The Men Of Krystle Carrington: Who Was Linda Evans Married To? (And The German PR Exec 28 Years Her Junior)

Linda Evans, the iconic star of Dynasty, has lived a life of dramatic highs and lows that often mirrored her on-screen persona, Krystle Carrington. As of December 2025, the legendary actress, who is now 83, has been married twice, but her most significant romantic relationships span far beyond the altar, including a tumultuous first marriage, a quick second union, a famous nine-year romance with a musical superstar, and a very recent connection with a man nearly three decades her junior.

The question of "who was Linda Evans married to" has a simple answer—two men—but the story of her love life is complex, revealing a journey of self-discovery that led her from Hollywood's golden couple to a life of spiritual peace and, ultimately, a newfound love in her eighties. This is the complete, up-to-date look at the men who captured the heart of one of television's most enduring stars.

Linda Evans: A Snapshot Biography and Profile

Linda Evans, born Linda Evenstad, is an American actress most famous for her role as Krystle Carrington on the 1980s prime-time soap opera Dynasty. Her personal life has frequently been a topic of public fascination, especially her high-profile marriages and relationships.

• The One Where They Tanked Jokes 15 Shocking New Secrets From The Friends Tv Show Behind The Scenes G9zdh

• Full Name: Linda Evenstad
• Date of Birth: November 18, 1942
• Age (as of Dec 2025): 83
• Place of Birth: Hartford, Connecticut, U.S.
• Occupation: Actress, Author, Lifestyle Guru
• Known For: Krystle Carrington in Dynasty (1981–1989), Audra Barkley in The Big Valley (1965–1969)
• Marital Status: Divorced (Twice), Currently Single (but in a recent relationship)
• Children: None
• Key Relationships (Marriages): John Derek (1968–1974), Stan Herman (1975–1979)
• Key Relationships (Partners): Patrick Curtis (Early 1960s), Yanni (1989–1998), Reinhard Mätzler (Recent)

The Two Husbands: John Derek and Stan Herman

Linda Evans has been married twice in her life. Both marriages ended in divorce, but each played a pivotal role in her personal and professional evolution.

1. John Derek (Married 1968–1974)

The first man Linda Evans married was the actor, director, and producer John Derek. Their relationship began when Evans was just a young actress, and Derek was a powerful, established figure in Hollywood. They married in 1968 and their union lasted approximately six years.

This marriage is now widely known for its turbulent and painful conclusion. Evans has recently, in her early eighties, opened up about the "marriage nightmares" she endured with Derek.

• The Unseen Story Jessica Simpsons Battle For Privacy And Body Image In A Digital Age Mlvqa

The Painful Details of the First Marriage

Evans has described the relationship as one that involved years of "control and sacrifice." Derek, who was 16 years her senior, reportedly managed every aspect of her life, including her career and appearance. This period was formative for Evans, but also deeply challenging.

The marriage famously ended when Derek left Evans for a much younger woman, Bo Derek (born Mary Cathleen Collins), who was only 16 at the time and 30 years John Derek's junior. The scandal was huge in Hollywood, and the betrayal was a major emotional blow to Evans. Despite the pain, Evans has often spoken about how she eventually found peace and even friendship with Bo Derek years later, showcasing her remarkable capacity for forgiveness and resilience.

2. Stan Herman (Married 1975–1979)

Just a year after her divorce from John Derek was finalized, Linda Evans married for the second time to Stan Herman, a property executive and real estate broker.

• The Surprise Vegas Wedding And Shared Grief 5 Shocking Details Of John Schneider And Dee Dee Sorvinos Whirlwind Romance Ohirf

The marriage to Herman, whom Evans described as a "handsome playboy," was brief, lasting only about four years, from 1975 to 1979. Sources suggest that Herman was instrumental in helping Evans rebuild her confidence following the devastating end of her marriage to John Derek. However, the relationship ultimately didn't last, and they divorced shortly before Evans landed her career-defining role as Krystle Carrington on Dynasty.

The end of her second marriage marked a turning point. After two failed attempts at matrimony, Evans decided to focus on her career and her own happiness, a decision that led to one of the most famous non-marital celebrity romances of the era.

The Significant Non-Marital Loves: Yanni and Reinhard Mätzler

While Evans has only been married twice, her most enduring and public relationships were with men she never officially walked down the aisle with. These partnerships are crucial to understanding her romantic journey and her current perspective on love.

The Nine-Year Romance with Yanni

In 1989, Linda Evans began a high-profile, nine-year relationship with the Greek New Age music superstar, Yanni. This romance was a constant source of media attention due to the couple's age difference (Yanni is 12 years her junior) and their seemingly contrasting worlds—Hollywood drama and instrumental music.

Their relationship lasted until 1998. Evans has spoken fondly of their time together, describing it as a period of profound personal growth and spiritual awakening. The romance was intense, but Evans eventually chose a path of solitude and self-discovery, leading to their amicable separation.

The Latest Connection: Reinhard Mätzler

In a twist that proves love can bloom at any age, Evans was recently linked to a much younger man, German PR executive Reinhard Mätzler. The news broke when Evans was 80, and Mätzler was reported to be 28 years her junior, making him approximately 52 at the time of the reports.

This relationship garnered significant attention, highlighting Evans's youthful spirit and her continued openness to love. While the exact status of their relationship as of late 2025 remains private, the connection with Mätzler serves as the most recent chapter in her fascinating romantic history. It also explains the clickbait headlines suggesting she had found a "younger boytoy" or the "love of her life" in her eighties, proving that her life is far from a quiet retirement.

Linda Evans's Philosophy on Love and Marriage Today

Today, Linda Evans is an author and wellness advocate who has embraced a life of peace and gratitude in Washington State. She often reflects on her past relationships with wisdom and no regrets. The tumultuous start with John Derek, the brief rebound with Stan Herman, and the spiritual connection with Yanni all contributed to her current philosophy.

Evans has stated that she is "happily single," having found a deeper, non-romantic "love of her life" in her own personal growth and spiritual journey. She has moved away from the competitive, high-stress world of Hollywood, finding joy in nature, cooking, and self-care. While she has been in recent relationships, she has made it clear that she is content without the institution of marriage.

For fans of the Dynasty star, Linda Evans's love life is a testament to resilience. She transformed the "nightmares" of her early marriages into lessons in self-worth, ultimately defining love on her own terms, proving that a happy ending doesn't always require a wedding ring.