Linda Evans rose to fame in the classic Western The Big Valley and later became a global sensation as Krystle Carrington on the hit 1980s series Dynasty.
Early Life and Introduction to Acting
Born Linda Evenstad on November 18, 1942, in Hartford, Connecticut, Evans moved with her family to North Hollywood at just six months old.
Her parents, both professional dancers, encouraged her to take acting classes to overcome shyness, which led to her first TV commercial at age 15. Soon after, she landed a guest role on Bachelor Father—opposite actor John Forsythe, who would become her co-star decades later on Dynasty.
Breakthrough Roles: The Big Valley and Dynasty
Evans gained national attention as Audra Barkley in The Big Valley (1965–1969), where she held her own alongside screen legend Barbara Stanwyck. Her beauty, confidence, and strength made her a standout in the traditionally male-dominated Western genre.
But her most iconic role came in 1981, when she was cast as the dignified and kind-hearted Krystle Carrington in the prime-time drama Dynasty.
Her on-screen battles with Joan Collins’ character, Alexis, became legendary, helping Dynasty become one of the most-watched shows of the decade. Evans’ performance earned her a Golden Globe Award and multiple award nominations.
Personal Life and Relationships
Off-screen, Evans’ life was just as captivating. She married actor-director John Derek in 1968, but the relationship ended in heartbreak when he left her for then-teenager Bo Derek.
Despite the public pain, Evans later credited that experience for pushing her into her defining role on Dynasty. She later had relationships with businessman Stan Herman and musician Yanni, and has spoken openly about her search for inner peace beyond fame.
Life Beyond the Spotlight
After Dynasty ended in 1989, Evans retreated from Hollywood and moved to the Pacific Northwest, where she focused on spiritual healing and wellness. In 2009, she surprised fans by winning the UK reality show Hell’s Kitchen, proving she had talents beyond acting.
She returned to acting in 2021 with a small but meaningful role in the indie film Swan Song, marking her first screen appearance in over a decade.
