Linda Evans Biography: Linda Evans born Linda Evenstad on November 18, 1942 is a retired American actress best known for her television roles. In the 1960s, she portrayed Audra Barkley, daughter of Victoria Barkley (played by Barbara Stanwyck), on the Western series The Big Valley (1965–1969). She gained widespread fame for her role as Krystle Carrington on the 1980s ABC primetime soap opera Dynasty, which she starred in from 1981 to 1989.
Linda Evans Biography
Actress Linda Evans has embodied beauty and elegance on American television for over five decades, beginning with her role as Audra Barkley, the daughter of an Old West family on The Big Valley (1965–1969, ABC), and later as the glamorous Krystle Carrington on Dynasty (1981–1989, ABC). She also gained recognition as the winner of the British competitive cooking show Hell’s Kitchen in 2009.
Linda Evans Biography 2025 Details
| Born |
Linda Evenstad
November 18, 1942 Hartford, Connecticut, U.S.
|
|---|---|
| Education | Hollywood High School |
| Occupation | Actress |
| Years active | 1960–1997; 2020–present |
| Known for |
|
| Spouses |
John Derek (m. 1968; div. 1974)
Stan Herman (m. 1975; div. 1979) |
| Partner(s) | Patrick Curtis (1960–1962) George Santo Pietro (1980–1984) Yanni (1989–1998) |
| Category | Singers Bio |
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About Linda Evans
Linda Evans is a retired American actress known primarily for her roles on television. In the 1960s, she played Audra Barkley, the daughter of Victoria Barkley, in the Western television series The Big Valley.
Linda Evans Achievements
During the 1980s, Linda became one of the era’s most celebrated TV actresses. For her portrayal of Krystle—wife to oil tycoon John Forsythe and the virtuous counterpart to Joan Collins’ villainous Alexis—she earned five consecutive Golden Globe nominations for Best Actress in a TV Drama (1982–1986), winning the award in 1982, which she shared with Barbara Bel Geddes from the rival soap Dallas.
Linda Evans Wiki
- Born: 18 November 1942 (age 82 years), Hartford, Connecticut, United States
- Partner: Patrick Curtis
- Parents: Alba Evenstad, Arlene Evenstad
- Siblings: Carol Davidson, Kathy Evanstad
- Height: 1.73 m
Early Life
Linda Evans, the middle of three daughters, was born Linda Evenstad on November 18, 1942, in Hartford, Connecticut, to Arlene (née Dart) and Alba Evenstad, both professional dancers. The surname “Evenstad” comes from a small farm in Nes, Hedmark, Norway, where her paternal great-grandmother emigrated to the U.S. in 1884 with her young son (Evans’ grandfather) and other family members. She has two sisters.
When Linda was six months old, her family relocated from Hartford to North Hollywood. She attended Hollywood High School, where she was a sorority sister of future actress Carole Wells. Evans was introduced to drama through classes she took “as a form of therapy to overcome her shyness.” Upon beginning her professional acting career, she adopted the stage name “Evans.”
Key Information
| Full Name | Linda Evenstad |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | November 18, 1942 |
| Place of Birth | Hartford, Connecticut, USA |
| Nationality | American |
| Education | Hollywood High School |
| Career Start | Early 1960s television appearances |
| Notable Works | The Big Valley, Dynasty |
| Relationship Status | Single |
| Spouses | John Derek (1968–1974), Stan Herman (1975–1979) |
| Children | None |
| Net Worth | Approximately $40 million |
| Major Achievements | Golden Globe Award, People’s Choice Awards, Hollywood Walk of Fame star |
Family Background
Linda Evans was born to professional dancers Arlene and Alba Evenstad and is the middle of three sisters. When she was six months old, her family moved to Hollywood, California, a change that would greatly influence her career path. She attended Hollywood High School, where she cultivated an early interest in drama by participating in school productions. This exposure to the entertainment world laid the groundwork for her future aspirations.
Career Beginnings and Highlights
Evans began her career with guest roles on television shows like The Adventures of Ozzie and Harriet (1960) and Wagon Train (1962). Her big break came in 1965 with the role of Audra Barkley on the Western series The Big Valley, earning her wide recognition. In 1981, she took on the role of Krystle Carrington in Dynasty, a primetime soap opera that became a cultural sensation. Her performance as the compassionate and strong-willed Krystle earned critical acclaim, including a Golden Globe win in 1982.
Notable Works and Achievements
While The Big Valley established her as a talented actress, Dynasty propelled Evans to stardom. The show’s immense popularity brought her multiple People’s Choice Awards and a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. Her enduring impact on television has inspired countless actors and continues to resonate in popular culture.
Recent Activities and Current Status
Following Dynasty, Evans pursued other interests such as culinary arts. In 2009, she won the British reality cooking competition Hell’s Kitchen, demonstrating her talents beyond acting. More recently, in 2021, she returned to the screen with a role in the acclaimed film Swan Song, proving her continued relevance and adaptability in the entertainment world.
Personal Life and Relationships
Evans has been married twice: first to actor and director John Derek (1968–1974), and then to property executive Stan Herman (1975–1979). She has also been romantically linked to restaurateur George Santo Pietro and musician Yanni. Despite her high-profile relationships, she has kept her personal life relatively private and does not have children.
Linda Evans Net Worth 2025
Linda Evans’s net worth is estimated at around $40 million, largely from her acting career and ventures in fitness and wellness, including workout videos and fitness center businesses. She currently resides on a 70-acre estate in Rainier, Washington, enjoying a tranquil lifestyle surrounded by nature.
Interesting Facts
- In 1971, Evans posed for Playboy magazine at the request of her then-husband, John Derek.
- She became involved with J.Z. Knight and the Ramtha’s School of Enlightenment in 1985, later moving to Washington State to be near the school.
- Although her on-screen characters often had children, Evans herself has no children and has expressed fulfillment through her career and personal passions.
Philanthropy and Legacy
Evans has contributed to various charitable causes, particularly those focusing on health and wellness. Her legacy is defined by her iconic television roles and her ability to reinvent herself, serving as an inspiration to many within the entertainment industry.
Future Outlook and Cultural Impact
Though her acting roles have become less frequent, Linda Evans remains a significant figure in popular culture. Her performances in The Big Valley and Dynasty continue to be celebrate, and her comeback in Swan Song received critical praise. Her dedication and resilience have cemented her place as a cherished and influential figure in American television history.
FAQs
Where does Linda Evans live today?
For the past 10 years, Linda has lived on a property she bought in Rainier, Washington.
What is Linda Evans famous for?
Linda Evans (born Linda Evenstad; November 18, 1942) is a retired American actress known primarily for her roles on television. In the 1960s, she played Audra Barkley, the daughter of Victoria Barkley (played by Barbara Stanwyck), in the Western television series The Big Valley (1965–1969).
How many times did Linda Evans marry?
Evans has been married twice. She was first married to actor and film producer John Derek from 1968 to 1974. Evans’ second marriage was to Stan Herman, a property executive, from 1976 to 1981. In the 1990s Linda dated new age musician Yanni.
Did Linda Evans have cosmetic surgery?
During her Oprah interview, she revealed that she had plastic surgery during that time because “I was madly in love with a man 12 years younger than me. I still wanted to look good because I was with him.” She doesn’t regret her decision.
Does Linda Evans wear a wig?
“This is not my hair” says the actress – who was known for her signature big-haired look – pointing to her short blonde cut in a TV interview with the channel, “This is a wig.