Dallas' Linda Gray: 'Sue Ellen isn’t a victim anymore'

Award-winning actress Linda Gray is best known for her role as Sue Ellen Ewing in Dallas. The iconic show, which ran from 1978 to 1991, was rebooted in 2012 with Linda and a number of original cast members reprising their roles. The third series is currently showing on Channel 5. Linda, 74, has two children, Jeff and Kehly, from her marriage to ex-husband Ed Thrasher. She lives in Los Angeles.

What can we expect from Sue Ellen in the new series?

That would be telling! But the writers keep me interested in her. There’s always a new twist and I love finding out what she’s going to get up to next. 

When you were approached about the Dallas remake, what were your thoughts? 

Myself, Larry [Hagman] and Patrick [Duffy] felt the series would have to retain the integrity of the original for us to return. We didn’t want to be used as bait to get the audience back. But the script was brilliant. After that the three of us jumped at the chance to work together again. 

Do you think the show is as good as it was back then?

It’s captured the intrigue and the dastardly antics that made the original so brilliant. But what I love about the new series is that the women are stronger and Sue Ellen isn’t a victim any more.  

Was it strange to return to Dallas after Larry Hagman’s death in 2012?

It was and it still is. He was one of my best friends for 37 years. But he’d just say, “Get on with it; do not mourn me.” Larry passed away doing something he loved. J.R. Ewing was the role of his lifetime and he was back in the public eye, which was important to him.  

What’s your best memory of Larry?

My best memory is the friendship we shared. We’d see each other at least twice a month and my kids and grandchildren knew him too. That kind of friendship is rare, especially in Hollywood. 

You always look amazing. What’s your secret?

People ask me how much work I’ve had done, but all that stuff scares the hell out of me. I drink lots of water, I go for walks every day and I cook everything from scratch. That’s about it. Most of all, I’m happy with my life and I think that shows.

What’s the strangest thing you’ve ever read about yourself?

I read so many strange things, but I laugh it off. I don’t let what other people say even enter into my consciousness. 

Do you receive any bizarre fan mail?

Back in the day, I got a lot of recommendations for psychiatrists, because people confused me with Sue Ellen.

What’s been the most embarrassing moment of your career?

When I was on stage in The Graduate, there was a scene where I had to drop my towel. Being naked on stage was completely outside my comfort zone. One night I was told that Larry and his wife were in the audience… I was mortified. Larry was such a clown and teased me mercilessly. He kept joking that he’d finally got to see Sue Ellen naked after all those years of marriage!

Dallas airs at 10pm every Thursday on Channel 5.