Audrey Landers: From 'Dallas' Star to Inspiring Mom and Actress

Let me tell you about Audrey Landers, a woman who truly lived two lives. Picture this: during the school year, she was the studious type—pursuing psychology as a premed student at Columbia University’s Barnard College. But when those school breaks rolled around, Audrey transformed into a guest star on some of the biggest TV shows of the '70s. Shows like Happy Days, The Love Boat, Fantasy Island, and The Dukes of Hazzard welcomed her with open arms. And then, in 1980, Audrey found her true home on the iconic nighttime drama Dallas, where she played Afton Cooper for eight unforgettable years.

A Warm Return to Dallas

Fast forward to 2013, and Audrey reprised her role as Afton for TNT’s reboot of Dallas. Now, at 65, Audrey reminisces about this experience with Closer. She says it was like slipping into an old pair of shoes—a wonderful, warm reunion. “Afton has had such a great arc and basically grew up on the show,” Audrey shares. There was even talk of Afton’s daughter marrying J.R.’s son, which she found clever and exciting.

Viral Vignettes: Creativity in Quarantine

Audrey recently lent her talent to Viral Vignettes, a collection of comedy shorts featuring an all-star cast. Born out of the pandemic, this series not only provided a creative outlet but also raised funds for the Actors Fund of America, an organization supporting performing arts professionals in need. It’s a testament to Audrey’s generosity and commitment to her craft.

Read also:
Alexandra Breckenridge Dishes On Virgin River Season 7 Filming

A Lifelong Love for Acting

So, how did Audrey first get into acting?

It all started when Audrey was just 3 years old. Her mom did a commercial and brought her along, sparking Audrey’s lifelong fascination with being on set. “It was just very exciting,” Audrey recalls. “It’s something I always gravitated to after that.”

At just 9 years old, Audrey was cast in the daytime drama The Secret Storm. What was that like?

Audrey jokes that she’s truly an antique now, but back then, it was thrilling. Her character eventually evolved into a young girl who sang and played guitar, setting the stage for Audrey’s future as a performer.

Music and Acting: A Natural Pair

Did acting lead to performing music, or was it the other way around?

Audrey started writing songs even earlier. Like many young kids, she filled her days with angst-filled poetry. For The Secret Storm, she took one of her poems, learned three chords on the guitar, and created her first song. It was such a hit that it became a recurring feature on the show.

Read also:
Hoda Kotb Reunites With Ex Joel Schiffman For A Heartwarming Family Gathering

And what about music on Dallas?

“It was the same story,” Audrey explains. Afton was initially written in for just two episodes, but Audrey’s talent and charm extended her role to eight years. Afton wasn’t originally intended to be a singer, but Audrey made her one, performing all the songs she wrote for the series.

A Family Affair: Sisters in Show Business

Audrey’s sister, actress Judy Landers, also gained fame around the same time. Who started first?

“Judy followed in my footsteps,” Audrey says. As a child, acting wasn’t Judy’s thing, but once she decided to pursue it, Audrey helped her get an agent. “It was a fun and interesting time for us,” Audrey recalls with a smile.

A Dance Challenge on the Big Screen

In 1985, Audrey co-starred in the big-screen version of A Chorus Line. Were those dance numbers tough?

Absolutely. Audrey wasn’t a lifelong trained dancer, but she wasn’t about to let that stop her. Director Sir Richard Attenborough offered her a dance double, but Audrey was determined. She worked with a private coach from 6 a.m. to 9 a.m., rehearsed with the cast from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., and then returned to her private coach from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. “I’m very, very proud of that whole experience,” Audrey says, “and that I was not doubled.”

Family Matters

What else is Audrey proud of?

“There’s no question that the best part of my life now is my children,” Audrey says. “They are caring, loving, brilliant, and supportive. We’re very close, and I feel really blessed to have this incredible relationship.”

Did Audrey and her family stick together during the pandemic?

“Yes, for most of the pandemic, we quarantined together in our Florida home. I’m so grateful for that time because it wouldn’t have happened otherwise with adult children at this stage in their lives. We cooked together, worked out together, and even played board games together.”

Show Business and Beyond

Did either of Audrey’s sons follow her into show business?

“Daniel did. My boys are twins—opposite twins. Daniel has showbiz running through every pore in his body. Adam, on the other hand, was exposed to all the same experiences but didn’t take a liking to it at all. He’s very successful in the world of strategy and marketing.”

The Secret to a Long Marriage

Audrey has been married to Donald Berkowitz since 1988. What’s her secret?

“We’ve had a long-distance relationship from the time we met in 1983. It helps to have a relationship built on trust, humor, and love. We try to spend as much time as we can together, but it’s not for everyone. When I speak to my kids about relationships, I say, ‘Please don’t follow in your parents’ footsteps.’ It’s worked for us, but it’s not something I would recommend as a lifestyle.”