Linda Dano Net Worth, Relationships, Age/Birthdate & Birthday

Linda Dano is an American actress-turned-entrepreneur known for her iconic soap-opera roles and longtime home-shopping success.

Introduction

Linda Dano (born May 12, 1943) is celebrated for her award-winning performance as Felicia Gallant on the daytime drama Another World and for building a multifaceted business career—including fashion, home-furnishings and authorship. Landing her soap-leading role propelled her into millions of households; she likewise translated that exposure into a lucrative QVC line and other ventures. Her estimated net worth is around $8 million, as calculated by credible online sources.  In her personal life, Dano was married to advertising executive Frank Attardi for more than two decades until his passing, a key relationship that shaped both her personal and professional world.

Quick Facts

A Passion Ignited: From California Roots to Daytime Fame

Born Linda Rae Wildermuth in Long Beach, California, on May 12, 1943, Linda Dano’s early life set the stage for her future creative versatility.  She ventured into modelling before being signed by 20th Century Fox, which led to guest-spots on primetime shows and minor film roles through the late 1960s and 1970s. 

Her transition into daytime soap operas began in 1978 on the ABC series One Life to Live playing Rae Cummings, and then in 1983 her major breakthrough came with the NBC soap Another World as Felicia Gallant. In 1993 she earned the Daytime Emmy Award for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series for that role. 

Defining moments in Linda Dano’s journey include:

• Signing with major studio 20th Century Fox and guesting on shows like Ironside and The Rockford Files in early career. 

• Starring as Felicia Gallant on Another World, cementing her as a daytime icon. 

• Launching a successful fashion and home-furnishings line via QVC beginning in the early 1990s. 

• Authoring style guides and books tied to fashion and living well, extending her brand beyond acting.

The Core Pillars of Linda Dano’s Wealth

The core pillars of Linda Dano’s wealth include:

• Entertainment Career & Residuals: Earnings from her long tenure in daytime television (notably Another World and cross-genre roles) laid the foundation of her financial base.

• Product Licensing & Home Shopping: Her partnership with QVC for fashion and home furnishings provided a recurring revenue stream and brand longevity. 

• Authorship & Branding: Style guides and books promoted her expertise in design and lifestyle, further cementing her brand value.

• Philanthropy & Personal Brand: While less monetized directly, her public advocacy and design persona added intangible value influencing partnerships.

Relationships & Personal Life

Linda Dano’s personal story includes considerable warmth, loss and reinvention. She married advertising executive Frank Attardi, and their union spanned over 20 years until his death in 2004.  According to her own words, their bond was both romantic and deeply collaborative—their shared home in Connecticut and joint support for family and philanthropic causes speak to a rich partnership. 

Key insights into Linda Dano’s relationships and personal life:

• Linda moved from California to New York (and later Connecticut) in part to build life and career with Frank Attardi. 

• The sudden double loss in 2004 (Attardi’s passing and her mother’s death) triggered a significant emotional and psychological turning point for her.

• She has openly discussed her struggle with depression following these events and how it influenced her advocacy work. 

• While there are mentions of earlier marriages (such as to Larry Larue Peck), the most publicly significant relationship remains the one with Attardi. 

Lifestyle, Assets & Interests

Beyond career success, Linda Dano leads a lifestyle that reflects both passion and purpose, including:

• Renovating and residing in an 18th-century homestead in rural Connecticut—her personal tribute to family legacy and sanctuary after major life upheavals. 

• A design-driven life that includes home décor, gardening, and collection of pets; she speaks of dogs and time in her garden as part of her healing and creative rhythm. 

• Active engagement with causes such as Alzheimer’s awareness (inspired by her father’s illness) and mental-health advocacy following her own journey through depression. 

• Style, beauty and interior design remain lifelong interests—reflecting her progression from actress to lifestyle entrepreneur.

Net Worth Breakdown & Analysis

Estimates of Linda Dano’s net worth vary, but are anchored in credible sources. It is commonly reported to be around $8 million.  Below is a timeless breakdown of her wealth drivers:

* Note: Figures are approximate and illustrative based on her publicly reported net worth and career milestones.

Her net worth has been shaped by strategic pivot: from acting salary to residuals and then to licensing/licensure models via home-shopping. Her capacity to convert fame into a sustainable business channel is a core success factor.

Public Image, Legacy & Influence

Linda Dano is widely regarded as a consummate professional who achieved both on-screen success and off-screen business savvy. Her role as Felicia Gallant remains one of the defining soap-opera figures of her generation. Her design segment on QVC and personal styling books broadened her appeal beyond acting audiences.

Moreover, her publicly disclosed wellness journey—including confronting depression and becoming an advocate for mental-health and Alzheimer’s awareness—adds depth to her brand. Her image blends glamour, enterprise, resilience and authenticity.

In the industry, she’s recognized—not just as an actress—but as a lifestyle entrepreneur who leveraged fame into a brand. Among fans and peers, her legacy is two-fold: outstanding performance in daytime television and a second act that many entertainers aim for but few achieve.

Conclusion

From her birthdate of May 12, 1943, to her celebrated birthday each spring, Linda Dano’s story is one of transformation—from studio actress to daytime star to successful entrepreneur. Her estimated net worth of $8 million is a testament to the power of diversifying a public-facing career into a business empire. Equally significant are her personal relationships—most notably with Frank Attardi—her resilience in the face of loss, and her purposeful re-investment of time and talent into causes she cares about. Linda Dano remains a compelling example of how fame can evolve into lasting influence and enterprise—both on screen and off.