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Audrey Landers: A Life In The Spotlight

Alaina April 19, 2025

Picture this: Audrey Landers, a young woman juggling two completely different worlds. During the school year, she was a dedicated premed student at Columbia University’s Barnard College, diving deep into the study of psychology. But when the academic calendar paused, Audrey transformed into a TV star, making guest appearances on some of the most iconic shows of the '70s. Shows like Happy Days, The Love Boat, Fantasy Island, and The Dukes of Hazzard were her playground. Eventually, she found her permanent home on the nighttime drama Dallas, where she played Afton Cooper for eight unforgettable years.

In 2013, Audrey returned to the small screen with a reprisal of her beloved role in TNT’s Dallas reboot. “It was like slipping into a favorite pair of shoes,” Audrey, now 65, shares with Closer. “Afton’s journey has been incredible, growing up right there on the show. They even came up with this brilliant idea of her daughter marrying J.R.’s son. It was just pure genius!”

Audrey also made waves recently with her role in Viral Vignettes, a collection of comedy shorts featuring an all-star cast. Born out of the pandemic, this series wasn’t just about entertainment—it raised funds for the Actors Fund of America, an organization that supports performing arts professionals in need.

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Early Beginnings: From Child Star to Psychology Student

How Did Audrey Landers Discover Her Love for Acting?

“When I was about 3 years old, my mom did a commercial, and she brought me along. Being on set was magical—I was completely captivated. From that moment on, I was drawn to acting. It was something I always wanted to do,” Audrey recalls with a smile.

Her First Break: The Secret Storm

“I was just 9 years old when I landed my first big role in the daytime drama The Secret Storm. Can you believe it? I guess I’m kind of a vintage treasure! But it was thrilling. The writers eventually turned my character into a young girl who sang and played the guitar. It was a pivotal moment for me creatively.”

The Birth of Her Musical Career

“I started writing songs even before that. Like many kids, I was full of angst and poured my emotions into poetry. For The Secret Storm, I took one of my poems, learned a few chords on the guitar, and created my first song. It was a hit with the audience, and it became a recurring feature on the show.”

Music Meets Dallas

“On Dallas, it was a similar story. Afton was initially only supposed to appear in two episodes, but through sheer luck, I played her for eight years. She wasn’t originally written as a singer, but eventually, she became one, performing all the songs I wrote for the series. It was a dream come true!”

Family Ties and Career Milestones

Audrey’s Sister, Judy Landers: A Shared Path to Stardom

“Judy followed in my footsteps, though acting wasn’t her initial passion. Once she decided to pursue it, I helped her get an agent and supported her every step of the way. It was such a fun chapter in our lives.”

Stepping Into the Spotlight on A Chorus Line

“In 1985, I starred in the big-screen version of A Chorus Line. Those dance numbers were no joke! I wasn’t a lifelong dancer, but I refused to use a double. I worked tirelessly 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 wrapped up with more coaching from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. I’m incredibly proud of what I accomplished—it was a defining moment in my career.”

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Life Beyond the Screen

Family First: Audrey’s Pride and Joy

“There’s no doubt that my greatest joy today is my family. My kids are kind, brilliant, and incredibly supportive. We’re so close, and I’m truly blessed to have this amazing relationship with them.”

Pandemic Reflections: A Time of Connection

“During the pandemic, we quarantined together in our Florida home. It was a precious time because, at this stage in their lives, it’s rare for adult children to spend so much time with their parents. We cooked, worked out, and even played board games. It was a heartwarming experience.”

Show Business Legacy: Following in Mom’s Footsteps

“My sons are twins, but they couldn’t be more different. Daniel has show business in his DNA, while Adam isn’t interested at all. He’s excelling in the world of strategy and marketing. It’s fascinating how two people raised in the same environment can take such different paths.”

The Secret to a Long-Lasting Marriage

“I’ve been married to Donald Berkowitz since 1988, and we’ve had a long-distance relationship since we met in 1983. It works because of trust, humor, and love. We try to spend as much time together as possible, but I wouldn’t recommend this lifestyle to everyone. When I talk to my kids about relationships, I tell them, ‘Don’t follow in our footsteps.’ What works for us might not work for others.”

Staying Radiant: Audrey’s Beauty Secrets

“Thank you for the compliment! I think it’s all about maintaining a healthy lifestyle and having a positive attitude. I’ve been a vegetarian for most of my life, and I stay active without overdoing it. It’s about balance.”

Advice and Reflections

Words of Wisdom for Her Younger Self

“If I could go back, I’d tell my younger self to stop being so insecure. Love the body and face you have. Embrace the opportunities and the people who love you. It’s hard to realize that when you’re young, but looking back, those little insecurities don’t matter in the grand scheme of things.”

Empowerment for Young Women Today

“We still have a long way to go when it comes to beauty standards, but at least we’re seeing more acceptance and celebration of who we are. That’s a step in the right direction.”