Many aspects of life were more enjoyable in the 1980s, especially the television shows.
Consider the soap opera Dynasty, a genuine classic that evolved over time and made the remarkable Linda Evans a household name.
With her ageless beauty and unparalleled grace, Evans has enchanted viewers for many years — and even today, one can’t help but admire her.
Won the genetic lottery
The 1980s were a memorable time — an era when many of us were youthful, vibrant, and full of energy, experiencing a sense of tranquility that seems scarce now. Life was more straightforward, expenses were manageable, and legendary TV series like Dynasty sparked our imaginations. At the center of it all was Linda Evans, who represented the decade with her tenacity, strength, and down-to-earth charm both on-screen and off.
Linda Evans — a name that evokes elegance, grace, and that unmistakable 1980s allure — didn’t merely perform; she truly embraced every character. Gifted with stunning features and an ideal bone structure, she indeed won the genetic lottery, establishing herself as a timeless symbol of style and grace.
Born Linda Evenstad on November 18, 1942, in Hartford, Connecticut, she was the reserved middle daughter in a Norwegian-American family. “Evenstad” was the name of the small farm in Norway where Linda Evans’s great-grandmother resided before moving to the United States in 1884.
When Linda was just six months old, her family relocated to North Hollywood, and destiny gently pushed her toward the limelight. Despite being naturally shy and reserved, Linda’s captivating beauty and elegant demeanor made her stand out. In high school, a classmate from drama encouraged her to explore acting — a choice that would transform her life forever and ultimately earn her a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.
“The irony of that star is that when I was young (at 16), I worked as a cashier at the Paramount Theater on Hollywood Boulevard, and they placed the star right next to my workplace,” she shared with Digital Journal.
Establishing her legacy
Evans started off modestly in the early 1960s with minor television roles, but everything changed when she secured the part of Audra Barkley on The Big Valley (1965–1969). Acting alongside the iconic Barbara Stanwyck, she portrayed strength and resolve as the daughter of the ranch family. This was her first taste of fame — and it instilled in her the professionalism and determination that would characterize her career.
“It was an ‘old world time’ that I found quite beautiful, and I was excited to be a part of it. I’m not sure I would want to begin my career in this current world, especially with how things are set up now,” she remarked.
However, it was the 1980s that truly solidified Linda Evans’s status in pop culture history.
In 1981, she took on the role of Krystle Carrington in the primetime soap Dynasty — and television was changed forever. Opposite Joan Collins’s fiery Alexis Carrington, Evans portrayed the elegant and morally upright Krystle. Their onscreen rivalry led to some of TV’s most iconic catfights, forever ingrained in pop culture. While Collins brought the intensity, Evans contributed the heart — balancing extravagant drama with a warmth that made her America’s sweetheart.
As Krystle, the eager-to-please, soft-spoken blonde with a perfect appearance, Linda Evans became one of the most beloved and bankable actresses on television. Her performance earned her a Golden Globe Award and several People’s Choice Awards, solidifying her status as one of television’s most cherished actresses.
“We were very lucky with Dynasty; we had an incredibly talented cast, and everyone got along well despite the Enquirer claiming there were conflicts on set. We never experienced any of that,” Linda shared.
Heartbreak and marriages
However, behind the scenes, Evans encountered her own struggles. Her marriage to actor John Derek ended in heartbreak when he left her for a young Bo Derek — a scandal that made headlines in tabloids. Yet through it all, Evans maintained her dignity and grace, never publicly retaliating. Fans respected her even more for her quiet resilience.
Following her separation from John Derek, Linda married billionaire developer Stan Herman — but that relationship, too, ultimately came to a close.
When Dynasty concluded in 1989, Evans opted for tranquility instead of the Hollywood hustle. She relocated to the Pacific Northwest, where she embraced wellness, spirituality, and family life.
“After Dynasty, I kind of retired again. I feel very fortunate that whenever I want to work or something piques my interest, opportunities come my way,” she shared.
She later revealed her experiences in her memoir, Recipes for Life: My Memories, a touching blend of personal anecdotes and cherished recipes.
And she continued to astonish people. In 2009, Evans graced the stage of Hell’s Kitchen UK, winning over Gordon Ramsay and clinching the entire competition — demonstrating that her determination still shone brightly, just as it did on America’s television screens.
Cancer battle
On June 5, 2020, Linda Evans posted a heartfelt message on Instagram while walking her dog for Hope Walk Week. In her caption, she shared something profoundly personal: both of her parents and two of her sisters had faced cancer. She spoke about the unimaginable pain and challenges that come with the disease — but also highlighted the beauty of love and kindness when you’re not alone in the struggle. Although she had already lost three loved ones, she disclosed that her younger sister was still battling, and her walk that day was dedicated to her sibling and to everyone affected by cancer.
Heartbreak hit again in February 2022. Just a day after Valentine’s Day, Linda shared a picture of her sister Charlie beaming behind a birthday cake. In the caption, she wrote, “My cherished sister Charlie, always in my heart,” grieving her sister’s loss after a prolonged fight with cancer.
However, illness didn’t only affect her family — Linda herself has encountered significant challenges. Years prior, she suffered from a slipped disc that brought excruciating pain, so intense that she confessed she once contemplated suicide.
She shared that the suffering was so intense, she finally grasped why some individuals found life itself unbearable. Cortisone treatments harmed her hair, leading her to wear a wig for a period, and she also faced bouts of depression.
A challenging moment
In 2014, another difficult moment arose when she was stopped in Washington state and charged with reckless driving. She maintained that she hadn’t consumed alcohol or drugs, but acknowledged she was in severe pain and shouldn’t have been driving.
Later, she clarified that her blood test revealed only traces of a prescribed sleeping pill she had taken the previous night. For Linda, that frightening experience served as a wake-up call regarding the necessity of making wiser choices when dealing with physical struggles.
Fortunately, she ultimately found relief. After receiving laser treatment and undergoing several surgeries, she stated she was finally pain-free for the first time in years. Her hair regrew, and so did her strength.
Linda Evans today
At 82 years of age, Linda Evans now enjoys a peaceful life away from the limelight, yet her legacy continues to shine brightly. Whether she is fondly recalled as Audra Barkley from The Big Valley or Krystle Carrington from Dynasty, she is still celebrated as a symbol of grace, resilience, and genuineness.
After parting with her expansive 12,000-square-foot villa in the Pacific Northwest, she opted for a more intimate estate close to Olympia. Set on 70 acres, complete with a spacious garden and even deer wandering about, her cottage-style residence exudes warmth, personality, and charm. Additionally, she has a designated area for her Dynasty costumes, although she confesses that it can be a bit much for her, and she seldom ventures inside.
Linda has candidly shared her reasons for stepping away from the Hollywood spotlight. She expressed a desire for an inner journey, seeking to understand herself and explore whether there was more to life beyond fame and success. For her, this involved relocating, leading a peaceful life, and embracing her authentic self.
