Lar Park Lincoln Dead at 63: A Look Back at Her Roles in Knots Landing and Friday the 13th Part VII

One of the most beloved stars of Hollywood, Lar Park Lincoln, the iconic actress portrayed in Knots Landing and had roles in Friday the 13th Part VII: The New Blood, unfortunately, took her last breath on April 22, 2025, at the age of 63. For over four decades, Lincoln had dedicated her life to the film industry, earning accolades in both television and movies which shaped the culture of America. She inspired an entire generation of students with her guidance and mentorship. In this detailed article, we cover everything from Lar Park Lincoln’s death, the path she took to mark an indelible spot in Hollywood, and the legacy she leaves behind.
Lar Park Lincoln’s Early Life and Career Beginnings
Birth and Early Years
Lar Park Lincoln was born to parents Jill and Laurie in Dallas, Texas, on May 12, 1961. Lar had an interest in arts since a very young age, which included acting and dancing, something which was also coming from a very supportive family who motivated her to go after her dreams. Lincoln set her eyes on Hollywood from a very young age and strived to turn her dream into a reality.
As soon as she graduated high school, she relocated to California, ready to step into the entertainment world. She further developed her skills and began getting cast for smaller roles in shows and films, which opened doors to a long career in the industry.
Early Career Roles
Lincoln starred in Children of the Night, where she portrayed a character named Sheila. This was the first ‘big’ role for her, and the movie, although receiving mixed reviews, was also notably a stepping stone for her career. Following the movie, she was cast for numerous guest roles in a plethora of TV shows; she was slowly beginning to build an impressive portfolio while mastering her skills.
Alongside the various roles she was acquiring her portfolio with, she was also earning the attention of many casting directors. After gaining attention through TV shows, she underwent a visible transformation with the amount of exposure she was gaining, turning her into a household name. With her newfound fame, garnering more challenging roles became inevitable.
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Knots Landing‘s Primary Roles
Joining the Cast of Knots Landing (1987–1991)
In 1987, Lar Park Lincoln joined the cast of Knots Landing, which is one of the longest-running prime-time soap operas in the late 20th century. The series aired on CBS from 1979 to 1993; it was a spin-off of Dallas and focused on the complex lives and relationships of the California suburb’s neighborhood. Lincoln’s character, Linda Fairgate, made her appearance in Season 9 as the daughter-in-law of Karen Fairgate, played by Michele Lee.
Linda was depicted as young, attractive, and somewhat innocent, yearning to make new friends and face social challenges. Oh boy, you best believe Linda was about that sockhopping drama and getting all sorts of cozy all up in the inner circles. Throughout her run, Lincoln’s character underwent a number of changes, including the gradual evolution of her from nurturing but shrewd still waters run deep lies spouse to ruthless pro-dominatrix cheating femme fatale ditzy blondy. Her character’s involvement in numerous romantic affairs with the aided and encouraged clashes she had with the Fairgate family made her a fascinating and multi-dimensional persona.
Key Storylines and Impact
Linda Fairgate on Knots Landing was the greatest performance of the mid-1980s and early ’90s. She became the focus of various important story arcs for the reason of her affairs with her husband’s brother, her boss, and her clash with Karen. It is no secret that the fans loved the emotional complexity and depth Lincoln brought to the character of Linda, making her vulnerable yet manipulative, which kept the audience glued to the screen.
She became an engaging audience favorite because of issues relating to her relationship with her daughter Caroline, ranging from parenting to conflict over her mother’s legacy. One of the most beautiful scenes highlights Lincoln during her peak when her character died. That death, of course, came later in the series, but the way in which it was performed is nothing short of an art form.
The surreptitious murder delivered by Brian Johnston (Philip Brown) was every bit the plot twist that it had to be and testified to the multi-faceted impact of this character on the series. Lincoln’s performance from this period is viewed as one of the best of all time from a soap opera, and she remains a constant figure of admiration from the fans.
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Tina Shepard as the Horror Icon Role
Friday the 13th Part VII: The New Blood (1988)
It was clear Lar Park Lincoln was heading into a different world of horror with her next major role. She was cast as Tina Shepard, the telekinetic final girl in Friday the 13th Part VII: The New Blood in 1988. This film, the seventh entry in the franchise, marks a clear shift in the pattern of earlier films. This is because the film featured a supernatural ability character, unlike anything seen before, who could clash with Jason Voorhees.
Lincoln’s character, Tina Shepard, is a psychic young woman who unknowingly frees Jason from his watery tomb and is the one person who has the means to prevent him from wreaking havoc. The movie was unique in that it blended traditional slasher elements with Tina, drawing climactic telekinetic smackdowns with Jason. Not to mention, Lincoln’s performance as Tina was emotional and suspenseful. This role is ever so present in history, marking her enduring legacy as a fierce final girl.
