In the Spotlight: Linda Gray – From Polio to Stardom
In the world of iconic movie posters, there is one that stands out from the 1960s. It features a young Dustin Hoffman, captivated by a pair of legs adorned in black silk stockings. Unexpectedly, those legs did not belong to Anne Bancroft from “The Graduate,” but rather to Linda Gray, the stunning co-star of the popular CBS soap opera “Dallas.” Linda Gray, also known as “the b*tch with the long legs,” has an incredible story of resilience and triumph.
The Untold Struggles: Polio and Paralysis
Little did fans know that Linda Gray’s journey to fame was shaped by a childhood battle with polio. At the tender age of five in 1945, Linda contracted the crippling virus. Polio affected her central nervous system and disrupted the neural pathways that connect the brain to the muscles. Although she could feel sensations in her legs, she couldn’t move them.
Linda’s family faced immense hardship, both emotionally and physically. Her mother turned to alcohol to cope with the overwhelming circumstances, spiraling into alcoholism. The weight of her parents’ despair and her mother’s drinking caused Linda to bear a silent burden of guilt. In her memoir, “The Road to Happiness Is Always Under Construction,” she revealed the emotional toll she carried.
A Fortunate Alternative: Raggedy Ann and Andy
During those challenging times, the standard treatment for polio was the use of iron lungs, a massive ventilator. However, Linda’s parents chose an alternative therapy. They embarked on a journey of hope, using the power of love and dedication to help their daughter recover.
Linda’s mother became her personal therapist, tirelessly performing exercises on her legs. Every day, she would lift and lower each leg as Linda lay confined to her bed. Months of dedication finally paid off. Linda gradually regained the use of her legs, and soon after, her parents enrolled her in dance lessons.
A Star Rises: From Model to Actress
The little girl who had conquered polio and danced her way to recovery had dreams beyond her imagination. Linda aspired to leave home and build a life independent of the family troubles and her mother’s alcoholism. She dropped out of school and started working as a full-time model to support herself.
Linda’s path crossed with Ed Thrasher, a renowned record album cover artist, and they embarked on a tumultuous 21-year marriage. Ed’s abusive behavior confined her to home life while he pursued his cowboy fantasies. Financially dependent on Linda’s modeling career, he expected her to bring in money while he lived out his dreams.
In a turning point for her career, Linda found herself cast as the iconic Sue Ellen Ewing in the legendary CBS soap opera “Dallas.” Sue Ellen, the troubled wife of oil millionaire JR Ewing, resonated deeply with Linda’s own struggles. Through this role, she hoped to break free from her own shell, avoiding the fate of a depressed and lonely woman like Sue Ellen or her mother.
Finding Healing and Independence
In her forties, Linda decided it was time to confront her past traumas head-on. With the support of a therapist, she began setting boundaries with her mother and eventually with her ex-husband. These small steps towards reclaiming her autonomy helped her find peace and healing.
Linda’s journey took her through major life changes. She moved to Palm Springs to care for her mother, honoring her commitment even after her father’s passing. Eventually, she divorced Ed and started a new life in Malibu, where she became neighbors with her best friend and on-screen “Dallas” husband, Larry Hagman.
A Vibrant Life Continues
Now in her golden years, Linda Gray embraces life with joy and vitality. She has appeared in several “Dallas” reboots and earned Golden Globe and Emmy nominations for her iconic portrayal of Sue Ellen Ewing. Beyond her career success, Linda also revels in her personal life, celebrating the pleasure and happiness that intimacy brings, even at 75.
Linda Gray’s incredible journey from paralysis to stardom is an inspiration to us all. Her resilience, determination, and ability to overcome obstacles have shaped her into the timeless icon she is today.
