Linda Purl was born on September 2, 1955, in Greenwich, Connecticut, to Raymond Charles Arthur Purl, a chemical industry executive, and Marshelline "Marshie" Purl, a Broadway actress.

Her grandmother, Beatrice Saville, co-founded the Actors' Equity Association, which highlights the family's deep theatrical roots. At the age of five, she moved with her family to Japan, where her father worked for Nippon Unicar.

She spent her childhood there and trained in acting at the Toho Geino Academy. While at the Imperial Theatre in Tokyo, she performed in several plays, including roles in "The King and I," "Oliver!," and "The Miracle Worker".

Returning to the United States at the age of 15, Linda Purl pursued formal acting studies under Marguerite Beale in England and later at the Lee Strasberg Theatre and Film Institute in New York.

Her American television debut came with the soap opera "The Secret Storm," where she portrayed Doreen Post. This role opened doors to various television projects, including "Beacon Hill" and "The Waltons."

In 1982, she joined the cast of "Happy Days" as Ashley Pfister, Fonzie's girlfriend, a role that elevated her profile in the entertainment industry. She also starred as Charlene Matlock, Ben Matlock's daughter, in the first season of "Matlock," further cementing her status as a television staple.

Her versatility is evident in her diverse roles across genres. In the horror film "Visiting Hours" (1982), she portrayed Sheila Munroe, showcasing her range beyond television. Her guest appearance as Helene Beesly, Pam's mother, in the acclaimed series "The Office" introduced her to a new generation of viewers. Transitioning to music, Linda launched a jazz career, releasing albums like "Out of This World – Live."

Linda Purl has been married and divorced four times. Her spouses include Desi Arnaz Jr., William Broyles Jr., Alexander Cary, and James Vinson Adams. She is currently in a relationship with actor Patrick Duffy, and they have been together since 2020.

Linda Purl has one son, Lucius Carey, from her marriage to James Vinson Adams. Her career spans over six decades, and she has appeared in numerous television series and films. Some of her notable works include "Happy Days," "Matlock," "The Office," "The Waltons," and "Visiting Hours."

She has also had recurring roles in the series "Falcon Crest," "The High Life," and "Claire-ity," for which she won several awards. Her achievements include winning the Indie Series Awards for Best Supporting Actress in 2022 and the Best Actress award at the Kingdomwood International Film Festival for her work in "Paul's Promise".