Lar Park Lincoln’s Legacy in the Horror Genre
Friday the 13th Part VII is considered one of the more entertaining entries in the franchise because of Lincoln’s portrayal of Tina. Even though the film did not do as well at the box office as the previous installments, it has developed a following over time among people who appreciate the series and the horror genre. Lincoln’s performance as Tina is arguably one of the best, and her fight with Jason certainly remains a focal point for followers of the Friday the 13th franchise.
In 2021, Lincoln returned to the character of Tina Shepard in Rose Blood: A Friday the 13th Fan Film, her first reprisal of the role in over three decades. Houston’s return to the franchise was celebrated by many longtime fans who were eager to see the classic character return after so many years.
More Appearances on Different Shows
Apart from Knots Landing and Friday the 13th Part VII, Lar Park Lincoln had many other television roles and showcased her versatility as an actress. Notable works of Lincoln include:
- Murder, She Wrote (1987): One of the most popular television shows Lincoln was part of was Murder, She Wrote. Lincoln portrayed a guest character who was part of a case where Jessica posed as a detective.
- Freddy’s Nightmares (1988): A spin-off for A Nightmare on Elm Street, in which Lincoln did an episode where she battled the blunder of Freddy Krueger’s nightmare world.
- Beverly Hills, 90210 (1995): This iconic cast featured Lincoln in a guest role, showcasing yet again her versatility in a more established teenage drama.
- Space: Above and Beyond: Another popular series Lincoln appeared in, though only for a short time in a guest role.
These roles helped her build her career portfolio beyond classic soap operas or horror films and are an example of how she sought out new challenges as a distinguished actress.
Mentorship and Entrepreneurship
Founding Actors Audition Studios
Lar Park Lincoln was not just interested in acting but was also passionate about helping people who were trying to make a name for themselves in the entertainment industry. To do so, in 2001, Lincoln opened up the Dallas Actors Audition Studios in Dallas, Texas. At her studio, she guided aspiring actors with the coaching they required to perform well in auditions and on camera. She had a genuine desire to help young actors based on the experience she had, and the mentorship she was able to provide for others helped ensure that they did not face the same challenges she faced throughout her career.
As a teacher at the studio, Lincoln provided her students with many audition techniques and helped her students try to book various roles. She was able to provide constructive feedback and tailor her lessons based on what the students required. This is what made her so popular among students. Many actors and would-be actors in Dallas had access to her and managed to gain helpful guidance, which many of them started attaining success in Hollywood.
Writing and Public Speaking
Alongside her responsibilities as an acting coach, she wrote and published her book Get Started, Not Scammed in 2008, in which she gave tips for would-be actors entering the industry. Lincoln’s book provided some helpful pointers for newcomers about how to navigate Hollywood, avoid and detect scams, and build a career in show business. The book was insightful because of Lincoln’s straightforward approach to giving helpful tips that other actors could appreciate.
As a teacher, her mentorship went beyond the classroom as she gave countless lectures and participated in various industry activities in an attempt to share her wisdom with actors seeking to enter the industry.
Lar Park Lincoln’s Personal Life
Within her personal life, Lar Park Lincoln celebrated a number of achievements but also suffered some tragic losses, including the death of her husband. Michael Lincoln was married to her for 14 years until he died in 2015, succumbing to cancer. Lincoln’s children included Piper, who is married to Tarek, and her son Trevor, who is married to Danielle, alongside four grandchildren named Aura, Benjamin, Jack, and Mia Grace.
Lincoln’s professional life was juiced with success, but she suffered immensely on a personal level, which included dealing with her breast cancer diagnosis in 2008. She went through a multitude of surgeries and treatments over the years, but unfortunately, the disease took her life. On April 22, 2025, at age 63, she succumbed to her battle with cancer. Though the official cause of death has not been confirmed, the struggles Lincoln faced with battling cancer are no secret.
Lar Park Lincoln will be remembered for her tremendous talent, resilience, and generosity. Fans of horror movies and television will always cherish her roles in Knots Landing and Friday the 13th Part VII. But it wasn’t just her acting that made a mark. Her contributions as an author, acting coach, and mentor to countless aspiring actors will forever engrave her name in the industry.
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Conclusion About Lar Park Lincoln’s Death
We mourn the passing of Lar Park Lincoln as the closing of a chapter in Hollywood history. We reminisce about her feats in the horror genre, television, and the bevy of aspiring actors she guided, all of which will endure for many years. Lar Park Lincoln’s legacy is encapsulated in her memorable roles for Knots Landing and Friday the 13th Part VII. In American showbiz, she remains an unforgettable figure, and it is certain that Lar Park Lincoln’s impact shall remain for years to come, both inspiring aspiring actors on-screen and off-screen.
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