A Consistent Presence During Television’s Most Influential Decades

Linda Evans is an American actress best known for her work in television during the 1960s through the 1980s. She gained early recognition for her role as Audra Barkley on The Big Valley, which aired from 1965 to 1969 and starred Barbara Stanwyck. The series helped establish Evans as a prominent television actress and provided her with long-term visibility in the industry. Her performance was noted for its consistency and professionalism, contributing to the show’s success during its run.

Evans achieved her most significant career milestone in 1981 when she was cast as Krystle Carrington on the prime-time soap opera Dynasty. The series became one of the most-watched television programs of the decade and ran until 1989. Her portrayal of Krystle Carrington earned her a Golden Globe Award and multiple People’s Choice Awards. The role solidified her status as a leading television actress and made her one of the most recognizable faces on American television during the 1980s. Reports from cast interviews indicate that the production maintained a professional working environment throughout its run.

Born Linda Evenstad on November 18, 1942, in Hartford, Connecticut, Evans grew up in a Norwegian-American family before relocating to North Hollywood, California, as a child. She began acting after encouragement from classmates and went on to study drama. Prior to her television success, she appeared in guest roles on several series during the early 1960s. Over the course of her career, Evans also appeared in television films and limited theatrical releases, but her work in long-running television series remained her primary professional focus.

After Dynasty concluded, Evans significantly reduced her acting workload and chose to live outside the Hollywood spotlight. She later published a memoir, Recipes for Life: My Memories, which combines personal reflections with recipes. In 2009, she appeared on Hell’s Kitchen UK and won the competition. In subsequent years, Evans has lived privately in the Pacific Northwest. She has spoken publicly about prioritizing personal well-being and maintaining a quieter lifestyle. While she no longer works regularly in entertainment, her contributions to television history remain documented and widely recognized.