5 Things You Didn’t Know About Me: ‘Dallas’ Star Linda Gray

Think you know everything about former Dallas star Linda Gray, who played Sue Ellen Ewing — wife to the late Larry Hagman‘s J.R. — on the iconic primetime soap opera? Think again.

Check out some interesting tidbits about the two-time Golden Globe nominee!

I Have No Intention of Retiring

“I feel like I’m entering chapter three of my life and it’s exciting,” Linda, 78, tells Closer Weekly in an exclusive new interview, on newsstands now. “At the moment I’m producing a movie that takes place in Dallas. It’s great fun to be on that side of filmmaking. It’s a first for me.”

Balancing Fame and Family Was Difficult

“When Dallas took off it was great for my career, but it was challenging to bridge that gap between being a mom at home and then away doing a big series,” says Linda, who is an ambassador for the city of Dallas. “We filmed in the summer and the kids would come down with their friends, but because of the hours I was working I couldn’t be with them a lot and they resented it. I just did my best to keep everything together.”

I Love Mother’s Day

“For the past 15 years, we all go on a hike and then come back and have a picnic,” says Linda, who celebrates with her kids, Jeff and Kehly, and two grandsons. “I just want to be with my family and have eye contact and conversation — no cellphones! I treasure it.”

Fasting Keeps Me Young

“I try to fast every Monday, meaning, eating nothing,” she explains. “It keeps my skin clear and my energy up. I just drink a lot of water with lemon in it during the day, and I drink celery juice.”

I Keep a Gratitude Journal

“Every morning I write how grateful I am for anything and everything. I know it sounds silly, but I don’t care what people think,” Linda, who starred in the Dallas TV movies as well as the TNT revival. “When you get to a certain age, you just smile and don’t care if people think you’re nuts. That’s the beauty of aging — you just let go of so much stuff. I think that keeps you young, too.”