Conversation with Linda Purl
Actress, jazz performer, and cofounder of Duffy’s Dough
Photo: Kevin Alvey
In August, the Florida Theatre and Theatre Jacksonville, two of the oldest premier historic art establishments in the region, are coordinating their first show together—a staged reading of Mame, starring Linda Purl in the role of Mame Dennis. Brought here through a friendship with Theatre Jacksonville’s Executive Director Sarah Boone, Purl will join several other nationally renowned guest artists, a talented cast of regional volunteer actors and singers, and a full live orchestra to reimagine this beloved Broadway classic in the beautiful setting of the Florida Theatre, which last year completed a $15 million renovation of its historic venue.
Purl is an acclaimed performer who has decades of Broadway, regional theater, cabaret, film, and TV experience—including playing Fonzie’s fiancée, Ashley Pfister, on Happy Days, Matlock’s daughter in the first season of Matlock, and Pam’s mother on The Office. She is also an acclaimed jazz performer, and she and her music director Tedd Firth just produced their fourth album This Could Be the Start and are currently touring in the United States and abroad.
Purl also happens to be dating Patrick Duffy—and together the two have started a sideline business called Duffy’s Dough, selling dehydrated sourdough starter kits originated from Duffy’s own starter that came from his grandmother. The fun company donates all proceeds to causes near and dear to Purl and Duffy.
How did you first get involved in live performance?
I’m afraid it was a childhood affliction. My paternal grandparents were entertainers. Dad had a career in business, but his first love was always theatre. (He was a Yale Drama School grad.) Mother was a ballerina. My childhood was in Japan, an arts-centric country hugely curious about all things West at that time. So, artists were free-flowing houseguests; you never knew who was going to turn up at the breakfast table. I started work in Tokyo theatre at age 11 …so as I say, doomed from the start.
What drew you to Jacksonville to star in this production of Mame produced by Theatre Jacksonville and the Florida Theatre?
Everything. I’ve now, thanks to Sarah Boone, been privileged to have a long affiliation with Theatre Jacksonville. Again, thanks to Sarah and the spirit with which she leads (fearlessly, I might add), it is the real deal. Forty percent of theaters closed permanently in the U.S. during Covid. Not Theatre Jacksonville! The education outreach is robust, their line-ups sparkle, the audiences are smart. And Mame? Come on—one of the best musicals ever! It uplifts, champions resilience, and celebrates core values we all aspire to. It will be a delicious romp.
You’ve been involved in the nonprofit world for many years. What have you learned about the importance of community support for the arts and for venues like Theatre Jacksonville and the Florida Theatre?
Working with my Music Director Tedd Firth. He’s a genius who both astonishes and inspires. Also doing Joan Didion’s The Year of Magical Thinking. I’ve had the privilege of doing it in over 13 venues over the last decade (including Theatre Jacksonville.) Her play is a work of such depth and meaning. Her words move, illuminate, and heal. What could be better? That said, this question is like asking someone to choose between children. Mostly, I feel incredibly grateful for every day I’ve been able to go to work and for the astonishing heft of talented individuals I’ve been able to be in the sandbox with.
What do you do when you’re not on stage?
I like to hike, do Pilates, try to learn Spanish, hang out in Mexico, and hang out with friends and family. And we work on Duffy’s Dough … a little company Patrick Duffy and I started about two years ago. We were mad to do it, but the learning curve, though steep, has been fun. Shameless plug: visit DuffysDough.com. All our net profits go to food scarcity programs. Yes, we are Newman’s Own wannabes.
If you were having a dinner party (and we hear you’re a fabulous host!) for three guests, dead or living, who would you invite and why?
Thomas Jefferson for guidance on how to bring real conversation back into fashion. General Patton (my mom’s cousin!) just to be in the presence of. And Mao Tse-tung just to hear what his regrets may have been. (If he has none, he should probably leave before dessert.) But I can’t stop at three. Also, Sarah Boone because she hired me. And my son Lucius because he is my life’s great treasure. Oh, wait … better ask Patrick, too, and not just
because he’s my partner. He’s wicked smart, funny, and easy on the eyes.
