Picture a versatile American talent who captivated audiences on screen and later wove thrilling tales in print—meet Linda Evans! Born in 1942, this actress-turned-author rose to fame as the elegant Krystle Carrington in the glamorous TV series Dynasty. But her story doesn’t stop at Hollywood. Evans later embraced her creative spark, penning the action-packed Time Scout series, proving her resilience and multifaceted brilliance.
From a shy child in Connecticut to a celebrated star and science fiction writer, Evans’s journey is a testament to reinvention. Let’s dive into her remarkable life, from her iconic TV roles to her adventurous novels that whisk readers through time.
The Making of Linda Evans
Linda Evans, born Linda Evenstad on November 18, 1942, in Hartford, Connecticut, grew up in a family of professional dancers. Her Norwegian heritage, tied to the Evenstad farm in Nes, Hedmark, shaped her early identity. Shy as a child, she found solace in drama classes, which her parents encouraged to boost her confidence. After moving to North Hollywood at six months old, she attended Hollywood High School, where her passion for acting blossomed.
Evans’s career kicked off with guest roles in the 1960s, including Bachelor Father and The Adventures of Ozzie and Harriet. Her big break came in 1965 as Audra Barkley in the Western series The Big Valley, alongside Barbara Stanwyck. This role showcased her poise and set the stage for her transformation into a household name.
Linda Evans’s Unforgettable Stories
While Evans is best known for her role as Krystle Carrington in Dynasty (1981–1989), where she embodied grace amid dramatic rivalries, her creative pivot to writing revealed another dimension of her talent. After stepping back from acting, she co-authored the Time Scout series with Robert Asprin, blending science fiction, adventure, and historical intrigue. The series follows time-traveling guides navigating dangerous eras, from ancient Rome to Victorian London.
Ripping Time (2000), part of the Time Scout series, showcases Evans’s knack for fast-paced storytelling and vivid historical settings. Another notable work, The House That Jack Built (2001), continues the saga with suspenseful twists. Her standalone novel Sleipnir (1994) dives into Norse mythology, reflecting her ability to craft immersive, genre-blending narratives. Evans’s style is accessible yet thrilling, appealing to readers who crave action and richly detailed worlds.
Her earlier nonfiction work, Linda Evans Beauty and Exercise Book (1983), and her memoir Recipes for Life (2011), blend personal anecdotes with wellness and culinary insights, revealing her warm, relatable voice. These works highlight her versatility, bridging her Hollywood glamour with her introspective authorial persona.
Why Linda Evans Matters
Linda Evans’s impact spans entertainment and literature. As Krystle Carrington, she defined 1980s television, earning a Golden Globe in 1982 and five People’s Choice Awards. Her on-screen rivalry with Joan Collins’s Alexis Carrington became iconic, cementing Dynasty as a cultural phenomenon. Her transition to science fiction writing inspired fans, showing that reinvention is possible at any stage. The Time Scout series brought fresh energy to the genre, blending historical accuracy with speculative adventure.
Evans’s legacy lies in her authenticity and resilience. Whether dazzling on screen or crafting time-travel epics, she’s a beacon of empowerment, encouraging others to embrace new chapters. Her advocacy for aging gracefully and her work with organizations like Meals on Wheels reflect her warmth and commitment to community.
- Born: November 18, 1942, in Hartford, Connecticut
- Key Works: Dynasty, Time Scout series, Recipes for Life
- Awards: Golden Globe (1982), five People’s Choice Awards (1982–1986)
- Fun Fact: She won the British cooking show Hell’s Kitchen in 2009!
About Linda Evans
Ready for a journey through time and glamour? Snag Ripping Time or revisit Dynasty to experience Linda Evans’s captivating worlds!