Linda Evans has amassed an impressive net worth of $20 million as of 2023.
Linda Evans is an American actress best known for her roles on popular TV shows in the 1960s, 1970s, and 1980s. She peaked her fame playing Krystle Carrington on the hit primetime soap opera Dynasty from 1981-1989.
Linda Evans Net Worth
Linda Evans has amassed an impressive net worth estimated at $20 million. Her wealth stems from her iconic role as Krystle Carrington in the 1980s primetime soap opera Dynasty.
As one of the core stars of the globally popular show, Evans’ salary reached $40,000 per episode by the end of the series. With approximately 220 episodes filmed from 1981-1989, Evans likely earned over $7 million solely from Dynasty.
Additional income came from Evans’ career as a fitness guru in the 1980s. Her bestselling exercise book and related fitness videos expanded her wealth and fame beyond acting.
Other steady acting work on television shows like The Big Valley and TV movies in the ’90s and 2000s provided more minor boosts to Evans’ net worth.
Early Life and Education
Linda Evans was born Linda Evenstad on November 18, 1942, in Hartford, Connecticut, to Arlene and Alba Evenstad. She grew up in Palm Springs, California, after her family moved there when she was six months old. Evans later moved to North Hollywood as a teenager.
In high school, Evans harbored dreams of becoming a doctor. She was studious and focused on getting good grades. However, a teacher suggested she pursue modeling, noticing Evans’ natural beauty.
After high school, Evans briefly attended the College of the Pacific in Stockton, California, where she studied medicine. But the excitement of auditioning for acting roles in Hollywood proved too tempting. Evans left college after one semester to fully devote herself to modeling and acting.
Though Evans’ initial goal was to become a doctor, fate intervened with opportunities in entertainment. With encouragement from a wise teacher, Linda Evans ultimately left academics behind for a chance at fame and success in Hollywood. This pivot would launch her multi-decade career as an actress.
Rise to Stardom on Dynasty
Linda Evans’ career reached new heights when she played a role on the primetime soap opera Dynasty in 1981. As Krystle Carrington, Evans became the moral backbone of the over-the-top series.
However, the catfights between Joan Collins and Evans’ characters drastically boosted the show’s popularity. By the third season, Dynasty was #1 in the Nielsen ratings.
Evans’ nuanced portrayal of Krystle earned her a Golden Globe for Best Actress in 1982. As the show grew into a worldwide phenomenon, Evans became internationally famous. Her face was instantly recognizable across the globe.
Dynasty propelled Evans from a working actress to a superstar. She graced the covers of major magazines like Time and People. Evans also made exercise videos and published a bestselling book during Dynasty’s tenure to capitalize on her newfound fame.
Career Beginnings
Linda Evans moved to Hollywood in the late 1950s to pursue work as an actress and model. Her fresh-faced beauty quickly earned her representation and various modeling jobs.
Evans’ first onscreen role came in 1959 at age 16, with a small uncredited part in the Western film The Man From Utah. More roles followed in low-budget films, TV commercials, and guest spots on shows like Bachelor Father and The Adventures of Ozzie and Harriet.
Her big break came in 1961 when Evans played a role as Barbara Stanwyck’s daughter on the Western series The Big Valley. She spent 5 seasons on the hit show, honing her acting skills.
Though starting in stereotypical “pretty girl” parts, Evans proved she had real talent. By the late 1960s, she earned more substantive roles in films like Funny Girl and television movies.
Sources of Income
Linda Evans’ largest source of wealth stems from her 9 seasons starring on the hit primetime soap opera Dynasty in the 1980s. Her role as Krystle Carrington earned her an estimated $7 million total over the show’s run. The global popularity of Dynasty and Evans’ status as one of its core stars brought her fortune and fame.
Additional income sources contributing to Evans’ net worth include her career as a fitness guru in the 80s. Her bestselling exercise book and workout videos expanded her brand and net worth outside acting. Evans also earned steady paychecks starring in made-for-TV movies in the 90s and 2000s. Residual checks from reruns and syndication of shows like Dynasty also provide ongoing income.
Awards and Achievements
Over her extensive career, Linda Evans has received numerous honors for her acting accomplishments:
- Golden Globe – Evans won the Golden Globe for Best Actress in a TV Drama in 1982 for her role on Dynasty. She received two additional Golden Globe nominations in 1983 and 1984.
- People’s Choice Awards – Evans won the People’s Choice Award for Favorite Female TV Performer in 1983 for her role in Dynasty. She was nominated again in 1984.
- Soap Opera Digest Awards – Evans won Soap Opera Digest Awards for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Prime Time Serial in 1984 and 1985 for Dynasty.
- Walk of Fame – Evans got an award as a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 1993 in recognition of her significant television career.
- TV Land Awards – Along with her Dynasty co-stars, Evans was honored with the Pop Culture Award at the TV Land Awards 2008.
- Honorary Doctorate – Evans received an honorary Doctorate in Fine Arts from the University of North Texas in 2002.
Personal Life and Relationships
Linda Evans has been married and divorced twice in her personal life. Her first marriage was to actor John Derek in 1968. The couple met when Evans was just 16 and Derek was 30. They were married for 6 years and divorced in 1974.
In 1975, Evans married billionaire investor Stan Herman. Their marriage only lasted 4 years before ending in divorce in 1979.
Outside of her marriages, Evans has kept her romantic relationships private over the years. However, there were rumors of affairs with famous men like Steve McQueen and Yves Saint Laurent during her Dynasty heyday.
Evans has no children, which allowed her to focus entirely on her acting career. She has lived on a ranch in Washington state for much of her later life.
However, Evans is single and enjoys a quiet lifestyle out of the spotlight. She remains close to her sister and brother. Evans has remarked that her happiest times are spent with family and animals on her ranch, away from the glitz of Hollywood.
FAQs on Linda Evans Net Worth
How did Linda Evans get famous?
Linda Evans rose to fame playing Audra Barkley on the hit 1960s Western TV series The Big Valley. However, she reached new heights of stardom in the 1980s, starring as Krystle Carrington on the iconic primetime soap opera Dynasty.
What was Linda Evans’ biggest role?
Linda Evans’ career-defining role was as Krystle Carrington on Dynasty from 1981-1989. As the moral compass and kind heroine, Evans’ character was immensely popular and earned her Golden Globe and People’s Choice awards.
What is Linda Evans best known for?
Linda Evans is likely best known globally for starring on Dynasty and being involved in the show’s legendary catfights with co-star Joan Collins. Her iconic role as Krystle Carrington remains her most famous credit.
How much is Linda Evans worth?
Linda Evans has an estimated net worth of $20 million as of 2023. She earned much of this wealth from starring on Dynasty and her bestselling ’80s exercise book and workout videos.
Final Thoughts
Linda Evans has lived quite an extraordinary life, rising from modest beginnings to become one of the biggest television stars in the world during the peak of Dynasty’s popularity.
However, Evans’ acting career has spanned over 50 years and counting. She remains best known for bringing the character of Krystle Carrington to life and engaging in epic catfights opposite Joan Collins’ Alexis.
Also, Linda Evans’ talent, business savvy, and prudent financial investments have afforded her an immense $20 million net worth.
