Hetty Lange, portrayed by Linda Hunt, has been a fan favorite on NCIS: Los Angeles since the show’s inception in 2009. However, her presence in the series became less frequent starting in Season 9, leading fans to wonder why she left the show. The main reasons for Hetty’s reduced screen time can be traced to two significant events: a car accident in 2018 and the COVID-19 pandemic.
In July 2018, Linda Hunt was involved in a car accident. Although she did not suffer severe injuries, it required her to take a break from the show. As a result, Hetty was absent for all of Season 10 and a large portion of Season 11. Hunt explained that she needed more time to recover than initially expected. The show, however, kept Hetty’s character involved through off-screen updates.
The pandemic further impacted Hunt’s availability. As a 77-year-old actress, she was given special consideration when filming resumed in 2020, with extra precautions taken to ensure her safety. Showrunner R. Scott Gemmill confirmed that Hunt’s absences in Season 12 were partly due to COVID-19, although she eventually returned to the set after being fully vaccinated.
In Season 12, Hetty’s storyline saw her leave for Syria, and by the end of the season, it was suggested that her time with the team might be over. In the Season 13 premiere, Hetty only made a brief appearance, sparking fan concerns about her future on the show. Despite these concerns, showrunner Gemmill reassured fans that Hetty’s story wasn’t finished.
In the final season of NCIS: Los Angeles (Season 14), Hetty made a return in the January 2023 crossover episode, where her voice was heard in a cryptic message for Callen and Sam. While Hetty didn’t appear physically in the crossover, it was clear that she was still active in the field.
In the series finale of Season 14, Hetty’s final appearance was made via a letter she sent to G. Callen and Anna after their wedding. The letter revealed that Hetty had arranged a honeymoon for the newlyweds in Mykonos, along with a special side project for Sam and Callen. Although Hunt wasn’t available to appear in person, the inclusion of Hetty’s character in this way was a fitting tribute to her legacy on the show. Showrunner Gemmill explained that without Hetty’s involvement, the finale wouldn’t have felt complete, and the character’s unique bond with Callen was central to the closure.
While Hunt’s absence from NCIS: Los Angeles was understandable due to her health and safety concerns, Hetty’s influence remained an important part of the show until the very end.
