Linda Purl, a familiar face from 1970s television, was seen in Los Angeles this week running errands, including picking up a cake for her 71st birthday.
Purl, best known for her roles on "Happy Days" and "Matlock," kept a low profile during her outing. She was photographed wearing a red baseball cap, a blue long-sleeve shirt, and black pants as she visited a Gelson’s market. For the occasion, she also took a solo hike before gathering with friends at her home.
Purl became a household name for her portrayal of Ashley Pfister, the girlfriend of Henry Winkler's character, Fonzie, on the popular sitcom "Happy Days." The show, which followed the life of teenager Richie Cunningham, aired for 11 seasons from 1974 to 1984. Purl also appeared earlier in the series as Gloria, Richie's girlfriend.
Following "Happy Days," Purl joined the cast of "Matlock" as the daughter of Andy Griffith's character. Her career has also included roles in numerous films and Broadway productions throughout the 1970s and 1980s. In more recent years, she has made guest appearances on popular television shows such as "The Office," "Homeland," "True Blood," and "Desperate Housewives."
In recent years, Purl has largely stayed out of the public eye, though she gained attention in 2020 for her relationship with actor Patrick Duffy. The two had been friends and reconnected after Duffy's wife passed away in 2017. Duffy described their relationship as a happy surprise, noting that they spent significant time connecting virtually during the COVID-19 pandemic.