Dallas Star Audrey Landers Shares Hollywood Stories, Music Success & Why She Chose Sarasota as Home
Audrey Landers became a household name in the 1980s for her role as co-star of the hit show Dallas. She often appeared in other productions with her sister, Judy, and they were managed by their late mother, Ruth. Audrey, now in her late 60s, also had a hugely successful singing career overseas. She and her husband, Don, and their twin sons, Adam and Daniel, moved to Sarasota nearly 30 years ago.
Audrey recently spoke at the monthly luncheon of the Media Roundtable. The following is a heavily edited version of her comments at Rosemary & Thyme Restaurant in the Rosemary District.
From Valley Cottage to Hollywood
Where did you grow up?
I grew up in a small town just north of New York City called Valley Cottage, in Rockland County.
How did you get your start?
My mother was a model and an actress. I used to go with her to her appointments. I performed in school plays and community theater. When I was a teenager, my mother took me to Nashville. We knocked on a lot of doors. I eventually got a spot to sing my song on The Merv Griffin Show. There was an agent in the audience and she signed me.
When did the acting begin?
When I was 16, in 1972, I landed a role on a soap opera, The Secret Storm. My character sang and played guitar. It eventually led to a recording contract. I released my first single in 1978 called “The Apple Don’t Fall Far from the Tree.”
Did you also go to school?
I lived a bit of a double life: I also attended Juilliard School and later majored in psychology at Columbia University.
How did you get the role on Dallas?
I auditioned for a two-episode guest spot in 1981. I wound up being on the show for 8 years as “Afton Cooper.” The show was produced in Hollywood and Texas. It was the #1 show in 110 countries. People would camp outside my hotel to see me leave for the airport!
How was Larry Hagman, who played “J.R. Ewing”?
He was larger than life. My very first scene was in bed with him! I was under the covers wearing a slip that left my shoulders bare. He came in with a cowboy hat, jeans and boots. He took off his shirt and hat but left the rest on. But during the first scene, he reached into an adjacent ice bucket that was chilling champagne on the bedside table, and he dropped ice cubes down my back. I learned never to stop acting until the director yells “Cut.” When that finally happened, everyone laughed and said, “Welcome to Hollywood — that’s our way of breaking the ice!”
During this time you were also pursuing a recording career overseas?
Yes, I wound up with 10 Gold singles, 4 Gold albums, and 2 Platinum albums!
You and your younger sister Judy were approached to appear in Playboy’s January ’83 magazine?
They offered us a lot of money for a full pictorial. We agreed to do a clothed spread for no pay in exchange for full photo approval.
In 1985 you were cast in the award-winning movie, A Chorus Line.
I had to learn to dance!
Writer Ray Collins with Audrey Landers
How Sarasota Became Home
How did you wind up in Sarasota?
I was touring with a PBS children’s show I created called “The Huggabug Club.” We were performing at the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall when a hotel doorman at the Hyatt suggested I check out Siesta Key Beach — and the rest was history. We moved to Osprey to raise our twin sons. People either don’t recognize me or they leave me alone.
Have you done much performing in Sarasota?
I headlined a concert series called “From Dallas with Love” with the Sarasota Pops Orchestra, we shot a family adventure film called Circus Island, and I was guest of honor at a tribute to A Chorus Line.
You were at The Players Theatre in Sarasota in 2013 when you got an interesting phone call from Hollywood?
I was in the audience when a call came in. I went out to the lobby where I was offered a role in the reboot of Dallas on TNT. I was in seasons 2 and 3.
What are you doing next?
My son, Daniel, and I are performing in a mother-son cabaret show called “Mommy Issues” on Mother’s Day, May 10th, on 42nd Street in Manhattan. You can find more information at TheBeechman.com.
Ray and Audrey, 20 Years Ago
More About Audrey Landers Today
Today, Audrey Landers remains active in entertainment, music, and live performances. In addition to her upcoming Mother’s Day cabaret show in New York City, she continues to connect with fans through special appearances, concerts, and select acting projects.
Audrey’s international music career — especially in Europe — still resonates with audiences today. Her hits remain popular in countries like Germany, where she achieved multiple gold and platinum records, making her one of the most successful American performers overseas during the 1980s.
Closer to home, Landers has embraced life on Florida’s Gulf Coast, becoming part of the vibrant Sarasota arts and culture scene. From her early performances at the Van Wezel to collaborations with local orchestras and theaters, she has maintained a strong and meaningful connection to the community she has called home for nearly three decades. Readers interested in Sarasota’s performing arts scene can also check out our exclusive interview with Sarah Santiago, another star performer who has made Florida’s Gulf Coast her stage.