History of Linda Purl in Timeline

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: January 15, 2025

Linda Purl is a well-known American actress who has made a significant mark in the television and film industry. She is widely recognized for her role as Ashley Pfister in the popular sitcom Happy Days. Her portrayal of Sheila Munroe in the 1982 horror film Visiting Hours showcased her versatility as an actress. Purl also appeared in The Office as Helene, Pam Beesly's mother. Additionally, she played Charlene Matlock, Ben Matlock's daughter, in the first season of the legal drama series Matlock. These roles, among others, have solidified Linda Purl's place as a familiar face in American entertainment.

September 2, 1955: Linda Purl's Birth

Linda Purl was born on September 2, 1955.

1973: Jory Film Debut

Linda Purl made her film debut with a small role in "Jory" in 1973.

1973: The Secret Storm Debut

Linda Purl started her television career with the daytime soap opera "The Secret Storm" in 1973.

1974: Happy Days and The Secret Storm

In 1974, Linda Purl acted in the TV series "Happy Days" as Richie's girlfriend Gloria and continued her role in "The Secret Storm".

1974: The Waltons Appearance as Alicia

Linda Purl played sophisticate Alicia in a season three episode of "The Waltons" titled "The Spoilers" in 1974.

1975: Hawaii Five-O Guest Appearance

In 1975, Linda Purl guest-starred in an episode of "Hawaii Five-O" titled "The Hostage".

1975: Crazy Mama Film Appearance

In 1975, Linda Purl had her first major movie role in Jonathan Demme's comedy "Crazy Mama".

1976: W.C. Fields and Me and Young Pioneers' Christmas Film Appearances

Linda Purl appeared in two films in 1976: "W.C. Fields and Me" and "Young Pioneers' Christmas".

1976: Eleanor and Franklin Appearance

Linda Purl portrayed Alice Roosevelt Longworth in the TV mini-series "Eleanor and Franklin" in 1976.

1977: The Waltons Appearance as Vanessa

Linda Purl played Vanessa, Mary Ellen's sister-in-law, in a season five episode of "The Waltons" titled "The Heartbreaker" in 1977.

1978: The Young Pioneers Appearance

Linda Purl appeared as Molly Beaton in the ABC western drama series "The Young Pioneers" in 1978.

1979: Like Normal People and Women at West Point Appearances

In 1979, Linda Purl appeared in the TV movie "Like Normal People" and starred in "Women at West Point".

January 13, 1980: Marriage to Desi Arnaz Jr.

Linda Purl married Desi Arnaz Jr. on January 13, 1980.

1980: Leo and Loree Film Appearance

In 1980, Linda Purl appeared in the film "Leo and Loree".

1981: Manions of America Appearance

In 1981, Linda Purl starred in "Manions of America".

1981: Divorce from Desi Arnaz Jr.

Linda Purl divorced Desi Arnaz Jr. in 1981.

1982: Visiting Hours Film Release

In 1982, Linda Purl appeared in the horror film "Visiting Hours" as Sheila Munroe.

1982: Happy Days as Ashley Pfister

Linda Purl played Fonzie's steady girlfriend Ashley in "Happy Days" in 1982.

1983: Happy Days Continued

Linda Purl continued her role as Ashley Pfister in "Happy Days" in 1983.

1984: The High Country Film Appearance

In 1984, Linda Purl appeared in the film "The High Country".

1984: The Last Days of Pompeii Appearance

Linda Purl played Nydia in the miniseries "The Last Days of Pompeii" in 1984.

1985: Murder, She Wrote Appearance

In 1985, Linda Purl appeared in a "Murder, She Wrote" episode entitled "Murder at the Oasis".

1985: The Greatest Adventure Voice Role

Linda Purl voiced Delilah in a direct-to-video episode of "The Greatest Adventure: Stories from the Bible" in 1985.

1986: Matlock Debut as Charlene Matlock

Linda Purl began playing Charlene Matlock in the first season of "Matlock" in 1986.

1987: Matlock Continued

Linda Purl continued her role as Charlene Matlock in "Matlock" in 1987.

November 5, 1988: Marriage to William Broyles Jr.

Linda Purl married William Broyles Jr. on November 5, 1988.

1988: Murder, She Wrote Second Appearance

Linda Purl appeared again on "Murder, She Wrote" in the episode "Mourning Among The Wisterias" in 1988.

1988: Viper Film Appearance

Linda Purl appeared in the film "Viper" in 1988.

July 23, 1993: Marriage to Alexander Cary

Linda Purl married Alexander Cary on July 23, 1993.

1993: Murder, She Wrote Third Appearance

Linda Purl made her third appearance on "Murder, She Wrote" in the episode "Dead Eye" in 1993.

1994: Natural Causes Film Appearance

Linda Purl appeared in the film "Natural Causes" in 1994.

1994: Robin's Hoods Debut

Linda Purl played Brett Robin in the TV series "Robin's Hoods" in 1994.

February 6, 1995: Birth of Lucius Cary

Linda Purl's son, Lucius Cary, was born on February 6, 1995.

1995: Robin's Hoods Continued

Linda Purl continued her role in "Robin's Hoods" in 1995.

1998: Mighty Joe Young Film Appearance

In 1998, Linda Purl was in the film "Mighty Joe Young".

2000: The Perfect Tenant Film Appearance

Linda Purl was in the film "The Perfect Tenant" in 2000.

2002: First Monday Appearance

Linda Purl played Sarah Novelli in the series "First Monday" in 2002.

2003: Fear of the Dark Film Appearance

In 2003, Linda Purl appeared in the film "Fear of the Dark".

July 15, 2006: Marriage to James Vinson Adams

Linda Purl married James Vinson Adams on July 15, 2006.

November 2007: Seven Deadly Sins Four Deadly Sinners Performance

Linda Purl performed in "Seven Deadly Sins Four Deadly Sinners" at the Théâtre Princesse Grace in November 2007.

2008: The Glass Menagerie Performance

Linda Purl played Amanda in a production of Tennessee Williams' "The Glass Menagerie" in 2008.

2009: The Office Debut as Helene Beesly

Linda Purl debuted as Pam Beesly's mother, Helene, in the sixth season of "The Office" in 2009.

May 2010: Desperate Housewives Guest Appearance

In May 2010, Linda Purl made a guest appearance on "Desperate Housewives".

2011: Divorce from James Vinson Adams

Linda Purl divorced James Vinson Adams in 2011.

2011: Homeland Guest Appearance

Linda Purl guest-starred as Elizabeth Gaines on "Homeland" in 2011.

2012: True Blood Appearance

Linda Purl played Barbara Pelt in two episodes of "True Blood" in 2012.

2017: Designated Survivor Guest Appearance

In 2017, Linda Purl guest-starred in an episode of "Designated Survivor" titled "The Ninth Seat".

2020: Relationship with Patrick Duffy Begins

Linda Purl began a relationship with Patrick Duffy in 2020.

August 2023: This Could Be the Start Album Release

Linda Purl released her album "This Could Be the Start" in August 2023.

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