The Dynasty Cast’s Darkest Secrets

The 1980s show “Dynasty” was all about shoulder pads, campiness, and drama. Four years after its launch in 1981, it became the most-watched show in America and took home a Golden Globe in 1984 for “Best Television Series.” It turns out, their main characters’ personal lives were just as messy as the roles they played on-screen. Here are stars on “Dynasty” who hid dark secrets.

1. Linda Evans was in a racist cult

After playing Krystle Carrington, Linda Evans turned into an instant soap opera legend. In real life, however, she fell into the teachings of a spiritual guru called J.Z. Knight, who claimed to be channeling the voice of Ramtha, an ancient warrior. She even moved to Washington so she could be closer to his School of Enlightenment. While “channeling” the 35,000-year-old warrior, she was accused of spewing homophobic and racist views, encouraging her ex-husband not to get treated for HIV, which resulted in his death.

2. Joan Collins slept with a married man

Collins’s character was known for getting into many a catfight, but her love life was just as eventful in real life. She engaged in an affair with the married director George Englund. Collins called it “utter hell” to The Guardian and swore never to do it again but admitted she was charmed by the older man’s charm, wit, and good looks. The scorned wife wrote about the event in her autobiography, including how Collins called her late at night and admitted it all.

3. James Farentino stalked Tina Sinatra

This actor played the vengeful doctor Nick Toscanni, and he was just as shady in real life, targeting a well-known Hollywood player. In 1994, he was charged with stalking Frank Sinatra’s youngest daughter, Tina, whom he had dated on and off years before. He was put on probation for 36 months and ordered to attend AA and psychiatric counseling sessions.

4. Heather Locklear got arrested for domestic violence

This blonde bombshell played Krystle’s niece, Sammy Jo, and in real life, she had lots of legal problems, romantic problems, as well as a domestic abuse arrest. In 2008, she was charged with a DUI after driving recklessly. A decade later, she was arrested for domestic violence and also lashed out at a police officer during the incident. Months later, she was arrested on more battery counts.