Linda Gray Reflects on Her ‘Dallas’ Days and Auctions Memorabilia

Linda Gray, famously known for her role as Sue Ellen Ewing on Dallas, is joining forces with Julien’s Auctions for an event dubbed ‘Ladies of the ’80s.’ The auction, scheduled for August 12, offers fans a chance to acquire costumes, props, and personal archives from beloved television stars of the 1980s. Among the items are two of Gray’s original scripts from the legendary ‘Who Shot J.R.?’ episodes.

The Fame of ‘Dallas’

Broadcast from April 2, 1978, to May 3, 1991, Dallas was a massive hit during the 1980s. Gray reminisced about her time on the show, recalling Larry Hagman’s pranks during their kissing scenes. Hagman, who played J.R. Ewing and passed away in 2012, often used peanut butter or onions to lighten the mood.

‘The first time we kissed, he had a mouthful of peanut butter,’ Gray said. ‘I had to keep going with the kiss, though inside, I was thinking, Oh no.’ These antics were Larry’s way of coping with his dislike of on-screen kissing.

Even off-camera, the cast was embroiled in playful antics. Gray shared a memory involving fellow cast member Patrick Duffy during a scene in which Sue Ellen was hospitalized.

Life Off-Screen in Texas

Gray’s experiences in Texas extended beyond the set. She recalled an encounter with a Texan woman at a hotel. Surprised, Gray noticed the woman’s purse contained only a gun and lipstick, highlighting cultural differences between Texas and California.

As Gray got to know the local culture, she observed the distinct fashion and lifestyle of Texan women, including their glamorous appearances.

The Impact of ‘Who Shot J.R.?’

The show’s Season 3 finale ended with the iconic cliffhanger ‘Who Shot J.R.?’ The mystery held viewers’ attention for months, and Gray recalled how the cast and crew reacted to the idea of shooting J.R.

During the media frenzy, Gray found herself inadvertently fueling speculations about the shooter’s identity.

‘I remember rushing to tell my kids, If anyone calls, you cannot answer about who shot J.R.,’ Gray said.

Memories and Memorabilia

Now, through Julien’s Auctions, Gray is sharing memorabilia from Dallas with fans. She views the auction as an opportunity to share cherished memories with those who remain connected to the show.