At 83, Linda Evans is finally shedding light on the real story behind the iconic series “Dynasty,” a narrative that has often been overshadowed by sensationalized feuds and dramatic catfights. With a career spanning decades, Evans reveals that the true 𝒹𝓇𝒶𝓂𝒶 was not between her and co-star Joan Collins, but rather a much deeper, more personal struggle.
Growing up in a family of dancers in Hartford, Connecticut, Linda Evanstad, as she was originally named, moved to Los Angeles at just six months old. Despite her artistic lineage, her childhood was marked by shyness, making the prospect of fame seem distant. It wasn’t until a school production caught the eye of a talent scout that her journey into the limelight began.
Her breakout role as Audra Barkley in “The Big Valley” in 1965 set the stage for her future. Sharing the screen with the legendary Barbara Stanwyck, Linda learned the ropes of the acting industry, gaining invaluable insights into professionalism and preparation. However, after a promising start, she found herself sidelined for nearly a decade, largely due to her tumultuous marriage to director John Derek.
Linda described her marriage as a “real-life nightmare,” especially as Derek moved on to a relationship with a much younger Bo Derek. Surprisingly, Linda and Bo later formed a friendship, demonstrating her emotional resilience and ability to rise above personal turmoil.
After a brief second marriage, Linda’s career seemed to stall, but everything changed in 1981 when she landed the role of Krystle Carrington in “Dynasty.” At 39, she was defying Hollywood’s ageist norms, and the show quickly became a cultural phenomenon, showcasing powerful women in their 40s at the forefront of television.
While audiences were captivated by the on-screen battles between Krystle and Alexis, Linda clarifies that the animosity was purely scripted. In fact, she and Joan Collins were friends long before the show, often sharing lunches and laughter. The infamous fights were choreographed, designed to thrill viewers rather than reflect any real-life tension.
The narrative took a darker turn in 1985 when Linda found herself at the center of a media storm following Rock Hudson’s public battle with AIDS. After Hudson collapsed in Paris, speculation about Linda’s health began to swirl, with some outlets even suggesting she might have been 𝓮𝔁𝓹𝓸𝓼𝓮𝓭 to the virus during their on-screen kiss.
Linda faced this turmoil with remarkable grace, stating she was not afraid and did not believe she was at risk. Yet, the stigma surrounding AIDS at the time led to a chilling reality—friends began to distance themselves, and the warmth she once enjoyed turned cold.
Despite the fear and misunderstanding, Linda took an AIDS test not out of personal concern, but to reassure those around her. Reflecting on that period, she later remarked that it revealed the true nature of the people in her life.
In the years following “Dynasty,” Linda stepped back from the spotlight, finding solace in a quieter life in Washington state. Her unexpected victory on the British version of “Hell’s Kitchen” in 2009 showcased her resilience and adaptability, leading to the publication of her memoir and cookbook, “Recipes for Life,” at the age of 68.
Now, as she reflects on her remarkable journey, Linda Evans emphasizes that the real story behind “Dynasty” is not about rivalry or 𝒔𝒄𝒂𝓃𝒹𝒶𝓁, but about strength, friendship, and the ability to rise above challenges. What other untold stories might still be hidden behind the glitz and glamour of Hollywood?
