Lar Park Lincoln, who brought to life the scheming Linda Fairgate in the primetime soap "Knots Landing" and embodied Tina Shepard, a woman wielding telekinetic abilities, in the horror flick "Friday the 13th Part VII: The New Blood," has passed away at the age of 63. The tragic news was announced by Actors Audition Studios, a Dallas-based venture she founded, following her long battle with breast cancer. No further details were disclosed at the time.
"Throughout her illustrious 45-year career, Lar indelibly etched her mark on Hollywood through her vibrant performances and unwavering commitment to nurturing budding actors," conveyed the company's executives.
Lar joined the CBS series "Knots Landing" in 1987 as Linda, Michele Lee's Karen Fairgate's daughter-in-law, during its ninth season. She reprised her role for the 11th season in 1989 and continued until the 13th, culminating in Linda's untimely demise at the hands of Brian Johnston (played by Philip Brown). During her tenure, Linda's complex web of relationships included a marriage to Eric Fairgate (Steve Shaw), an affair with his brother Michael (Patrick Petersen), and a romantic entanglement with her boss, Greg Sumner (William Devane).
Reflecting on her character in a 2022 interview, Lar mused, "I suspect Linda's popularity stemmed from her being simultaneously vile and entertaining. I drew inspiration from several individuals to embody Linda, transforming from a brunette to a blonde vixen. I recall having lunch with [series creator] David Jacobs when he revealed the blonde makeover, saying, 'I'm doing this because you look so innocent; it'll shock everyone to see how you turn out.'"
In "Friday the 13th Part VII: The New Blood" (1988), Lar's Tina Shepard engaged in a fierce confrontation with Jason Voorhees, almost vanquishing him for good.
Born Laurie Jill Park on May 12, 1961, in Dallas, Lar made her acting debut in the 1985 CBS made-for-television movie "Children of the Night." Over the next two years, she appeared in episodes of "Heart of the City," "Hunter," "Outlaws," "Ohara," and "Highway to Heaven." In 1987, she featured in films like "The Princess Academy" and "House II: The Second Story," followed by an episode of "Freddy's Nightmares" in 1988. Post-"Knots Landing," she guest-starred in shows such as "Murder, She Wrote," "Space: Above and Beyond," and "Beverly Hills, 90210," and reprised her role as Tina in the fan film "Rose Blood: A Friday the 13th Fan Film" (2021).
Beyond founding Actors Audition Studios, Lar authored "Get Started, Not Scammed" in 2008, a guide for navigating the entertainment industry. She was also a long-standing celebrity guest on QVC, presenting beauty and travel products for nearly two decades, and owned the Piper Alexander Collection, a clothing line.
Lar is survived by her daughter, Piper (and her husband, Tarek); son Trevor (wife Danielle); sister Karen (husband Harold); brother Michael (wife Joan); and grandchildren Aura, Benjamin, Jack, and Mia Grace. Her husband of 14 years, Michael Lincoln, succumbed to cancer in December 2015 at the age of 43.
Donations in her honor can be made to the SAG-AFTRA Foundation or The Entertainment Community Fund. For details about celebrating her life, please contact the family at celebrate@larparklincoln.com.
