention to detail, which would later serve her well in her acting career.

Despite not being directly involved in the industry, Linda’s surroundings immersed her in it. The famous Hollywood studios were nearby, and she was captivated by the world of film and television from an early age. Her love for performance first bloomed in 1955 when she starred in a school play as Cinderella. This small role sparked a passion that would later propel her to stardom.

Breakthrough as a Model

Linda’s entry into the entertainment world began not as an actress but as a model. In the early 1960s, a talent scout discovered her while she was waiting at a bus stop, and her striking features quickly caught the eye of major brands. By 1963, she had signed with the prestigious Ford Model agency. Linda appeared in ads for well-known companies, including Coca-Cola and Playtex, becoming a recognized face in advertising. In fact, one of her highest-paying gigs was for Playtex in 1968, where she earned $50,000 for just three days of work—a sum worth over $370,000 today.

Her modeling career also took her to Japan in 1969, where she became one of the first American models to star in commercials for Japanese cosmetics. This global exposure was crucial in opening doors for Linda in acting.

A Surprising Connection to The Graduate

In 1967, Linda Gray unknowingly became part of one of Hollywood’s most iconic moments. The famous movie poster for The Graduate shows Dustin Hoffman in the foreground, with a woman’s leg stretched across the frame. For years, the world believed the leg belonged to Anne Bancroft, who played Mrs. Robinson. However, in 2013, Gray revealed the shocking truth—the leg was actually hers.

At the time of the photo shoot, Linda was 27 years old and had no idea she was contributing to a piece of cinematic history. She was paid only $25 for the job, but the image went on to become one of the most famous in film history, and Gray never received recognition for it.

Struggles and Triumphs in Hollywood

Linda Gray’s journey into acting wasn’t easy. In 1962, she landed her first Hollywood job, but it was far from glamorous. Rather than acting with lines, she was hired as a body double for Anne Bancroft’s leg in The Graduate poster. Her first real acting role came in 1963 with small roles in films like Under the Yum Yum Tree, but even these didn’t go smoothly. On one occasion, Jack Lemmon, the film’s star, felt Linda’s natural charisma would overshadow him, so her lines were cut from the film.

Despite such setbacks, Linda pressed on, taking on guest roles in television shows such as Marcus Welby, MD and Switch, where she had to endure intense pressure and odd requests, including slapping Robert Wagner for real during a scene. The tension on set led to respect for her ability to make the scene feel authentic.

In 1977, Linda took on a groundbreaking role in All That Glitters, where she portrayed a transgender woman—a first for an American television series. The show, which tackled issues of gender roles and transgender identity, was ahead of its time but met with resistance from advertisers and TV stations. Still, it left a lasting impact on the LGBTQ+ community, and Linda’s performance earned her recognition.

The Iconic Role of Sue Ellen Ewing

It was in 1978 that Linda Gray was cast as Sue Ellen Ewing on Dallas, the role that would change her life forever. Initially, she was only hired for five episodes, with her character being an afterthought as J.R. Ewing’s (Larry Hagman) wife. However, Linda’s compelling performance turned Sue Ellen into one of the most complex and iconic characters in television history. By the end of the first season, the writers had expanded her role.

Dallas was a worldwide sensation, captivating over 350 million viewers globally when the infamous “Who shot J.R.?” storyline aired. The show helped define the cultural landscape of the 1980s, influencing politics and social attitudes around the globe. In addition to becoming an international star, Linda Gray’s portrayal of Sue Ellen was revolutionary. Her portrayal of a woman struggling with addiction was raw, powerful, and unlike anything seen on TV before.

The Struggles Behind the Scenes

Though Dallas made Linda Gray a star, life behind the scenes was anything but glamorous. The grueling work schedule took a toll on her health, with 16-hour days and intense physical strain. She developed severe back pain from wearing high heels for hours on end and had to wear a back brace during filming. The mental strain was just as intense, with Linda often working long hours, memorizing up to 30 pages of dialogue a day, and dealing with constant script changes.

She faced significant gender inequality as well, with male co-stars earning far more than she did. The producers regularly dismissed her requests for more creative input, and when she asked to direct an episode, she was rejected outright—an opportunity given freely to her male counterparts. Despite this, she persisted, eventually earning the chance to direct in 1986 after threatening to leave the show. Her first directed episode was a success, and she went on to direct three more.

Personal Struggles and Triumphs

Linda’s personal life was no less challenging. She was married to Ed Thrasher in 1962, but their relationship quickly turned toxic. Thrasher controlled every aspect of her life, and Linda felt trapped. After years of feeling stifled, she found the courage to leave, eventually divorcing him in 1983.

Her journey through Dallas and Hollywood wasn’t just about achieving fame—it was about breaking barriers, fighting for her voice, and ultimately reshaping the role of women in the entertainment industry. Through determination and resilience, Linda Gray became an icon whose impact on television and beyond is still felt today.