Patrick Duffy’s Girlfriend Makes Him ‘Incredibly Happy!’ Meet ‘Matlock’ Alum Linda Purl

Linda Could be The One for Patrick

The Step by Step actor said his romance with Linda first began amid the coronavirus pandemic. Although the two were casual friends in the past, they lost touch over time but reconnected when they were put into a group text chain with mutual pals.

Patrick said the joint conversation with friends eventually led to them talking on their own. After getting to know each other on a deeper level, Patrick “loaded up [his] car and drove 20 hours” until he arrived at Linda’s home. “[I] ended up on her doorstep just to see if it was real,” he shared. “We haven’t been apart since.”

Prior to his relationship with the Matlock actress, Patrick was married to Carlyn from 1974 to 2017. At the time of Carlyn’s death in January 2017, the Mistletoe Secret actor was devastated over losing his wife of 43 years. “He’s grateful for the years they had together but wishes they had more,” an insider close to Patrick told Closer Weekly.

As time passed, Patrick never imagined himself being in a position to fall in love again. “I feel close to [Carlyn] all the time, [but] what I miss most is her touch,” he exclusively told Closer in 2019. “I still consider myself a married man.”

Even though it took the TV icon years to move on from his late wife’s death, Patrick always had the support of their family and two children, Padraic Duffy and Conor Duffy. “His kids are encouraging him to find love again,” the insider shared. “They’ve even tried to set him up.”

Now that Patrick is swooning over his romance with Linda, fans couldn’t be happier for the duo. “Patrick would love to grow old with someone who has the same interests,” the source added. “He’s always hopeful, positive and seeing what’s next.”

Even though Patrick had qualms about giving love another try, he is confident his late wife, Carlyn, would approve of his decision to be with Linda.

“I feel, quite honestly, that it is keeping with the desires of my wife, the fact that we are intended to be happy,” he told People. “So when it’s offered, think about it, do whatever you do, but don’t let it pass you up if it’s the right thing.”

She’s Was Born in Connecticut

Linda was born in Greenwich, Connecticut, on September 2, 1955. She was raised there by her Broadway star mom, Marshelline “Marshie” Patton, and her father, Raymond Charles Arthur Purl, until they moved to Japan when Linda was 5 years old.

During her childhood, Linda showed an interest in performing. According to reports, she appeared in several plays in Japan as a kid, including The King and I, Bet in Oliver, The Miracle Worker and more. That was just the beginning of her career!

Linda Is an Actress

The blonde beauty has appeared on our screens many times throughout the years, but she’s most known for her roles in hit TV series like Happy Days, The Office and Matlock.

Linda has also acted in a plethora of films, including 1975’s Crazy Mama, 1982’s Visiting Hours, 1988’s Mighty Joe Young and many others.

She’s Also a Singer

Aside from acting, Linda is also talented when it comes to singing. According to her discography, she’s released albums called Alone Together in 1998 and Out of This World in 2005.

Linda Was Previously Married

The “I Feel a Song Coming On” performer tied the knot four times throughout her life. Linda married her first husband, Desi Arnaz Jr., in 1980, but the couple were only together for a short time before splitting the following year in 1981.

She then moved on with her second husband, William Broyles Jr., in 1988, but after the two called it quits in 1992, she later walked down the aisle with her third spouse, Alexander Cary, in 1993. The former pair were together for six years before going their separate ways in 1999.

Linda’s fourth marriage was with James Vinson Adams. The ex-lovebirds made their love official in 2006, only to split five years later in 2011.

She and Patrick Travel a Lot

Linda and Patrick travel quite a bit and are happier than ever.

“They don’t seem to stay in one place for long. In the last month or two, they’ve been to Mexico, Tokyo and New York,” an insider told Closer in June 2024. “It’s too much for Patrick, and he wants to relax and settle down.”

The pair shared a statement with Closer to update fans on their relationship.

“We are very much in love and looking forward to celebrating our fourth anniversary, later this month in Colorado. Grateful for health, our boys and dear friends,” they said.