Linda Gray Recalls Accidentally Putting on a Peeling Face Mask Before Lunch with Elizabeth Taylor: ‘What Did I Do?’

Linda Gray, renowned for her role as Sue Ellen Ewing on the classic television show *Dallas*, recently recounted a rather amusing anecdote from her first lunch with the legendary Elizabeth Taylor. Speaking on the *Celebrity Drop* podcast, Gray reminisced about a rather chaotic preparation experience that resulted in a rather unexpected appearance.

The two actresses were introduced through a mutual acquaintance, an interior decorator who was working on renovation projects for Taylor. Gray, now 85, shared how her decorator friend called her up with an impromptu invitation: “We’re going to pop by and see you on the way to Santa Barbara,” he revealed. Excited but apprehensive, Gray was informed that Taylor would be accompanying them.

As the lunch approached, Gray’s initial enthusiasm quickly turned to panic—she had a mere 45 minutes to prepare a meal. “I kind of froze because I thought, ‘Oh my god, Elizabeth Taylor’s coming for lunch. What am I going to fix?’” she reflected. With such limited time available, she made the decision to prioritise cooking over personal grooming.

Opting for a quick approach to her appearance, Gray thought it more practical to skip her usual make-up routine. “I thought, I don’t have time to put makeup on. I have to focus on the cooking,” she explained. A quick dab of moisturiser and a swipe of lipstick was all she managed before frantically returning to the kitchen to complete her meal preparations.

As the lunch began, Gray felt a sense of unease. While seated, she noticed her decorator friend gesturing towards his mouth in a familiar sign that suggested she might had something on her own face. “I was like, ‘Wait a minute. I better check.’” She instinctively took her napkin and lightly dabbed at her mouth, wondering if breadcrumbs had made an appearance during her hastily enjoyed meal.

However, as the meal continued, her friend made the same gesture again, only this time on the opposite side of his mouth. “And then about 10 minutes later, he did the same thing on this side,” Gray shared, feeling increasingly puzzled but continuing with the gathering. After the guests departed for Santa Barbara, Gray tidied up and decided to take a look in the mirror, only to be met with a shocking discovery.

To her astonishment, she realised that she had been wearing a peeling mask throughout the entire lunch with Taylor. “I had put on, inadvertently, a peeling mask for the lunch with Elizabeth Taylor. Like, what did I do?” she said, laughing at the inexplicable situation.

Gray’s anecdote not only highlights her charm and sense of humour but also offers a unique insight into a memorable moment shared with one of Hollywood’s iconic figures. Elizabeth Taylor, who passed away on March 23, 2011, has long been celebrated for her incredible talent and influence in the film industry.

Though the lunch ended with a humorous misstep, Gray treasures the experience. The narrative underscores the unpredictability of life and the connections formed through shared experiences, however haphazard they may be. In the end, it is these candid moments that often become cherished memories, a sentiment echoed fondly by Gray while reflecting on her time with Taylor.

As Gray continues to share her stories, they serve as a reminder of the joy and laughter that can arise even from the most unsuspecting circumstances.