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Linda Purl

Birth Place: Greenwich, CT, USA

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Linda Purl BIO

Purl has been a regular performer (and was in the original cast) of international touring play Seven Deadly Sins Four Deadly Sinners. In November 2007, she appeared at the Théâtre Princesse Grace, Monte Carlo, directed by Marc Sinden, as part of Sinden's British Theatre Season, Monaco.

In 2008, Purl opened at the Cleveland Play House in Cleveland, Ohio in a production of The Glass Menagerie by Tennessee Williams, playing Amanda.

After playing a small role in Jory (1973), Purl's first major movie role was in Jonathan Demme's 1975 comedy, Crazy Mama. Subsequent movie appearances have included W.C. Fields and Me (1976), Young Pioneers' Christmas (1976), Leo and Loree (1980), Visiting Hours (1982), The High Country (1984), Viper (1988), Natural Causes (1994), Mighty Joe Young (1998), The Perfect Tenant (2000), and Fear of the Dark (2003).

Purl has played several roles in television series, starting with The Secret Storm – a daytime "soap opera" drama (1973–1974). In 1978, she appeared as newlywed Molly Beaton in the ABC western drama series The Young Pioneers, set in the Dakota Territory of the 1870s and based on the novels of Rose Wilder Lane. She also acted alongside Shaun Cassidy in the 1979 TV movie Like Normal People. Also in 1979, she starred in "Women at West Point." On Happy Days she played two different roles: Richie's occasional girlfriend Gloria in season two of the show (1974) and Fonzie's steady girlfriend Ashley eight seasons later (1982–1983). She also played secret agent Kate Del'Amico in the short-lived series Under Cover and played Brett Robin in the 1994–1995 series Robin's Hoods.

She has also featured in many movies made for television, including Testimony of Two Men, The Night the City Screamed, Little Ladies of the Night, and Spies, Lies & Naked Thighs. She voiced Delilah in a 1985 direct-to-video episode of The Greatest Adventure: Stories from the Bible.

Purl appeared in an all-star cast in the well-regarded historical-biographical TV mini-series Eleanor and Franklin in 1976, broadcast on the American Broadcasting Company (ABC) television network. Here she portrayed Alice Roosevelt Longworth, daughter of President Theodore Roosevelt.

As a guest star, Purl appeared in a 1974 episode of the long-running Hawaiian-locale Hawaii Five-O called "The Hostage", as teenage babysitter "Ruth" held captive by a deranged veteran. She played two different roles on The Waltons; early in its run, in 1974 when she played sophisticate Alicia in the season three episode "The Spoilers", and in the season five episode "The Heartbreaker" (1977), when she played Mary Ellen's sister-in-law (and Jason's love interest) Vanessa and sang a couple songs in the episode. In 1981, she starred in Manions of America. In 1984, she played Nydia, the blind flower girl in the miniseries "The Last Days of Pompeii". In 1985, she appeared in a Murder, She Wrote episode entitled "Murder at the Oasis". In 1988, she again made an appearance on Murder, She Wrote in the episode "Mourning Among The Wisterias" and in 1993, appeared for a third time on the series in "Dead Eye". In the first season of Matlock (1986–1987), (starring long-time comedy actor Andy Griffith, now in a usually-dramatic role), Purl played Charlene, Ben Matlock's lawyer daughter. She was cast in the series First Monday (2002) as Sarah Novelli, a real estate agent and Justice Joseph Novelli's wife.

Purl appeared in the role of Pam Beesly's mother on NBC's The Office TV series, starting with the season six episode "Niagara" in 2009–2010. Purl appeared in several more episodes throughout the series and was a romantic interest for Steve Carell's character. In May 2010, she made a guest appearance on Desperate Housewives. In 2011, Purl made guest appearances on Showtime's Homeland, playing Elizabeth Gaines. She played Barbara Pelt, mother of Debbie Pelt, in two episodes of HBO's True Blood in 2012. In 2017, Purl appeared in one episode of Designated Survivor, playing an old college supervisor of President Kirkman who assists in appointing nominees to the Supreme Court in the episode "The Ninth Seat".

Linda Purl Photos

Linda Purl STAGE CREDITS

[West End]
2023
CAst [Replacement]

[Broadway]
Original Broadway Production, 2001
Aunt Polly

[Broadway]
Original Broadway Production, 1998
Victoria Phillips


Linda Purl Videos

Linda Purl News


Rubicon Theatre Company to Present LIFESPAN OF A FACT, ONCE, and More in 25th Silver Anniversary Season

RUBICON THEATRE, Ventura County’s leading not-for-profit theatrical organization committed to entertaining, engaging and enriching the lives of the region’s residents and visitors through innovative live performances, has unveiled the company’s highly anticipated 25th Anniversary “Silver” Season, entitled TRULY YOURS. 

Linda Purl Shows Pizzazz and Poignancy In THIS COULD BE THE START At The Green Room 42

Linda Purl brings poise and polish and pure entertainment to the stage in her latest set.

Alice Ripley to Present BELIEVE IT OR NOT at The Green Room 42

THE GREEN ROOM 42 will present Tony Award winner Alice Ripley in her new show “Believe It or Not” on Saturday, September 3o with shows at 1:00 PM and 7:00 PM.

