Linda Purl & Patrick Duffy We've Been So Lucky

THE LONGTIME ACTORS CONFESS THEY FELL IN LOVE AT THE PERFECT TIME IN THEIR LIVES

- LOUISE A. BARILE, Katie Bruno

Veteran television stars Patrick Duffy and Linda Purl had been crossing paths for decades, but it took the COVID lockdown to help them fall in love. Four years later, they remain one of show business’ happiest — and most grateful — couples. “It’s thrilling to pull someone into the weave of your life at this stage,” Linda tells Closer. “After all, we’re not in our 20s.”

But sometimes fate has a timeline and a logic of its own. “This was the only time I think it would have worked,” Patrick, 75, tells Closer. The Dallas alum first met Linda, 69, best known for her role on Happy Days, in 1980 at the reading of a play, but both were married at the time. “[After that] Patrick and I met every 20 years, but just like, ‘Oh, hi, nice to see you,’” recalls Linda. When they got reacquainted again in 2020 during a group text, the pandemic and their life circumstances gave them the opportunity to get to know each other better. “I had been a widower for about three years,” explains Patrick. “Everything was timed perfectly for me to feel comfortable going deeper into our relationship.”

Neither was looking for a new romantic partner when they started talking via text, phone and video calls. After a happy 43-year marriage to dancer Carlyn Rosser, who passed away in 2017, Patrick doubted he’d find love again. Linda, who had been divorced, felt content and happy with her large group of close friends. “They are devoted to Linda in a way I have never seen friendships,” says Patrick.