Though Linda Hunt has carved out an iconic legacy in Hollywood—most notably as the brilliant and mysterious Hetty Lange on NCIS: Los Angeles—her greatest success may be the love story that’s quietly blossomed behind the scenes for nearly four decades.
Before the accolades and Emmy wins, before becoming a fan favorite on one of CBS’s longest-running dramas, Hunt met the woman who would become the love of her life—Karen Kline. Long before fame found her, Hunt crossed paths with Kline, a psychotherapist, in 1987. At the time, Hunt had already begun her acting journey, though she never considered herself destined for stardom. “For me to want to be an actor was an improbable idea,” she once admitted. “I wasn’t beautiful or pretty in any conventional way.”
But what she lacked in conventional glamor, she more than made up for with rare talent, grit, and heart. Audiences grew to love her for standout roles in The Year of Living Dangerously (which won her an Oscar), Kindergarten Cop, Silverado, and eventually, NCIS: Los Angeles. Still, even as her star rose, Hunt and Kline kept their personal life largely out of the spotlight.
Their enduring relationship is a quiet testament to loyalty, love, and resilience. The couple married in 2008—the same year same-sex marriage was legalized in California—after already spending over 20 years together. While they’ve never had children, their family life is full of joy, largely thanks to their trio of beloved dogs.
Not ones for the limelight, Hunt and Kline live a private, content life far from the noise of Hollywood. They’re not active on social media, and they rarely give interviews about their relationship. But when Hunt isn’t on set, she finds peace and happiness in the comfort of their Los Angeles home—a sanctuary filled with warmth, books, affection, and pets.
Now in her late seventies, Hunt has understandably scaled back her workload, choosing to prioritize time at home with Kline. After more than 35 years together, their bond remains as strong as ever—a rare and heartwarming example of lasting love in an industry not often known for it.
Their story is more than just romantic—it’s inspiring. A Hollywood legend and her quiet, grounding partner, living life on their own terms.
