Actress Elaine Hendrix named 2026 Queen Azalea
WILMINGTON, NC (WWAY) — The North Carolina Azalea Festival has announced film, television and stage actress Elaine Hendrix will reign as the 2026 Queen Azalea.
Hendrix, who previously visited the festival as a celebrity guest, will return to Wilmington to serve as queen. She will be officially crowned April 8 at 3 p.m. aboard the Battleship North Carolina, which will air on WWAY that evening at 5:00 pm.
Hendrix is known for her performances in “The Parent Trap,” “Romy and Michele’s High School Reunion” and “Superstar.” She has also appeared in major franchises including “Get Smart,” “Inspector Gadget,” “The Munsters” and “Resident Evil.”
Television audiences may recognize her as Alexis Carrington on “Dynasty,” along with appearances on “Friends,” “Two and a Half Men” and “Criminal Minds.” Hendrix recently reunited with her “The Parent Trap” co-star Lindsay Lohan in “Freakier Friday” and was a finalist on the most recent season of “Dancing with the Stars.”
Her stage credits include “Hello, Dolly!,” “A Streetcar Named Desire” and “Steel Magnolias.” Hendrix also co-produced the Off-Broadway production “Ginger Twinsies” and authored the wellness book “Don’t Worry, Eat Happy.” She is an advocate for animal rights, LGBTQ+ equality, women’s rights and environmental justice.
As Queen Azalea, Hendrix will participate in several signature festival events, including the Celebrity Reception, Airlie Garden Party, Bluewater After Garden Get Down, Queen’s Dance Party, the parade and appearances at the Street Fair Performing Arts Stage.
A Tennessee native who now lives in Atlanta, Hendrix shares her home with six rescue animals.
