How Long Was Linda Evans Married To John Derek? A Look Back At A Hollywood Partnership

Prof. Stewart Kuphal 27 Jul 2025

Hollywood's golden age, and even the decades that followed, gave us so many stories of love, partnership, and, well, sometimes heartache. You know, the kind of tales that really stick with you, long after the movies or TV shows have finished their run. One pairing that often pops up in conversations about classic Tinseltown romances involves the striking actress Linda Evans and the multifaceted John Derek. People often wonder about their time together, especially how long their marriage actually lasted. It's a question that, frankly, still gets a fair bit of interest from folks who remember their work or are just learning about them.

Their connection was, in a way, quite a big deal for the time, drawing attention from fans and the press alike. Linda Evans, with her kind of wholesome yet glamorous appeal, became a household name, particularly later on in her acting life. John Derek, on the other hand, had already made a name for himself as an actor and then, quite famously, moved into directing. Their lives crossed in a significant way, creating a union that, for a period, seemed to capture a certain kind of Hollywood dream.

So, just how many years did Linda Evans and John Derek share as husband and wife? It's a question with a clear answer, but the story behind those years is, you know, a bit more involved. It touches on their individual paths, their careers, and the shifting sands of celebrity life in the mid-20th century. We'll explore their time together, giving you the real scoop on their marriage and what came next for these two notable figures. You'll see, it's quite a story.

Linda Evans: A Brief Biography
The Meeting and the Marriage
How Long Was Their Marriage? The Exact Years
Life Together and Career Shifts
The End of a Chapter
After the Split
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Linda Evans: A Brief Biography

Linda Evans, born Linda Evanstad, came into the world on November 18, 1942, in Hartford, Connecticut. She was, you know, just a little girl when her family made the move to Hollywood, California. This move, in a way, set the stage for her future in show business. She began her acting career early, taking on roles in television shows and some films during the 1960s. Her early work, you know, really helped her get a foot in the door, building up her experience bit by bit.

She gained some early recognition for her part in the Western television series "The Big Valley," where she played Audra Barkley. This show, which aired from 1965 to 1969, gave her a chance to really show her acting chops and, in some respects, become a familiar face to many viewers. After "The Big Valley," she continued to work, appearing in various TV movies and guest spots. Her career, you know, was steadily building, but her biggest role was still a little ways off, waiting for her in the 1980s.

It was her portrayal of Krystle Carrington in the hugely popular prime-time soap opera "Dynasty" that, frankly, made her an international star. "Dynasty" started in 1981 and ran for many years, turning Linda Evans into a global icon. Her character, Krystle, was, you know, the kind, often put-upon wife of Blake Carrington, played by John Forsythe. The show was, very much, a cultural phenomenon, and her role in it cemented her place in television history. She even won a Golden Globe Award for Best Actress in a Television Series Drama in 1981 for her work on the show. So, she was, you know, a big name.

Personal Details and Bio Data of Linda Evans

Full Name	Linda Evanstad
Born	November 18, 1942
Birthplace	Hartford, Connecticut, USA
Occupation	Actress
Known For	"The Big Valley," "Dynasty"
Awards	Golden Globe Award (1981)

The Meeting and the Marriage

Linda Evans and John Derek first crossed paths in the Hollywood social scene, which, you know, was pretty active in those days. John Derek himself was a well-known figure, having started as a handsome leading man in films during the 1940s and 1950s. He later, you know, transitioned into directing, which is a pretty common path for some actors. He had, in fact, been married a few times before meeting Linda, with his previous wives including the actresses Pati Behrs and Ursula Andress. So, he was, in a way, already quite a presence in the celebrity world.

Their connection, you know, seemed to blossom rather quickly. Linda was, frankly, quite taken with John's charm and his artistic sensibilities. He was, after all, a man who had seen a lot of Hollywood and had a creative vision, which, you know, could be pretty appealing. They found common ground, and their relationship moved forward at a pace that, for Hollywood, was probably just about right. They were, in short, a striking couple, often seen together at various events and gatherings.

The couple decided to marry, and their wedding took place on August 20, 1968. This was, you know, a significant moment for both of them. For Linda, it was her first marriage, a big step in her personal life. For John, it marked another chapter in his romantic history. Their union, as a matter of fact, drew a fair bit of media attention, as any celebrity marriage tends to do. They were, you know, seen as a glamorous pair, very much a part of the Hollywood landscape of the late 1960s.

How Long Was Their Marriage? The Exact Years

So, the big question, the one that, you know, many people ask: how long did Linda Evans and John Derek's marriage last? Their union, which began in 1968, continued for a number of years. They were, in fact, together through some pretty formative times in both of their lives and careers. The answer, to be honest, is that their marriage lasted for six years. They tied the knot on August 20, 1968, and their divorce became final in 1974.

Six years might seem, you know, like a relatively short period for some marriages, especially when you think about long-term partnerships. However, in the context of Hollywood marriages, it's, you know, not an unusually brief span either. Many celebrity relationships, as a matter of fact, face immense pressures from public scrutiny, demanding work schedules, and the constant glare of the spotlight. Their time together, therefore, represents a distinct chapter in both Linda Evans's and John Derek's personal stories. It was, you know, a period of mutual support and shared experiences, even if it didn't last forever.

During these six years, Linda Evans's career was, you know, still developing after her run on "The Big Valley." John Derek was, in the meantime, increasingly focused on his work behind the camera, moving more into directing films. Their lives, you know, were intertwined both personally and professionally for this period. The end of their marriage in 1974 marked a turning point for both individuals, setting them on different paths for the future, which, you know, is how things often go in life.