Nadia Quinn to Present LITERALLY ANYTHING CAN HAPPEN at The Green Room 42 This Month

THE GREEN ROOM 42 will present TV, film and Broadway’s fun, funny, magical gal Nadia Quinn in her one-of-a-kind feel-good variety act “Literally Anything Can Happen” for two performances on Saturday, September 23 and Thursday, September 28 at 7:00 PM.

10 Videos To Kick Off Linda Purl's THIS COULD BE THE START at The Green Room 42

Jazz singer Linda Purl and The Tedd Firth Trio will play the newly rennovated Green Room 42 in honor of their new album THIS COULD BE THE START.

Album Review:  If Linda Purl's THIS COULD BE THE START Is The Start, We Can't Wait To See The Finished Product

It is an exciting thing to see an artist grow, evolve, change, and the musical marriage between the two friends and colleagues that are Linda and Tedd has been a wonderful witness for the last few years.

The Green Room 42 to Present Australian Drag and Theater Legend Trevor Ashley Next Month

THE GREEN ROOM 42 – the intimate concert venue dubbed Broadway's “off-night hotspot” by The New York Times – will present Australian drag and theater legend Trevor Ashley, best known from the TV hit “Queen of the Universe,” in the new show “Queen of the Moment” for two performances on Thursday, September 14 and Friday, September 15 at 9:30 PM.

Linda Purl Will Play The Green Room 42 With THIS COULD BE THE START

Respected actress, singer, and show business long-hauler Linda Purl has a new CD and a launch show that will play The Green Room 42 on September 11th at 7 pm.

Josie de Guzman to Present BACK WHERE I STARTED at The Green Room 42

Join in at The Green Room 42 for an unforgettable performance by Josie de Guzman in BACK WHERE I STARTED. This must-see show is running for a limited time only, so secure your seats today and witness her incredible talent.

New York Debut of THE FABULIST FOX SISTER is Coming to The Green Room 42

Get ready for the highly anticipated New York debut of THE FABULIST FOX SISTER at The Green Room 42. Don't miss this limited engagement performance! Find out all the details and secure your tickets now.

Rubicon Theatre Company to Present THE PLATTERS: MANY VOICES ONE NAME This Month

Rubicon Theatre, Ventura County's leading not-for-profit theatrical organization committed to entertaining, engaging and enriching the community through live performance, will present the grand finale of the company's Summer Concert Series with the iconic vocal group, “THE PLATTERS: MANY VOICES ONE NAME,” performing live on August 25, 26, and 27.

The Green Room 42 Unveils New Look And New Season

THE GREEN ROOM 42 – the intimate concert venue dubbed Broadway’s “off-night hotspot” by The New York Times – has announced a special reopening with a dazzling renovation.

Paul Iacono, Josie de Guzman & More Set for September Lineup at The Green Room 42

Get ready for an incredible lineup of performances at The Green Room 42 this September! Find out who will be taking the stage and when you can catch these talented artists in action. Don't miss out on these unforgettable shows - get all the information you need right here.

Rubicon Theatre Company Youth Education Program to Present KIDS FOR KIDS BENEFIT CONCERT Next Saturday

Rubicon Theatre, Ventura County's leading not-for-profit professional theatre company, committed to entertaining, engaging and enriching the community through live performance, has announced the eagerly anticipated Kids for Kids Benefit Concert, “WHAT THE WORLD NEEDS NOW…” an enchanting evening of music and entertainment featuring the timeless melodies of Burt Bacharach and Friends, Saturday, August 19th at 7:00 PM.

Paul Iacono To Return to The Green Room 42 With New Show UNFILTERED

Step into The Green Room 42 and immerse yourself in Paul Iacono's unfiltered performance. Get ready to laugh, be entertained, and have an unforgettable evening of unapologetic humor. Don't wait, book your tickets now!

Catch Linda Purl's One-Night Performance of THIS COULD BE THE START at The Green Room 42

Join in for an unforgettable night as the talented Linda Purl takes the stage at The Green Room 42 for a special one-night-only performance of 'This Could Be the Start.' Experience the magic of her soul-stirring music and don't miss out on this exclusive event.

Jennifer Leigh Warren to Perform at Rubicon Theatre Company's DINE & DELIGHT Fundraising Dinner

Rubicon Theatre will present 'DINE & DELIGHT' a private Winemaker’s Dinner hosted by WATER’S EDGE RESTAURANT. Learn how to purchase tickets!

Rubicon Theatre Company to Present THE ADDAMS FAMILY, PIPPIN, and More in Summer Season

Rubicon Theatre Company, Ventura County's leading not-for-profit theatrical organization committed to entertaining, engaging and enriching the community through live performance, has unveiled its highly anticipated 2023 Summer Education Season, this year entitled “Love Conquers All.”

Concord Theatricals Recordings Digitally Re-Releases THE GAY 90S MUSICAL, THE PAUL SIMON ALBUM & More

Concord Theatricals Recordings has digitally re-released the fourth wave of albums from the former Fynsworth Alleytheatrical recorded music catalog, including 12 titles that have not previously been available to stream or download.

MOSTLY BROADWAY - An Evening with David Burnham is Coming to Rubicon Theatre This Summer

Rubicon Theatre of Ventura will present the third event in the company’s Summer Concert series on Saturday, June 3 at 7 p.m. – “MOSTLY BROADWAY: AN EVENING WITH DAVID BURNHAM.”

Linda Purl FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Linda Purl has appeared on Broadway in 2 shows.

Linda Purl has appeared on London's West End in 1 shows.

Linda Purl's first West End show was The Year of Magical Thinking which opened in 2023

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