For over a decade, fans of NCIS: Los Angeles have tuned in every week not just for the action-packed missions or intricate spy work, but for the unforgettable characters — and the brilliant actors who bring them to life. Among the most revered is Linda Hunt, the Oscar-winning actress behind Hetty Lange, the mysterious and endlessly sharp Operations Manager who’s been both feared and fiercely loved by the team she leads.
But as NCIS: LA launched into its 14th and final season, fans noticed a gaping absence. Hetty — the heart of the Office of Special Projects — was missing. Again.
Her reduced screen time had already stirred speculation in Season 13, largely attributed to pandemic-era filming limitations and Hunt’s health precautions. When Season 14 premiered, those fears peaked. In a chilling twist, the team briefly believed Hetty had been killed in Syria. The grief was palpable — until it was revealed that, true to form, Hetty had faked her death to complete a covert mission.
Hetty’s Legacy Looms Large
Executive producer R. Scott Gemmill was quick to reassure fans: “Linda will be back in some capacity this season,” though he couldn’t say exactly when. For now, viewers would have to settle for scattered updates on Hetty’s whereabouts — and perhaps one last, heroic return.
But behind the scenes, the actress continues to loom large over the series — especially in the eyes of her castmates.
Daniela Ruah: A Quiet Admiration That Speaks Volumes
During an exclusive interview with Looper, Daniela Ruah, who plays the fearless Special Agent Kensi Blye, reflected on what it’s been like to work alongside Hunt from the very beginning.
And her words speak not only to Hunt’s unparalleled talent, but to the deep mutual respect the cast holds for her.
“I don’t have enough words to describe how wonderful [Linda] is as a person and what an honor it is to work with somebody of that skill level,” Ruah said.
“She’s able to shatter the ground with her gravitas, even when she’s being quiet and just listening to you.”
That quiet intensity — a hallmark of both Hetty and Hunt herself — has made her not only a mentor on screen, but a revered presence on set. In an industry where egos can dominate and roles come and go, Hunt’s blend of strength, subtlety, and authenticity made her a standout from day one.
“She’s a wonderful human and actress, and we’re very lucky that she joined the show. We’re very lucky to work with her. She’s lovely.”
Ruah’s admiration is echoed by countless co-stars over the years, from LL Cool J to Eric Christian Olsen, who have repeatedly described Hunt as the soul of NCIS: Los Angeles.
A Legacy Built on More Than Just Dialogue
It’s fitting that Ruah emphasizes Linda Hunt’s quiet power. Hetty Lange could command a room with a single look, her compact stature hiding a lifetime of secrets and stories. Hunt made that paradox believable — and unforgettable. Whether she was dispatching agents into hostile territory or delivering dry one-liners with deadly precision, Hetty became the kind of character you don’t just remember — you respect.
As the series closes out its 14th season, and the cast prepares to say goodbye to the show that shaped their lives, fans are holding out hope for one more Hetty appearance — one last curtain call from the woman who helped define NCIS: LA.
Because while spy gadgets and shootouts have their place, it’s the moments of human connection — like the one between Daniela Ruah and Linda Hunt — that endure long after the final scene fades to black.
