Linda Hunt, born in 1945, faced early struggles with motor skill development and learning difficulties. With her parents’ encouragement, she discovered theater, which gave her confidence and purpose.
Inspired by Mary Martin’s Peter Pan at age eight, Hunt dreamed of becoming a “high priestess of theater.” She pursued acting despite doubts, setbacks, and health challenges from hypopituitary dwarfism.
Her stage career flourished with performances in works by O’Neill, Williams, Brecht, and Chekhov, winning Obie Awards. In 1982, she won an Oscar for The Year of Living Dangerously.
Film roles in Dune, Silverado, and Kindergarten Cop established her reputation for portraying strong women. Personally, Hunt married therapist Karen Kline in 2008, after decades together.
In 2009, Hunt joined NCIS: Los Angeles as Hetty Lange, a fan favorite role. Later health concerns and the pandemic limited appearances, leading her toward retirement and personal fulfillment.
