Linda Evans never truly grasped the global impact of Dynasty until she landed in the heart of the Australian outback. "I was filming a miniseries in a remote location," she exclusively shares with Closer Weekly, now available on newsstands. "When we stopped to refuel at a tiny airport surrounded by sand and huts, locals rushed over shouting, 'Krystle! Krystle!' It was incredible to realize how deeply the show had reached people, even in such isolated areas," the legendary actress recalls with a laugh.
Very few actors have experienced the level of international fame that Linda and her Dynasty co-stars enjoyed during the series' golden years, from 1981 to 1989. "You're given this extraordinary gift of being loved globally," Linda, now 78, reflects. "There's success, wealth, and stardom—things everyone seems to chase—but the trade-off is immense. You lose your privacy, your freedom. That's the price you pay for being in the spotlight," she explains candidly.
Since stepping away from Dynasty, Linda has rebuilt her personal life, embracing a quieter existence. She resides in the Pacific Northwest, where she enjoys a more private lifestyle. Though she occasionally acts, she also dedicates her time to speaking engagements, addressing women's issues. "I've found true contentment in life," Linda shares. "Living here has been nothing short of a dream come true."
Read also:Donny Osmond Gives Daughterinlaw Shelby An Unforgettable Birthday Shoutout
Did You Always Dream of Becoming an Actress?
Not in the slightest! In high school, I accompanied my best friend to an audition for a commercial, just to support her. But the director singled me out. At the time, my father had recently passed away, leaving my mom on Social Security. The opportunity to earn money was too good to pass up, so I dove into acting without much thought," Linda explains.
Meeting John Forsythe: A Lifelong Connection
Linda's journey took an exciting turn when she met future Dynasty co-star John Forsythe as a teenager. "I was cast in Bachelor Father, starring John, when I was just 15," she recalls fondly. "He gave me my first speaking role, and our connection only grew stronger over the years. John became more than a colleague; he was a dear friend and mentor."
Lessons from Barbara Stanwyck
When Linda joined the cast of Big Valley, she had the privilege of working alongside Barbara Stanwyck, a mentor who left a lasting impression. "Barbara was an extraordinary person," Linda gushes. "After my mother passed, Barbara came to me and said, 'Audra, I will never replace your mother, but I will be your mom now.' She was there for me until the day she passed, offering guidance and support," Linda recounts with gratitude.
Barbara's love for stunts was infectious. "She'd get so excited about scenes involving runaway carriages or burning buildings," Linda laughs. "She taught me professionalism and how to approach my craft with enthusiasm and dedication."
The Challenges of Big Valley
While Big Valley was a defining chapter in Linda's career, it wasn't without its challenges. "I was married to John Derek at the time, and he didn't want me to work unless it was with him. It created a difficult dynamic," she admits. "But despite that, the show itself was a wonderful experience. I've been lucky to work with incredible people throughout my career."
The Dynasty Era: A Dream Come True
Linda's career reached new heights with Dynasty. "I was almost 40 when I joined, and I'm so grateful to Aaron Spelling for taking a chance on me—and Joan Collins—at that age," she says with pride. "It was truly a dream come true to be part of such a groundbreaking show."
Read also:Kathie Lee Gifford Talks About Wedding Plans For Her Kids
Friendships That Lasted a Lifetime
Throughout her time on Dynasty, Linda formed lasting bonds, particularly with John Forsythe. "John was the most delightful, charming person. He and his wife, Julie, were like family to me," she reminisces. "We traveled the world together and remained close friends until his passing."
Krystle vs. Alexis: The Iconic Rivalry
Despite the on-screen tension between Krystle and Alexis, Linda and Joan Collins maintained a warm friendship off-screen. "We never had a single personal disagreement in the nine years we worked together," Linda reveals. "The fights were all part of the script, and while they were fun to film, they were definitely challenging. Joan preferred verbal sparring to physical confrontations, but she always rose to the occasion."
One of their most memorable showdowns took place in a lily pond. "It was only about four or five feet deep, so we had to get down on our hands and knees to fight. It was a full day of filming, but we had a blast," Linda recalls with a smile.
Leaving Dynasty: A Bittersweet Decision
Linda's departure from Dynasty was a difficult decision. "The last three years were nonstop, with no days off. I wanted more from life than just work," she explains. "I didn't know the show was ending, or I would have stayed for the final season. The transition was harder than I anticipated because the cast had become my family. It was a deep sadness I wasn't prepared for."
Embracing the Next Chapter
At 78, Linda has embraced new opportunities, including returning to acting. "I've never done anything conventional in life, so why start now?" she jokes. "If a script resonates with me, I'm all in."
Her passion for speaking engagements has also flourished. "I love sharing my experiences and insights with women. One of my talks focuses on self-love and the importance of letting go of trivial concerns as we age," she shares.
On Aging Gracefully
Linda has no regrets about growing older. "I wouldn't trade my wisdom for anything. My mind is sharper than ever, and I'm grateful for every moment," she says confidently. "And you know what? Being alone can be delightful. I have a rich life surrounded by family and friends. A man isn't necessary for happiness, though he could certainly add to it!"
— Reporting by Lexi Ciccone
