When you think of Linda Evans, a few iconic images likely come to mind. For fans of 1980s television, she will forever be the elegant Krystle Carrington, the kind-hearted blonde foil to Joan Collins’ devious Alexis, on the mega-hit Dynasty. For classic Western lovers, she’s Audra Barkley from The Big Valley.
The immediate reaction was a mix of shock and admiration. While some agents worried she had "ruined" her image, the public disagreed. The spread demonstrated that Evans possessed a confidence and allure that went far beyond the ranches of The Big Valley. linda evans playboy photos
However, not everyone was pleased with Evans' decision to appear in Playboy. There were concerns that the photos would typecast her as a sex symbol and limit her acting opportunities. Evans has since revealed that she faced some backlash from her agents and managers at the time, who were worried about the potential impact on her career. Beyond the Bunny: Revisiting Linda Evans’ Playboy Shoot
Evans herself later reflected on the shoot with mixed feelings. In her memoir, Recipes for Life: My Memories, she noted that while she doesn’t regret the photos, she wishes she had understood the long tail of the internet—that those images would follow her forever in a way a magazine wouldn’t. Born on June 10, 1943, in Hartford, Connecticut
featured her again in June 1986, it was no longer about a struggling actress; it was a "Celebrity Issue" celebrating a woman at the peak of her cultural influence.
Despite the controversy surrounding her Playboy appearance, Evans has never regretted her decision. In fact, she has often spoken about the experience in a positive light, stating that it helped her gain confidence and self-assurance.
The immediate reaction was mixed. Some Dynasty fans felt betrayed; they didn’t want to see Krystle Carrington without her signature diamond chokers. However, the issue sold out rapidly, proving that the public was, in fact, curious.