At 81, Linda Evans, Dynasty’s Star FINALLY Admits What We All Suspected | HO
At 81, Linda Evans, the unforgettable star of the 80s hit show Dynasty, finally opens up about the long-held speculations surrounding her personal life. This untold story has remained under wraps for decades. In this video, we will delve into the world of fame, secrets, and resilience of Linda Evans, unveiling the truth behind the iconic figure and the challenges she faced both on and off the screen.
At 81, Linda Evans, the beloved star of the iconic 80s TV show Dynasty, has finally opened up about aspects of her life that fans have long speculated on. Known for her elegance, poise, and grace as Krystle Carrington, Evans captivated millions on-screen, but behind the scenes, her life was filled with challenges that remained hidden for decades.
Born on November 18, 1942, in Hartford, Connecticut, Linda Evans’ early life was shaped by the performing arts. As the daughter of dancers Arlene and Alba Evenstad, she was introduced to the world of movement and expression from a young age. However, despite growing up amidst Hollywood’s glamour—her family moved to North Hollywood when she was just six months old—Linda struggled with shyness. In an effort to overcome her introversion, she took up drama classes, which would ultimately lead her to a career that would make her a household name.
Evans’ first significant break came in 1960 with a guest appearance on Bachelor Father, where she acted alongside John Forsythe, who would later become her co-star in Dynasty. Little did they know that this early collaboration would foreshadow a legendary on-screen partnership. Throughout the 1960s, Linda appeared in several popular shows, including The Adventures of Ozzie and Harriet, Wagon Train, and The Lieutenant. However, it was her role in The Big Valley that truly established her as a rising star. Portraying Audra Barkley, the daughter of the powerful Victoria Barkley (played by Barbara Stanwyck), Evans charmed audiences with her natural charisma.
Evans’ star continued to rise through the 70s, with guest appearances in hit shows like The Rockford Files and Harry O. Her personal life also took a dramatic turn during this decade. In 1967, Evans married actor John Derek, and in an unexpected twist, she found herself involved in one of the most infamous moments in pop culture history—filming daredevil Evel Knievel’s failed motorcycle jump over the fountains at Caesars Palace in 1967.
By the late 70s, Evans had transitioned into film, working with big names like Steve McQueen in Tom Horn and Lee Marvin in Avalanche Express. However, it was her return to television that would cement her legacy. In 1981, she took on the role of Krystle Carrington in Dynasty, a prime-time soap opera created by Aaron Spelling. The show was ABC’s answer to the wildly successful Dallas, and Dynasty soon became a cultural phenomenon. Evans’ portrayal of Krystle, a secretary-turned-wife of oil magnate Blake Carrington, brought depth and nuance to a role that could have been overshadowed by the show’s more flamboyant characters, particularly Joan Collins’ Alexis Carrington.
Krystle Carrington quickly became a symbol of strength, elegance, and moral fortitude. Despite the show’s melodramatic storylines, Evans managed to ground her character, making Krystle relatable to viewers. Her on-screen rivalry with Joan Collins’ character, Alexis, became a defining feature of the show and one of television’s most iconic rivalries. Fans adored Krystle’s grace under pressure, and Evans’ performance was recognized with a Golden Globe Award in 1981 for Best Actress in a Television Drama Series.
While Evans basked in the success of Dynasty, her personal life was far more complicated. Her marriage to John Derek ended in 1974, after he left her for actress Bo Derek, a much younger woman. Evans later admitted that this was a devastating time in her life, but she eventually found peace, focusing on her career and well-being. Over the years, there were countless rumors about her relationships and personal struggles, but Evans remained tight-lipped, preferring to let her work speak for itself.
As Dynasty soared to become the number-one show in the U.S. during the mid-80s, Linda Evans became one of television’s most recognized faces. The show’s opulent sets, over-the-top drama, and lavish costumes made it a weekly spectacle, but behind the glamour, Evans was dealing with personal challenges. Despite her immense popularity, she remained deeply private, never letting the public in on the struggles she faced both professionally and personally.
After Dynasty ended in 1989, Evans took a step back from Hollywood. Unlike many of her peers, she didn’t feel the need to chase the next big role or remain in the spotlight. Instead, she focused on her personal growth, eventually finding a passion for fitness and wellness. She opened a small chain of fitness centers and later became a spokesperson for Rejuvenique, a skincare line. Her approach to life after fame was grounded in health, balance, and self-care—qualities that many fans admired her for.
Evans’ connection to her Dynasty co-stars, particularly John Forsythe, remained strong. Their friendship lasted until Forsythe’s death in 2010, a loss that Evans said left her heartbroken. Her bond with the Dynasty cast was further cemented when she reprised her role as Krystle in the 1991 miniseries Dynasty: The Reunion, much to the delight of fans.
As Linda Evans reflects on her life at 81, she has finally started to open up about the rumors that have surrounded her for years. She admits that, like everyone, she has faced her share of hardships, heartbreaks, and self-discovery. However, she remains grateful for the life she has lived and the lessons she has learned along the way.
For fans, Linda Evans will always be Krystle Carrington, the epitome of grace and strength. But behind that iconic role is a woman who, after decades of silence, is ready to share her truth—about love, fame, and the price of living under the public eye.