Linda Gray, known for her iconic role as Sue Ellen Ewing on the beloved television series *Dallas*, recently shared her remarkable journey to fame in an interview with PEOPLE. The actress reflected on the serendipitous nature of her casting and her continued affection for the show, ahead of an auction of memorabilia from her time on the series.
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*Dallas*, which aired from 1978 to 1991, captured the attention of millions, and Gray’s portrayal of Sue Ellen remains a defining aspect of the show’s legacy. Speaking to PEOPLE in association with Julien’s Auctions, she recounted the unconventional circumstances that surrounded her audition and her initial disbelief at landing the career-defining role.
Gray confessed that she felt an overwhelming sense of foreboding prior to her audition, which took place at Warner Bros. Studios at 5:00 PM on a Friday. “You don’t go in for an interview at 5:00 on Friday afternoon,” Gray remarked. “Everyone wants to go home; they’re not interested.” To make matters more puzzling, she entered the audition without a script, leaving her unsure of what was expected for the character of Sue Ellen Ewing, a role she hadn’t previously prepared for.
Compounding her uncertainty, Gray was aware that her friend Mary Frann was the frontrunner for the role, making her question the purpose of her presence. “I thought, ‘What the hell am I doing here?’” she recalled. Yet, she soldiered on, reacting to a scene with co-star Larry Hagman, who played the notorious J.R. Ewing. Despite her initial apprehension, Gray felt an unexpected surge of confidence by the end of her audition.
As she exited the building, something within her shifted. She felt an unshakeable belief that she would land the role. “I have this job,” she thought to herself as she pressed the elevator button, despite the doubts that had clouded her mind only moments before. To her astonishment, her agent confirmed that she had indeed secured the part shortly thereafter, a moment that left her feeling both thrilled and somewhat guilty for overshadowing her friend.
Reflecting on Frann’s subsequent success—she went on to star in CBS’s *Newhart* from 1982 to 1990—Gray acknowledges that her journey on *Dallas* marked the beginning of her professional ascent. “That’s how it all started,” she said, expressing gratitude for the opportunity that came her way.
The actress fondly recalled her first meeting with the cast, stating how the eclectic group was an impressive mix of talent. Larry Hagman immediately made an impression on her, arriving with leather saddlebags that held a bottle of champagne. “This is a strange character,” she thought, intrigued by Hagman’s charm. She also noted her excitement at working alongside Patrick Duffy, Barbara Bel Geddes, and other renowned actors, admitting that the experience left her with a sense of imposter syndrome.
“This is our cast? What an odd, eclectic group of people,” Gray remembered thinking. “What am I doing here?” Despite her initial hesitations, Gray quickly embraced her role and formed lasting bonds with her co-stars. The dynamics among the cast contributed to creating a show that captured the hearts of audiences worldwide.
The upcoming auction, part of Julien’s Auctions ‘Ladies of the ‘80s’ series, will take place on August 12th, offering fans a rare opportunity to acquire unique pieces from Gray’s time on *Dallas*. As she bids farewell to her cherished mementos, Gray continues to cherish the memories of the show and her beloved character.
As an enduring figure in television history, Linda Gray’s reflections on her time in the spotlight serve as a reminder of the unpredictable nature of success in the entertainment industry. Her journey from uncertainty to acclaim has solidified her place in pop culture, while also highlighting the importance of camaraderie and resilience among creatives. Now, as she prepares to part with some of her tokens from the past, Gray remains grateful for the legacy of *Dallas* and the friendships forged along the way.