“Knots Landing” Star Lar Park-Lincoln Dies at 63

Lar Park-Lincoln Dies at 63

The entertainment world is mourning the loss of actress Lar Park-Lincoln, best known for her iconic role in Knots Landing and her memorable performance in Friday the 13th Part VII: The New Blood. Park-Lincoln passed away on April 22, 2025, at the age of 63. Her death marks a significant moment for fans of classic television and horror films alike, closing the chapter on a career filled with passion, perseverance, and legacy.

In this tribute, we’ll celebrate her life, explore her impact on television and film, and reflect on the legacy she leaves behind. From her breakout performances to her advocacy for actors, Lar Park-Lincoln was more than a familiar face, she was a guiding light in the entertainment community.

Born Laurie Jill Park on May 12, 1961, in Dallas, Texas, Lar Park-Lincoln began her acting career in the 1980s. She quickly gained attention for her girl-next-door charm paired with serious acting chops. But it was her role as Linda Fairgate on Knots Landing, the beloved Dallas spin-off, that catapulted her into household-name status.

Her character, Linda, appeared from 1987 to 1991 and became a fan favorite due to her emotional depth and complex storylines. At a time when women in television were often one-dimensional, Park-Lincoln gave viewers a relatable, strong, yet vulnerable character.

While Knots Landing showcased her dramatic range, Lar Park-Lincoln also made a big splash in the horror genre. In 1988, she starred as Tina Shepard in Friday the 13th Part VII: The New Blood. Her telekinetic battle with Jason Voorhees added a supernatural twist to the slasher franchise, making her one of the most memorable "final girls" in horror history.

Her performance was praised for bringing nuance and depth to a genre that often sidelines character development. For many horror fans, Tina Shepard remains a standout protagonist strong, resourceful, and layered.

Lar Park-Lincoln’s life off-screen was marked by courage. Diagnosed with breast cancer in 2008, she became an advocate for cancer awareness and often shared her journey publicly. Her battle with the disease inspired many, especially women in the entertainment industry, and she remained open about the struggles and triumphs of living with cancer.

Though the exact cause of her death has not been disclosed, her longtime battle with breast cancer was well-documented and brought attention to survivorship in Hollywood.

Beyond her on-screen success, Park-Lincoln was deeply committed to helping aspiring actors. She founded Actors Audition Studios, where she coached thousands of performers trying to break into the business. Her book Get Started, Not Scammed was a practical guide for young artists to navigate Hollywood with confidence and caution.

She became known not only for her talent but for her generosity, mentoring others, creating opportunities, and fiercely protecting newcomers from predatory practices in the industry.

News of her passing was confirmed by Actors Audition Studios and quickly spread across social media, where fans, former co-stars, and mentees shared heartfelt tributes. Many described her as a “true class act” and a “mentor who cared deeply.”

Lar Park-Lincoln is survived by her two children, grandchildren, and extended family. Her family has requested privacy and suggested that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to the SAG-AFTRA Foundation or the Entertainment Community Fund, organizations that align with her lifelong commitment to supporting fellow actors.

Lar Park-Lincoln’s death at 63 is not just the loss of a talented actress, it’s the departure of a trailblazer who balanced fame, family, mentorship, and advocacy. Her roles in Knots Landing and Friday the 13th made her famous, but her work behind the scenes cemented her as a beloved figure in the entertainment world.

Her story is a reminder that success is not just about visibility but impact. Whether through screen or stage, advice or action, Lar Park-Lincoln left the world better than she found it.

Lar Park-Lincoln’s legacy lives on through the roles she played, the actors she coached, and the lives she touched. As fans revisit her greatest performances and remember her warm spirit, one thing is clear, her light will never fade from the hearts of those she inspired.

Have a memory of Lar Park-Lincoln to share? Leave your tribute or story in the comments below.