Oscar-winning actress Linda Hunt, best known for her groundbreaking role in The Year of Living Dangerously and her fan-favorite portrayal of Hetty Lange on NCIS: Los Angeles, was recently spotted in Los Angeles in a rare public appearance — and her outing quickly stirred conversation online.
The 79-year-old star was photographed taking a walk with her longtime wife, Karen Kline, and an assistant on a sunny afternoon in L.A. While many fans expressed admiration and affection for Hunt, others voiced concern over her frail appearance, sparking a wave of mixed reactions across social media.
💕 A Rare Outing With Her Wife of Nearly Five Decades
In candid photos published by the Daily Mail, Hunt was seen walking hand-in-hand with Kline and her assistant for support. Dressed casually, Kline — a psychotherapist — wore a striped tee, jeans, and a gray hoodie tied at her waist, while Hunt appeared comfortable and smiling beside her.
The couple’s love story stretches back to 1978, and after more than 30 years together, they officially married in 2008. Their enduring bond was evident during the stroll, with fans praising their closeness and devotion.
💬 Fans Divided: “She’s Amazing” vs. “I’m Worried”
Online reactions ranged from heartfelt support to visible concern.
“I love her! She is so special. Take good care, Linda Hunt,” one fan wrote.
Another added, “Bless her heart.”
Others were more candid in their responses, calling the actress “unrecognizable” or “frightening,” though many quickly came to her defense.
“She looks exactly the same — she’s amazing!” one supporter countered.
For most fans, the sight of Hunt simply enjoying a walk outdoors was reason enough to celebrate a Hollywood legend who has long valued her privacy.
🎬 Why Linda Hunt Stepped Away From Acting
Hunt’s extraordinary career spans decades — from her 1982 Academy Award win (the first-ever Oscar awarded for a cross-gender performance) to her iconic run as Hetty Lange on NCIS: Los Angeles. She joined the CBS drama in 2009 and became a fan favorite for her wit, sharp intelligence, and commanding presence.
However, even early on, Hunt admitted she hadn’t been seeking long-term TV work.
“I wasn’t looking for anything,” she told The Daily Beast in 2011. “At this time in my life, this show feels like a gift — something to carry me into my 70s.”
By the show’s later seasons, Hunt began to step back from acting, citing the stress and anxiety that often came with her craft.
“Acting gave me a sense of purpose,” she said, “but I’ve never learned to do it without a lot of stress. At this time in my life, I’d rather just be someone who has time to think, to stretch, to reach out to others.”
🌟 From Childhood Struggles to Hollywood Triumph
Born with a form of dwarfism that affected her growth, Hunt often felt isolated as a child — until one life-changing moment. Her parents took her to a Broadway production of Peter Pan, and she later described that experience as the moment she realized the stage could make her feel tall.
That discovery became the foundation of her legendary career. It taught her that her differences were not limitations, but sources of strength — a truth she carried into every performance that followed.
❤️ A Quiet Life, A Lasting Legacy
Though she’s stepped away from acting, Linda Hunt remains one of Hollywood’s most respected and beloved figures. Her rare outing this week served as a poignant reminder of a remarkable life — one marked by courage, artistry, and love that’s endured for nearly five decades.
As one fan perfectly put it:
“She’s a legend. However she looks, she’s still Linda Hunt — and that’s beautiful.”
