J.R.'s Next Mistress is Hot on Heels of Big Sister
After recently missing out on four big chances at finding stardom, beautiful Audrey Landers has now got the greatest break of her career — she's been chosen to play the part of J.R. Ewing's new mistress.
And, at the same time, the 23-year-old actress is seeing another dream come true. She has finally caught up with the success of her older sister Judy, 25, who plays Dan Tanna’s girl Friday on the hit series Vegas.
Audrey, whose Dallas character has not yet been given a name, said: “If
I had wished for any series I couldn't have gotten a better one than this.
“It is a wonderful show with some of the top actors in TV today. It will not only give me a chance for incredible exposure, but also help me in my career because of the number of talented people I'm working with.
“Despite some setbacks, I have now got a real chance to display my talents and skills — and I no longer have to envy my sister.”
Audrey, who is also a successful country singer, had given up her hopes of making it big as an actress after starring in four pilot shows for TV and having noneof them picked up.
“You get your hopes up and then the networks don't buy,” she said. ‘Last year I landed a part in the Waverly Wonders opposite Joe Namath. I felt it was a dream come true.”
But the show had no impact on the ratings and Audrey once again found herself “between shows.”
“I never believed I would get a part in Dallas.” she said. “It
is the most exciting thing that has happened to me in my career.
“And this time I know the series is not going to fold after a few weeks.”
Acting has been in Audrey's blood ever since her mother helped her take part in acting in local community plays in elementary school. But it was her voice that got her her first break and at a time when she was still a schoolgirl.
“A neighbor in the record business heard me sing and cut a demonstration tape which he sent to Merv Griffin. And he put me on his show when I was only 13,” said Audrey.
“An agent who happened to be in the audience liked me and got me a job
on the soap opera The Secret Storm. I appeared on it for a year before I spent
four years on another soap, Somerset.”
She has also appeared in the Love Of Life and Search for Tomorrow. And her prime-time credits have included Police Woman, Marcus Welby, Emergency and Happy Days.
“I have been very lucky,” said the 5 ft. 3 in. blonde. “And now I am Fateful for all the work I have done, particularly my prime-time work.
“A prime-time series greatly increases an actor's exposure.
“Doing soaps made me aware that people take what I am saying seriously. I think it is important for television to get the right message across and that doesn’t mean censoring. What it does mean is choosing parts that promote ideas that you believe in.”
But, she added: “Music is my first love. Whatever happens in my acting career I want to pursue my singing career to the fullest.
“It is a chance to be creative — writing and singing.”
Already she has released a country single, The Apples Don't Fall Far From The Tree, that was a top pick in both Record World and Billboard magazines.
“I co-wrote the song,” said Audrey. “It was a great emotional outlet and I was delighted with the result.
“But recently I have not done so much work on my singing because I have been so busy in my acting career. But I hope that will change eventually.
“I have so many things to do I am afraid I won't get them all done. It makes me wish there were more than 24 hours in a day.”