American actress and singer Linda Purl (born September 2, 1955) is best known for her roles as Ashley Pfister (Fonzie’s girlfriend) on Happy Days (she first appeared as Gloria as Richie’s date in season 2 episode 6), Sheila Munroe in the horror movie Visiting Hours (1982), Helene, Pam Beesly’s mother, in The Office, and Charlene Matlock, Ben Matlock’s daughter, in the Matlock television series’ inaugural season.
Who is Linda Purl’s father Ray Purl?
Purl was born on September 2, 1955, to Jewish parents Raymond Charles Arthur Purl, a chemical industry executive, and Marshelline “Marshie” Purl in Greenwich, Connecticut. Mara is her sister. As her father worked for Nippon Unicar in Japan, Purl relocated there with her family. She was raised there and had her acting training at the Toho Geino Academy. Purl played in several productions when he was at the Imperial Theatre in Tokyo, landing the roles of Louis in The King and I, Bet in Oliver!, and Helen Keller in The Miracle Worker. She was also found by Toho, and she made appearances in other movies.
