Linda Hunt, the beloved actress best known for her role as Hetty Lange on NCIS: Los Angeles, has led a life filled with resilience, passion, and extraordinary achievements. Despite becoming a household name and earning admiration for her enigmatic portrayal of the sharp and wise Operations Manager of the Office of Special Projects (OSP) on the long-running CBS show, Hunt’s journey to stardom has been far from easy. In fact, her path was filled with personal and professional struggles that many people would never have guessed, considering the strength and poise she exudes onscreen.
Born in Morristown, New Jersey, in April 1945, Linda Hunt’s early years were marked by both health concerns and social alienation. Raised in Westport, Connecticut, by her parents, Elsie and Raymond Hunt, Linda was diagnosed with a condition called hypopituitary dwarfism—a hormonal disorder that stunted her growth and development. Her condition led doctors to believe she might face lifelong developmental challenges and may even need institutional care. However, thanks to her mother’s unwavering commitment to helping her improve her motor skills, Linda’s health progressed, though her height remained small, and she grew to stand at just 4ft 9in.
Growing up, Hunt faced significant bullying in school, a painful experience that deeply impacted her self-esteem. In interviews, she has opened up about the teasing and alienation she experienced throughout her school years. “Everybody either wanted to take care of me or push me around,” Hunt told CBS Sunday Morning. “I was teased a lot, sure I was. Fourth grade, fifth grade, sixth grade—everybody was taking their spurts except me. I was not growing up.” Her classmates’ teasing and constant comparisons to her peers made her feel like an outsider, an experience that would leave a lasting mark on her psyche.
Despite the challenges at school, Linda Hunt found solace in her family’s unconditional support. Her parents, though aware of her struggles, always encouraged her to pursue her dreams. In The Bulletin, Hunt reflected on how her family’s encouragement kept her grounded. “I was totally alienated by school almost from the first day. I had a bad experience with a teacher and was made to feel stupid. I felt bad that I didn’t fit in.” But her parents never wavered in their belief that she could succeed, and their support proved crucial as she made the decision to chase her dreams.
Hunt developed a love for acting during her teenage years, with a particular interest sparked by a Broadway production of Peter Pan. She was captivated by the magic of theatre and began to seriously consider a career in the arts. Her parents, fully aware of the emotional toll her early years had taken, encouraged her passion and sent her to study at the prestigious Goodman School of Drama in Chicago. It was there that she honed her craft and prepared for the next step in her journey—moving to New York City to pursue an acting career.
However, the road to success was not an easy one. After arriving in New York, Hunt struggled to land acting roles and instead worked for three long years as a stage manager at small off-Broadway theatres. She was on the brink of giving up on her dreams when her acting coach urged her to keep going. At a crossroads in her life, Hunt made the bold decision to audition for a role that would change the course of her career forever.
In 1982, she landed the role of Billy Kwan, a half-Asian male photographer with dwarfism, in the film The Year of Living Dangerously, directed by Peter Weir. Hunt’s performance was groundbreaking, and she made history by becoming the first person ever to win an Oscar for portraying a character of the opposite sex. The role was a transformative moment in her career, earning her widespread acclaim and solidifying her place in Hollywood. She would go on to earn numerous other roles in films like Kindergarten Cop, Pocahontas, and TV shows such as Without a Trace and Practice, but it was her portrayal of Hetty Lange on NCIS: Los Angeles that truly captured the hearts of millions of viewers.
Linda Hunt’s career is a testament to her resilience, but her life off-screen has also been marked by personal growth and challenges. In 2018, while filming NCIS: Los Angeles, Hunt was involved in a serious car accident. Her black BMW SUV collided with two other vehicles in Hollywood, leaving Hunt with injuries that required time for recovery. Although the accident was not life-threatening, it forced her to take a break from her role on the show for the majority of Season 10 and Season 11. The hiatus was a difficult period for Hunt, but she expressed gratitude for the overwhelming support from fans. She took to social media to thank them, saying, “I first want to say how much I appreciate the outpouring of support from the NCIS: Los Angeles fans following my car accident this summer. Though I had hoped to return to playing Hetty at the start of the season, I had to take some additional time to recover. I look forward to returning later this season.” Her resilience in the face of adversity was evident, as she eventually returned to the show after her recovery.
Beyond her professional achievements, Linda Hunt has found lasting happiness in her personal life. She has been married to Karen Kline, a psychotherapist, for many years. Their relationship has been a quiet and private one, with Hunt rarely discussing the details of her personal life in the media. However, it’s clear that their partnership has been a source of support and stability for the actress. Hunt’s dedication to her craft and the people she loves is a hallmark of her character, and her story serves as an inspiration to those who face their own challenges.
Looking back on her life, Linda Hunt’s journey is one of profound transformation. From a childhood marked by bullying and physical challenges to becoming an Oscar-winning actress and beloved television star, Hunt has defied the odds at every turn. Her story is a testament to the power of perseverance, the importance of supportive relationships, and the ability to overcome even the most daunting obstacles. Today, as a celebrated actress with decades of experience, Linda Hunt stands as a beacon of hope and inspiration for those who dare to dream.
