# Linda Gray

> American actress

**Wikidata**: [Q234086](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q234086)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Linda_Gray)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/linda-gray

## Summary
Linda Gray is an American actress best known for her iconic role as Sue Ellen Ewing in the primetime television drama *Dallas* (1978–1991). With a career spanning over five decades, she has worked in film, television, theater, and modeling, also contributing as a producer and director. Her portrayal of Sue Ellen earned her multiple Emmy nominations and solidified her status as a leading figure in 1980s television.

## Biography
- **Born**: September 12, 1940  
- **Nationality**: United States  
- **Known for**: Iconic role as Sue Ellen Ewing in *Dallas*; career in acting, modeling, and directing  
- **Field(s)**: Television, film, theater, modeling  

## Contributions
- **Acting Roles**:  
  - *Dallas* (1978–1991): Played Sue Ellen Ewing, a complex and influential character in primetime drama.  
  - *The Bold and the Beautiful* (2006–2013): Recurring role as Sandy Logan.  
  - Film appearances: *The Rat Pack* (1998), *The Tarnished Angels* (1957, uncredited).  
- **Directing and Producing**:  
  - Directed episodes of *Dallas* and *The Love Boat: The Next Wave*.  
  - Produced content for television, including work on *Dallas*.  
- **Stage Work**: Performed in theater productions, including a 2014 UK tour of *Dallas* themes.  

## FAQs
**What is Linda Gray’s most famous role?**  
Her portrayal of Sue Ellen Ewing in *Dallas* remains her most iconic role, earning her two Emmy nominations and a lasting impact on 1980s pop culture.  

**When did Linda Gray begin her career?**  
She started modeling in the 1960s before transitioning to acting, with early film roles in the 1950s (uncredited) and television work from the 1970s onward.  

**What other work has Linda Gray done beyond acting?**  
She has worked as a television director and producer, contributing to series like *Dallas* and *The Love Boat: The Next Wave*.  

**Has Linda Gray been recognized with awards?**  
She received two Primetime Emmy nominations for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series for her work on *Dallas* (1981, 1982).  

## Why They Matter
Linda Gray’s career exemplifies the transition from modeling to acting and her ability to sustain a long-term presence in television. Her role as Sue Ellen Ewing challenged stereotypes of female characters in primetime dramas, portraying a flawed yet resilient figure. Her behind-the-camera work as a director and producer further highlights her multifaceted contributions to the industry, paving the way for women in television production.

## Notable For
- **Iconic Television Role**: Sue Ellen Ewing in *Dallas* (1978–1991), a defining character of 1980s television.  
- **Longevity**: Career spanning over 50 years in entertainment.  
- **Multifaceted Career**: Work as an actress, model, director, and producer.  
- **Awards Recognition**: Two Primetime Emmy nominations for *Dallas*.  
- **Cultural Impact**: *Dallas* drew massive audiences, with its 1980 "Who Shot J.R.?" storyline becoming a global phenomenon.  

## Body
### Early Life and Career Beginnings  
Linda Gray was born on September 12, 1940, in the United States. She began her career as a model in the 1960s, later transitioning to acting with early uncredited film roles, including *The Tarnished Angels* (1957).  

### Acting Career  
Gray’s breakthrough came with the role of Sue Ellen Ewing in *Dallas* (1978–1991), a primetime soap opera that became a cultural touchstone. Her performance earned two Emmy nominations and established her as a leading actress of the 1980s. She continued her television work with recurring roles in *The Bold and the Beautiful* (2006–2013) and guest appearances in series like *The Love Boat*.  

### Behind the Camera  
In addition to acting, Gray ventured into directing and producing. She directed episodes of *Dallas* and *The Love Boat: The Next Wave*, contributing to her reputation as a multifaceted talent in television.  

### Stage and Later Work  
Gray maintained an active stage career, including a 2014 UK theater tour focused on *Dallas* themes. Her longevity in the entertainment industry reflects her adaptability and enduring appeal.  

### Legacy and Impact  
Gray’s portrayal of Sue Ellen Ewing redefined female characters in primetime dramas, offering a blend of glamour and vulnerability. Her work on *Dallas* influenced the trajectory of serialized television and pop culture, with the show’s success paving the way for future primetime soaps. As a director and producer, she helped expand opportunities for women in behind-the-scenes roles, leaving a lasting imprint on the industry.

## References

1. Geni.com
2. Deutsche Synchronkartei
3. IMDb
4. [Source](http://viaf.org/viaf/data/viaf-20170101-links.txt.gz)
5. Virtual International Authority File
6. MusicBrainz
7. [Source](https://www.google.de/books/edition/Historical_Gazetteer_of_the_United_State/REtEXQNWq6MC?hl=de&gbpv=1&dq=September+12,+1940+linda+grey&pg=PA118&printsec=frontcover)
8. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
9. performing-arts.ch
10. The Movie Database