Evans' first guest-starring role was on a 1960 episode of "Bachelor Father". The series starred John Forsythe, with whom she would costar 20 years later on "Dynasty". After several guest roles in "The Adventures of Ozzie and Harriet" between 1960 and 1962, and guest appearances on television series such as "The Lieutenant" and "Wagon Train", Evans gained her first regular role in 1965 in "The Big Valley". Playing Audra Barkley, daughter of Victoria Barkley (played by Barbara Stanwyck), Evans was credited in the series until it ended in 1969, though she was only a semiregular cast member during the last two seasons.