Joshua Goldman
Joshua Goldman
min read · August 28, 2025 · Entertainment

Linda Gray: Timeless Beauty and Heartfelt Tribute to Lost Son Jeff Thrasher

Linda Gray was one of the hottest pinups of the 1980s thanks to her model good looks. Here she is seen in a promotional photo for her show Dallas

LINDA GRAY: THE 1980s PIN-UP SENSATION STILL LOOKING LOVELY AT 84!

Get ready for a blast from the past, folks! TheScholarlyNote.com brings you the scoop on Linda Gray, the stunning actress who stole hearts in the 1980s as the sultry Sue Ellen Ewing on the iconic TV series Dallas. This beauty has still got it going on at 84, and we can't get enough of her!

Linda Gray, a native Angeleno, first burst onto the scene as one of the hottest pin-up girls of the 1980s, thanks to her model-perfect looks and charming personality. Her big break came when she landed the role of Sue Ellen Ewing on Dallas in 1978, and boy, did she ever make an impact! The long-suffering wife of J.R. (Larry Hagman's larger-than-life character) was a fan favorite for 13 years, and Linda's portrayal of the tortured Sue Ellen cemented her place in TV history.

The siren came to massive fame when on the hit TV series Dallas for 13 years. The former model played Sue Ellen Ewing, the long-tortured wife of Larry Hagman's on screen persona J.R. on the classic TV series set in Texas; Gray and Hagman

But what happened after Dallas? Well, let's just say Linda didn't slow down one bit! She went on to appear in a string of successful movies, including Oscar (1991), where she worked alongside the legendary Sylvester Stallone. And if that wasn't enough, she also starred as Mrs. Robinson in a production of The Graduate in 2001 - talk about a dramatic departure from her Dallas days!

But Linda's talents didn't stop there. She also had a stint on Models Inc (1994-1995) and even reprised her role as Sue Ellen in a couple of Dallas reunions (1996, 1998). And if you thought that was all, wait until you hear about the reboot! Linda returned to the iconic series from 2012 until 2014, proving she's still got what it takes.

TRAGEDY STRIKES: LINDA'S SON JEFF PASSES AWAY

Linda played the part from 1978 until 1991, then went on to appear in a string of successful movies and reprise her role in a couple of Dallas reunions. Seen with Hagman, Patrick Duffy, Victoria Principal and Charlene Tilton, among others

In a devastating turn of events, Linda took to Instagram in 2020 to share the heartbreaking news that her son Jeff Thrasher had passed away at just 56. The talented TV director and producer had been battling leukemia, and his passing left fans stunned.

Linda's tribute to her beloved son was nothing short of heart-wrenching: "A celebration of my son Jeff's life. He was the kindest, funniest, sweetest human being..... he brought the world such love and was loved by everyone! May his journey be a magical one." The outpouring of support from fans was overwhelming, with messages pouring in from all over the world.

DAUGHTER KEHLY SLOANE: LINDA'S MINI-ME

Linda, top, with Principal, left, and Tilton, right, on the set of Dallas in 1978

But amidst the tragedy, there's also joy to be found. Linda's 59-year-old daughter Kehly Sloane is an actress and producer in her own right! Married to Lance Sloane, the couple has two kids together, and it's clear that Kehly has inherited her mom's stunning looks and talent.

So, what's next for this talented trio? Will we see more of Linda on our screens? Only time will tell, but one thing's for sure - with a career spanning over four decades, this beauty still has plenty to offer!

Now the actress, 84, has been seen on Instagram with her mini-me daughter Kehly Sloane. The actress appears youthful as she wore her highlighted hair down with light makeup

Gray, husband Ed Thrasher, son Jeff Thrasher and daughter Kehly in 1982