Linda Hunt, beloved for her role as the enigmatic Hetty Lange on NCIS: Los Angeles, has captivated audiences for decades. While her portrayal of the Office of Special Projects’ Operations Manager made her a household name for a new generation, Hunt’s path to fame was not without its challenges. Born in April 1945 in Morristown, New Jersey, and raised in Westport, Connecticut, Linda’s early years were marked by medical difficulties and bullying. Diagnosed with hypopituitary dwarfism as a teenager, she was predicted to face lifelong physical and developmental setbacks. Despite these early predictions, Linda’s mother was determined to help her daughter thrive, working tirelessly with her on motor skills, which led to significant improvement.
However, Hunt still faced cruelty and isolation throughout her school years, recalling in interviews how she was teased and made to feel different. “I was alienated from school almost from the first day,” she shared. “I had a bad experience with a teacher, and I felt bad that I didn’t fit in.” Yet, despite these early struggles, Linda’s passion for acting emerged after watching a Peter Pan production on Broadway, and with her parents’ unwavering support, she pursued a career in the arts.
Linda began her journey at the Goodman School of Drama in Chicago before moving to New York City, where she spent years working as a stage manager at small theaters. After a discouraging few years, Linda was ready to abandon her dream, but her acting coach urged her to keep going. That perseverance paid off when she landed the role of Billy Kwan, a half-Asian male photographer with dwarfism, in The Year of Living Dangerously. In a groundbreaking moment, she became the first actor to win an Oscar for portraying a character of the opposite sex.
Her career flourished from there, with roles in Kindergarten Cop, Pocahontas, Without a Trace, and, of course, NCIS: Los Angeles, where her portrayal of Hetty Lange made her a fan favorite for 14 seasons. However, in 2018, Linda’s life took an unexpected turn when she was involved in a serious car accident in Hollywood. After a multi-car collision, she required time off from NCIS: LA to recover, and her absence from seasons 10 and 11 was deeply felt by fans. Thankfully, Hunt made a full recovery and returned to the show later in the season, expressing her gratitude for the outpouring of support.
On the personal side, Linda has found love with psychotherapist Karen Kline, whom she married in 2008. Their romance, which began in the late 1970s, has been a long and steady partnership. The couple moved in together in 1987 and, in 2014, opened the doors to their charming Hollywood bungalow, showcasing their eclectic, personalized style. Their deep connection was further solidified over the years, and in a playful moment, Linda joked about the six-year age difference between them, saying, “Karen’s six years younger, but I forgive her daily. I do, I forgive you for being younger.”
Linda Hunt’s journey has been one of resilience, overcoming personal struggles and professional hurdles to carve out an illustrious career and build a fulfilling personal life. From facing childhood adversities to becoming a beloved icon on NCIS: Los Angeles, her story continues to inspire fans around the world.
