Linda Gray, known for her role as Sue Ellen Ewing on ‘Dallas,’ is teaming up with Julien’s Auctions for an event titled ‘Ladies of the ’80s’ happening on August 12. The auction will showcase costumes, props, and other memorabilia from beloved TV stars of the 1980s, including two of Gray’s original ‘Dallas’ scripts.
Reflecting on ‘Dallas’
‘Dallas’ was a significant TV show that aired from April 2, 1978, to May 3, 1991, becoming immensely popular during the 1980s. Ahead of the auction, Linda Gray reminisced about her time on the set, especially the less-than-romantic kissing scenes with co-star Larry Hagman, who played her on-screen husband, J.R. Ewing, and passed away in 2012. Gray shared how Hagman’s pranks made kissing scenes comical and kept the atmosphere light.
“The first time we kissed, he had a mouthful of peanut butter,” Gray recalled. “I was like, ‘You are so bad and inappropriate, Larry.’ But he found it funny.”
Gray revealed that Hagman wasn’t fond of on-screen kisses, often turning such moments into practical jokes to ease his discomfort. The ‘Dallas’ set was known for its pranks, primarily led by Hagman.
Gray shared an incident where, during a scene involving her character in a hospital bed, Hagman and Patrick Duffy broke into a humorous song, prompting laughter and causing Gray to disrupt the scene.
Adventures Off-Screen
Linda Gray also shared recollections of her encounters with Texas’s culture, an experience she described as eye-opening. During one hotel stay in Dallas, she was surprised to see a woman carrying a gun along with lipstick in her purse.
“I remember thinking, ‘Oh boy, I’m in Texas. Who carries a gun around?'” Gray recounted.
Exploring Texas’s high society, Gray visited places like Neiman Marcus, noticing distinctive fashions and habits, such as women sporting elegantly styled hair and occasionally armed with tiny bags holding guns.
Behind the ‘Who Shot J.R.?’ Saga
The ‘Dallas’ Season 3 finale ended with the iconic cliffhanger of J.R. Ewing being shot by an unknown assailant. The mystery kept people guessing for eight months, attracting widespread attention and becoming a pivotal pop culture moment.
Gray described the pressure of keeping the plot twist secret while navigating media inquiries. An accidental disclosure during an interview heightened her anxiety about maintaining the storyline’s confidentiality.
“I told my kids, ‘Somebody’s going to call you, and they’re going to ask you who shot J.R. You cannot answer,'” Gray shared.
Auction and Legacy
Linda Gray now offers fans the chance to relive ‘Dallas’ by sharing her memories through the Julien’s Auctions. Gray views the auction not as letting go but as an opportunity to share with those who remain emotionally connected to the show.
Decades later, ‘Dallas’ continues to hold sentimental value for Gray. She believes these memories are best shared with the show’s enduring audience.