Hollywood legend Linda Hunt, best known for her Emmy-winning role as Henrietta “Hetty” Lange on NCIS: Los Angeles, was recently spotted enjoying a rare public outing in Los Angeles, California. At 80 years old, Hunt still draws attention wherever she goes, with fans and photographers eagerly capturing glimpses of the beloved actress.
👟 A Casual Day Out
In candid photos obtained by the Daily Mail, Hunt sported a white T-shirt featuring a whimsical dog design, paired with gray jeans and black sneakers. Her wife, Karen Kline, complemented the casual look with a black-and-white striped T-shirt, jeans, and a gray hoodie tied around her waist. The couple, together since 1978 and married in 2008, appeared supportive and affectionate throughout the outing.
Hunt was assisted by Kline and another companion as they walked, each steadying one of her arms to support her. The moment showcased both her independence and the loving care of her companions.
🎬 Remembering Hetty Lange
On NCIS: Los Angeles, Hunt portrayed the quirky and brilliant operations manager of the Office of Special Projects (OSP), Hetty Lange. She was a series regular from the show’s debut in 2009 through Season 12. Her appearances were scaled back in later seasons, and after Season 14, the series concluded in 2023.
Fans worried when Hunt missed parts of Season 10, but the absence was due to a car accident in July 2018, requiring extended recovery. At the time, she reassured fans:
“Though I had hoped to return to playing Hetty at the start of the season, I had to take some additional time to recover. I look forward to returning later this season.”
🌟 A Storied Career
Beyond her iconic TV role, Hunt’s career spans decades and genres. She won an Oscar for her performance in The Year of Living Dangerously (1982), and appeared in films such as Dune (1984), Kindergarten Cop (1990), Pocahontas (1995), and Solo: A Star Wars Story (2018).
Hunt, who was born with hypopituitary dwarfism and stands at 4 feet 9 inches tall, discovered her passion for acting as a child. She recalled being captivated by a Broadway production of Peter Pan, telling CBS News in 2013:
“That it was bigger than life… in some sense, I longed to be bigger than life, because I wasn’t.”
She reflected on why acting became so meaningful:
“You know what I think it was about? That I could pretend to be anything.”
Even in her 80s, Linda Hunt continues to embody the same charisma and determination that made her a trailblazing presence in Hollywood — both on-screen and off.
