Linda Evans is an American actress best known for her television work from the 1960s through the 1980s. She first gained recognition as Audra Barkley on The Big Valley (1965–1969), starring alongside Barbara Stanwyck. The role established Evans as a dependable television actress and brought her early industry prominence.Her most significant career breakthrough came in 1981 when she was cast as Krystle Carrington on the prime-time soap Dynasty.
The series became one of the most-watched shows of the decade and ran until 1989. Evans’ portrayal earned her a Golden Globe Award and multiple People’s Choice Awards, making her one of the most recognizable television stars of the 1980s. Cast interviews have described the production as professional and well-organized throughout its run.
Born Linda Evenstad on November 18, 1942, in Hartford, Connecticut, Evans was raised in a Norwegian-American family and later moved to North Hollywood, California. She began acting in the early 1960s after studying drama and appearing in guest roles on various television series. While she also worked in television films and limited theatrical releases, long-running TV roles remained her primary focus.
After Dynasty ended, Evans stepped back from regular acting and chose a quieter life away from Hollywood. She later published the memoir Recipes for Life and won Hell’s Kitchen UK in 2009. Now living privately in the Pacific Northwest, Evans has spoken about prioritizing well-being, while her television legacy remains widely recognized.