When “NCIS: Los Angeles” premiered in 2009, audiences were immediately captivated by the mysterious and meticulous character of Henrietta “Hetty” Lange, the brilliant and enigmatic operations manager with an intimidating presence and a wealth of secrets. Played by Linda Hunt, Hetty became one of the most distinctive and compelling figures in the “NCIS” universe.
While others in the cast represented physical strength or tactical expertise, Hetty’s power came from her intellect, experience, and command of history, espionage, and global intelligence. Linda Hunt gave the role depth, infusing Hetty with a dry wit and steely resolve that made her unforgettable, often overshadowing even the lead agents. Her entrance into the franchise was not just a casting decision but a masterstroke in character development, proving once again how Hunt could take a supporting role and turn it into the emotional and strategic heart of a series.
Linda Hunt was born in Morristown, New Jersey, and raised in Westport, Connecticut. Her early life was deeply shaped by her family and the challenges she faced from a young age. Her mother, Elsie Doying Hunt, was a piano teacher and voice coach with a background in music, while her father, Raymond Davy Hunt, worked as vice president of Harper Fuel Oil. Their household emphasized education, culture, and creativity. Linda struggled with a form of dwarfism called hypopituitary dwarfism, which was diagnosed in childhood. As a result, she was notably smaller than her peers, and her height eventually reaching just under 5 feet became both a challenge and, later, an essential part of her identity as an actor.
Her education began at the Interlochen Arts Academy in Michigan, followed by studies at the Goodman School of Drama in Chicago (now part of DePaul University). It was at Goodman that she fully embraced her identity as a performer, immersing herself in the theatrical world with rigorous training. The stage was her first home, and she worked in regional theaters before making a breakthrough on Broadway.
Linda Hunt made her film debut in 1980 in the Robert Altman film “Popeye” as Mrs. Oxheart. But it was her second film role that changed her life and the industry’s perception of transformative acting. In 1982, she played the male character Billy Kwan in “The Year of Living Dangerously”, opposite Mel Gibson and Sigourney Weaver. Her portrayal was so compelling and authentic that it won her the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress. She became the first person ever to win an Oscar for playing a character of the opposite sex, a groundbreaking moment that remains a landmark in film history.
Over the years, she appeared in a series of high-profile films and television shows, including “Silverado”, “Dune”, “Kindergarten Cop”, and voice roles in animated features like “Pocahontas” and the “God of War” video game series, where her rich, distinctive voice brought gravitas to narration. She was also part of “Carnivàle” on HBO, bringing her theatrical background to a series rich with myth and darkness.
Her most enduring role has been on “NCIS: Los Angeles”, where she played Hetty from 2009 through multiple seasons. Her portrayal resonated with viewers for its nuance, combining strength and vulnerability. Even as she stepped back from regular appearances due to health issues and the pandemic, her character’s presence was continually felt, often referenced or involved in major plotlines, reflecting the respect she earned from fans and producers alike.
In her personal life, Linda Hunt has long shared a home in Los Angeles with her wife, Karen Kline, a psychotherapist. The two have been together for decades and were married in 2008. Their private life has remained mostly out of the spotlight, with Hunt preferring to maintain a strong boundary between her public and personal identities.
In recent years, Linda Hunt’s appearances on screen have become rare, especially after a 2018 car accident and subsequent health-related absences from “NCIS: Los Angeles”. Despite that, she remains connected to the show, appearing in select episodes and lending her voice to crucial moments in the storyline. Her contributions continue to be recognized and honored by her peers and the entertainment industry. Today, Linda Hunt turns 80 years old, marking not only a milestone in age but a lifetime of resilience, artistry, and distinction in one of Hollywood’s most unpredictable careers