Linda Gray Reflects on ‘Dallas’ and Auction of ’80s Memorabilia

Linda Gray, known for her role as Sue Ellen Ewing on the hit television series Dallas, is collaborating with Julien’s Auctions for a sale titled “Ladies of the ’80s” that begins on August 12. This event gives fans the opportunity to purchase costumes, props, and other memorabilia from some of the decade’s most admired TV stars. Featured in the auction are two original scripts from the episodes surrounding the famous “Who Shot J.R.?” storyline.

The TV show Dallas aired from April 2, 1978, to May 3, 1991, and reached its zenith in the 1980s. Ahead of the auction, Gray reflected on her experiences during her years on Dallas, especially discussing unromantic kissing scenes with her co-star Larry Hagman, who passed away in 2012.

“The first time we kissed, he had a mouthful of peanut butter,” Gray recounted. She described the kiss as awkward but noted Hagman found humor in the situation with his antics.

Despite the seemingly glamorous on-screen kisses, Gray revealed that Hagman wasn’t fond of them. To cope, he often staged light-hearted pranks to alleviate his discomfort. The Dallas set was known for such jokes, with Hagman being the primary culprit.

Gray recollected an episode in which her character was in the hospital. Larry Hagman and actor Patrick Duffy carried out a prank by singing a humorous song during a serious scene. “I just burst out laughing,” she said, adding that the atmosphere on set was frequently lively thanks to such pranks.

Beyond the playful set antics, Gray encountered surreal experiences off-camera, such as when she saw a gun in a woman’s handbag while attending an event in Dallas. “I thought, ‘Oh boy, I’m in Texas,'” she remembered.

During her time in Texas, Gray learned about the local culture, attending social gatherings and visiting places like Neiman Marcus to understand the local women. She observed their unique fashion and etiquette, which was notably different from what she had experienced in California.

The unforgettable Dallas twist with the “Who Shot J.R.?” cliffhanger was a defining moment in television history, leaving fans worldwide speculating. Gray shared how she inadvertently stated in an interview that she and her child knew who the shooter was, causing her anxiety. However, disaster was averted as no one followed up with phone calls to her home.

As she reflects on her Dallas years, Gray embraces the opportunity to share her memories through the auction. She views this not as parting with belongings but as sharing cherished moments with fans who remain connected to the show. The auction will feature items like a director’s chair used by Gray and scripts from iconic episodes.

Linda Gray’s perspective on sharing memorabilia provides fans with a chance to celebrate the nostalgia and impact of Dallas.