Life Together and Career Shifts

During their marriage, Linda Evans and John Derek shared a life that, you know, certainly had its public moments. They were often photographed together, looking every bit the glamorous Hollywood couple. John, as I was saying, was really shifting his focus to directing, and he often cast his wives in his films. This was, in a way, a defining characteristic of his career in the latter part of his life. Linda, as his wife, also appeared in some of his directorial projects during their time together. This gave her, you know, different kinds of roles to play, perhaps exploring characters she might not have otherwise.

One notable film they worked on together was "Child of Glass," a television movie from 1972. This project, you know, gave them a chance to collaborate creatively, which can be pretty interesting for a couple. John's style of directing, and his vision for his films, really shaped the kinds of roles his wives played. For Linda, this meant stepping into parts that, you know, might have been different from her previous work on "The Big Valley." It was, in some respects, a period of artistic exploration for her, guided by John's creative direction.

Beyond the professional collaboration, their home life was, you know, often portrayed as quite idyllic, at least from the outside looking in. They lived in a beautiful setting, and their relationship seemed, apparently, quite strong. However, the pressures of Hollywood, and the demands of two creative individuals, can, you know, sometimes put a strain on even the most loving partnerships. It's just a little bit of what comes with that kind of life. Their time together, you know, was marked by both personal closeness and shared professional endeavors, creating a unique bond that, in a way, defined that period for them.

The End of a Chapter

The eventual dissolution of Linda Evans and John Derek's marriage in 1974 was, you know, a significant event in their personal histories. While the exact reasons for a separation are, frankly, always quite private and complex, it became clear that their paths were beginning to diverge. Relationships, you know, can change over time, and what works for a couple at one point might not work later on. This is, you know, a fairly common occurrence, even outside of Hollywood.

John Derek, as many people know, met Bo Derek (then Mary Cathleen Collins) around this time. Their relationship, which began when Bo was quite young, became, you know, a very public story, eventually leading to John's fourth marriage. This new connection, as a matter of fact, played a part in the end of his marriage to Linda. It was, you know, a clear sign that his life was moving in a different direction. For Linda, this period marked a time of personal adjustment and, in some respects, a moment to redefine her own path forward.

The divorce was finalized in 1974, bringing an official end to their six-year marriage. This conclusion, you know, allowed both Linda and John to move on to new chapters in their lives. For Linda, it meant focusing on her career and personal growth, eventually leading to her iconic role in "Dynasty" years later. For John, it meant continuing his work in directing, with Bo Derek becoming his muse and, you know, the star of many of his subsequent films. It was, in short, a clear break, allowing each person to pursue their individual destinies.

After the Split

After their marriage ended in 1974, both Linda Evans and John Derek, you know, went on to have very different but equally notable futures. For Linda, the years following her divorce from John were, in a way, a period of quiet rebuilding before her career truly exploded. She continued to take on acting roles, but the massive success of "Dynasty" was still a few years down the road. That show, which premiered in 1981, really changed everything for her, transforming her into a global superstar. Her role as Krystle Carrington, you know, resonated with millions, and she became an emblem of 1980s glamour and strength. She was, you know, very much in the public eye during that time.

Linda Evans also found love again, though she didn't remarry after John Derek. She had a long-term relationship with restauranteur George Santo Pietro, and later with musician Yanni. Her life post-Derek was, in some respects, about carving out her own identity, separate from the roles she had played and the relationships she had been in. She became, you know, a symbol of resilience and grace for many of her fans. Her career success and personal happiness in the years that followed, you know, really showed her strength. You can learn more about her career path here, as a matter of fact.

John Derek, on the other hand, continued his work as a director, with his relationship and marriage to Bo Derek becoming, you know, the most prominent part of his later life. He directed her in several films, including "Tarzan, the Ape Man" and "Bolero," which, you know, garnered significant attention, though not always critical acclaim. Their partnership, both personal and professional, was, you know, quite unique and lasted until his passing in 1998. He was, in a way, always someone who followed his own artistic vision, and his later work with Bo really showcased that. So, both Linda and John, you know, went on to lead lives that were, frankly, pretty interesting and full of their own individual accomplishments after their time together.

Their marriage, while it lasted six years, was, you know, just one part of their longer, more complex personal stories. It was a chapter that, in a way, helped shape who they became, contributing to the rich tapestry of Hollywood history. The paths they took after their split, you know, ultimately led them to even greater personal and professional milestones. It's a reminder that, sometimes, the end of one thing can, in fact, be the beginning of something even bigger. You can discover more about Hollywood's famous couples on our site , and for a deeper look into the lives of other iconic figures, you might want to check out this page , too.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Was Linda Evans John Derek's first wife?

No, Linda Evans was not John Derek's first wife. He had, you know, been married twice before he married Linda. His previous wives were Pati Behrs and Ursula Andress. So, Linda was, in fact, his third wife, which, you know, is quite a bit of history already.

Did Linda Evans have children with John Derek?

No, Linda Evans did not have any children with John Derek during their marriage. Their union, which lasted six years, did not result in any offspring. Linda, you know, never had children of her own, which is a choice some people make.

How many times was John Derek married in total?

John Derek was married a total of four times throughout his life. His wives, in order, were Pati Behrs, Ursula Andress, Linda Evans, and finally, Bo Derek. He was, in a way, someone who found companionship in marriage quite often, you know, over the years.

John Derek Linda Evans

John Derek And Linda Evans

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