In the world of NCIS: Los Angeles, the absence of Linda Hunt, who portrays the enigmatic Hetty Lange, left fans heartbroken as Season 10 premiered. Hunt’s unfortunate car accident prevented her immediate return to the show, but the good news is that it’s not a permanent departure – Hetty will be back.
Since its debut in 2009, NCIS: Los Angeles has captivated audiences with its thrilling blend of procedural drama, military intrigue, and action-packed sequences. While stars like L.L. Cool J and Chris O’Donnell headline the cast, it’s Linda Hunt’s portrayal of Hetty Lange that has become the show’s secret weapon. With a mysterious backstory rooted in her Cold War espionage days, Hetty adds depth and intrigue to over 200 episodes of the series.
Away from the screen, Linda Hunt’s journey to stardom wasn’t without its challenges. Despite encouragement from her parents – an oil executive and a piano teacher – Hunt faced skepticism from others about pursuing acting. Undeterred, she pursued her dreams at the Goodman School of Drama in Chicago, even when some doubted her capabilities. Refusing to be swayed, Hunt pursued acting instead of directing, ultimately proving her talent to the world.
Her perseverance paid off when she won the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress in 1984 for her role in The Year of Living Dangerously. This triumph not only validated her career choice but also brought relief to her father, who finally realized that Hunt was destined for greatness.
As Linda Hunt continues to recover from her accident, fans eagerly await Hetty’s return to NCIS: Los Angeles, ready to embrace her captivating presence once more.