As Linda Hunt celebrates her 80th birthday, fans of NCIS: Los Angeles are once again reflecting on what made Hetty Lange unforgettable. Played by Linda Hunt, Hetty was never a typical TV authority figure—she was smarter, subtler, and far more intriguing.
Hunt’s performance elevated the series, giving it emotional credibility and a moral center. Hetty could dismantle an operation with a glance or save one with a perfectly timed sentence. That balance came directly from Hunt’s theatrical roots and lifelong dedication to the craft.
Away from the spotlight, Hunt’s life has been equally intentional. Her decades-long relationship with wife Karen Kline reflects the same steadiness she brought to her work. A recent rare outing in Los Angeles reminded fans that, even now, she values simplicity over spectacle.
At 80, Linda Hunt stands as proof that longevity in Hollywood comes not from reinvention, but from authenticity—and knowing exactly who you are.
