Linda Hunt, born Lydia Susanna Hunt on April 2, 1945, in Morristown, New Jersey, is an acclaimed American actress with a career spanning over four decades. Known for her distinctive voice and remarkable acting skills, Hunt is perhaps best recognized for her role as Operations Manager Henrietta ‘Hetty’ Lange in the popular TV series NCIS: Los Angeles.
Her extensive career includes significant roles in both theater and film, such as Mrs. Oxheart in Popeye (1980) and Billy Kwan in The Year of Living Dangerously (1982), for which she won an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress.
Early Life
Linda Hunt grew up in Westport, Connecticut, where she was born to Raymond Davy Hunt, a former vice president for Harper Fuel Oil, and Elsie Doying Hunt, a piano teacher. Hunt has an older sister named Marcia.
From a young age, Hunt was fascinated by the theater, which led her to start her acting career on stage before transitioning to film and television. She attended the Interlochen Arts Academy and later graduated from the Goodman School of Drama at the Art Institute of Chicago.
Education
Hunt’s educational journey began at the Interlochen Arts Academy, a prestigious institution known for its focus on arts education. She then pursued further studies at the Goodman School of Drama, now part of DePaul University, where she honed her craft in acting and theater.
Career
Linda Hunt’s career began with a strong foundation in theater. She made her Broadway debut in the 1975 revival of Ah, Wilderness and received acclaim for her performances in plays such as End of the World and Top Girls.
Her film career took off with her role in Popeye (1980), followed by her Oscar-winning performance in The Year of Living Dangerously (1982). Hunt’s versatility led her to roles in Dune (1984), Kindergarten Cop (1990), and the Pocahontas films (1995, 1998).
On television, she is celebrated for her role as Hetty Lange in NCIS: Los Angeles, where she worked from 2009 to 2023.
Hunt’s portrayal of Billy Kwan in The Year of Living Dangerously has been controversial, as some critics accused her of yellowface due to the character’s Asian heritage. Despite this, Hunt’s performance remains notable for its depth and complexity.
Personal Life
Linda Hunt has been in a long-term relationship with psychotherapist Karen Kline since 1978. The couple married in 2008. Hunt stands at 4 feet 9 inches tall due to hypopituitary dwarfism, a condition she was diagnosed with as a teenager. This has not hindered her successful career.
In July 2018, Hunt was involved in a multicar accident, which led to a temporary hiatus from NCIS: Los Angeles. She is also an ambassador for the Best Friends Animal Society, reflecting her commitment to animal welfare.
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