Linda Purl's Blog

If reinventing yourself is the primary skill-set in a tough economy, Purl has mastered the technique. The wholesome girl-next-door turned sexy-siren-chanteusse now wear the pants and wields the power in HOMELAND, the new hit Showtime series. Recurring role starts this Sunday, October 16th at 10p.m.

TV audiences fell in love with her on “Happy Days” as Fonzie’s one-and-only fiance “Ashley,” the blond with the huge blue eyes and the adorable little daughter. And they fell in love with her again in “Matlock,” when she portrayed Andy Griffith’s one-and-only daughter-lawyer.

Over the last two years, Purl has been capturing a whole new fan base with appearances on “Criminal Minds” and “Desperate Housewives.” And a new generation of fans fell in love with her as Helene Beasley, Pam’s Mom on “The Office.”

But if audiences loved a kinder, gentler Purl on other shows, they’ll be infatuated—and a little scared—by this Linda Purl. As the conniving Elizabeth Gaines on the new hit Showtime series “Homeland,” she now is so commanding—while maintaining her porcelain-skinned blue-eyed beauty—it’s unclear whether she blasts her adversaries or whether they just melt in the heat of her presence. Trying saying “no” to those eyes, or escaping the range of that voice.

Squeezed into her busy shooting schedule, Purl currently tours her stunning cabaret performances from New York’s Feinstein’s to multiple venues across the U.S. Her solo show is “Come Rain of Come Shine” with Musical Director jazz pianist Tedd Firth. Her duet shows feature Lee Lessack in “Steppin Out with My Baby,” a Tribute to Irving Berlin; and Kevin Spirtas in a singing and dancing tribute to the 40’s in “Rhapsody in Two”; and the sumptuous “An Evening to Remember” with Gregory Harrison.

Over the past five years, Linda founded and ran the California International Theatre Festival. Its mission—to work for the betterment of cross cultural understanding through theatre arts by bringing in plays from all over the world to perform in Southern California. Her commitment to this transformative non-profit has brought international casts and original shows to California from Ivory Coast, France, Germany, the Ukraine, Armenia, Ireland, China, Japan, Iran and Turkey.

New York City – Even before Linda Purl sang a note at the Metropolitan Room on January 7, she hi-jacked the capacity crowd wearing a slinky, black, silk-charmeuse, floor length gown by Maggie Norris. Purl is a honey-blonde, all-American beauty. The asymmetrical gown, with Swarovski crystal straps clung to her like paint to canvas revealing a body to rival most 20-year old girls.

For the next hour plus, the television star, concert performer, dancer and Broadway actress thrilled a room that included her former husband Desi Arnaz, Jr., Jamie de Roy, Rex Reed, Ellen Easton, Ron Abel, the aforementioned Maggie Norris, Mary Beth Peil, Deborah Weiner, Keira Naughton who was there with her father James Naughton.

READ FULL ARTICLE ON HAMPTONS.COM >>

Thursday, January 7th @ 7:30 Saturday, January 9th @ 7:30
The Metropolitan Room
34 West 22nd Street NYC (Between 5th and 6th)
tkts-212-206-0433
www.metropolitanroom.com
www.lindapurl.net
$25.00 Cover + 2 Drink Minimum

Linda s a true singing actress, an exciting song stylist, captivating audiences across the country with her signature brand of heartwarming charm and sexiness. With a career ranging from Broadway’s Tom Sawyer to over 40 television movies of the week, Linda is a classic American sweetheart. With her concert entitled Come Rain or Come Shine, she performs a sophisticated, intimate evening of stories featuring an exciting selection of songs from the Great American songbook and Broadway. “Riveting…a gifted song stylist” says LA Times. Linda is best known for her roles as Pam’s Mom on The Office, Charlene Matlock on Matlock as well as Fonzie’s fiancé on Happy Days. An act that literally takes your breath away…she has an impressive range, perfect intonation, and awesome phrasing. In a tired landscape of cabaret yawns, she is seamless enchantment.” – Rex Reed

The folks from OfficeTally.com caught up with Linda for a Q&A about her time on The Office. Click here to read >>

Check out Linda’s interview with Joel Keller from TV Squad!

http://www.tvsquad.com/2009/11/05/the-tv-squad-podcast-linda-purl-talks-about-the-office-we-talk/

RAPID FIRE: 20 Q with Linda Purl–from ‘Happy Days’ to Michael Scott’s latest ‘Office’ romance. Click here to read article >>

Here’s a sneak preview of the next episode of NBC’s “The Office”:

Click here to read an exclusive interview with Linda!

http://mtt.just-once.net/mb/index.php?topic=865.0

Click here to read!

http://scrantonbranchoffice.wordpress.com/2009/10/09/exclusive-sbo-interview-with/

NBC’s “The Office” sneak preview!

(Henderson, NV) September 30, 2009 – Being asked to join the cast of one of the hottest shows on television isn’t a new thing for Linda Purl.  In fact, some could say that she’s had quite an evolution during the past thirty years of television.  She started out playing ‘Richie Cunningham’s’ girlfriend turned ‘Fonzie’s’ fiancée on Happy Days, then moved to playing Andy Griffith’s daughter on Matlock, became Joe Mantegna’s wife on First Monday, and now Linda takes her place as mother-of-the-bride ‘Helene Beesly’ on NBC’s The Office, making the first of several appearances on the October 8th episode titled “Niagara.”

Being billed as “the most anticipated wedding in recent television history,” the Niagara Falls nuptials of ‘Jim Halpert’ and ‘Helene’s’ daughter ‘Pam Beesly’ is a virtually guaranteed ratings winner for the network, and a reason for Linda’s fans to celebrate her return to the small screen.  Rumor has it that there’s a possible storyline in the works for a little romantic interlude with Steve Carell’s character ‘Michael Scott’ that could open the door for Linda to make several more guest appearances.

While fans wait with baited breath for the upcoming episodes, Linda’s putting her other talents to good use.  She’s just released her latest CD titled “Out of This World – Live,” and features Desi Arnaz, Jr. performing a duet of the song “Forever’s All We Know” and will be performing at an assortment venues throughout California over the next few months.  Linda’s full performing schedule as well as information on booking her for future performances can be found on her official website at www.lindapurl.net.

In addition to her acting and singing careers, Linda has also firmly planted her feet in the theatre, having performed on Broadway, off Broadway and across the nation in many of the leading regional theatres. She is co founder of and serves as Festival Director of the California International Theatre Festival.  Information regarding the California International Theatre Festival can be found at www.citfestival.org.

Sample CDs and interviews with Linda Purl will be made available for media members and/or venue booking agents.