Linda Hunt, born April 2, 1945, is an 80-year-old American actress renowned for her Academy Award-winning role in The Year of Living Dangerously and her iconic portrayal of Hetty Lange in NCIS: Los Angeles. With a net worth of $12 million and a salary of $80,000 per episode, Hunt’s career spans film, television, and theater. Married to Karen Kline since 2008, she has been in a committed relationship since 1978. This article explores her age, net worth, married life, salary, dating history, and career milestones, offering fresh insights into her enduring legacy.
Early Life and Education: Shaping Linda Hunt’s Path
Born Lydia Susanna Hunt in Morristown, New Jersey, Linda Hunt grew up in Westport, Connecticut, with her older sister, Marcia. Diagnosed with hypopituitary dwarfism, which results in her 4 feet 9 inches stature, Hunt faced childhood challenges, including bullying, but found solace in the arts. Her parents, Raymond Davy Hunt, a Harper Fuel Oil vice president, and Elsie Doying Hunt, a piano teacher, nurtured her passion for performance. Hunt attended the prestigious Interlochen Arts Academy and later graduated from the Goodman School of Drama at the Art Institute of Chicago, initially aspiring to be a stage director due to concerns about her height limiting acting opportunities.
“I thought my height would define my career, but it became my strength,” Hunt shared in a 2019 interview with CBS Sunday Morning. Her resilience shaped her unique approach to acting, blending vulnerability and strength.
Career Milestones: From Broadway to Hollywood Stardom
Linda Hunt’s career began in theater, with her Broadway debut in the 1975 revival of Ah, Wilderness! She earned a Tony Award nomination for End of the World (1984) and critical acclaim for roles in Top Girls and Mother Courage and Her Children. Her film debut came in 1980 as Mrs. Oxheart in Popeye, but her breakthrough was in 1982’s The Year of Living Dangerously, where she portrayed the male character Billy Kwan, becoming the first actor to win an Oscar for playing a character of the opposite sex. This role earned her an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress.
Hunt’s versatility shone in films like Dune (1984), Silverado (1985), Kindergarten Cop (1990), and Stranger Than Fiction (2006). Her voice work, including narrating the God of War video game series and voicing Grandmother Willow in Pocahontas (1995), added depth to her portfolio. Since 2009, her role as Henrietta “Hetty” Lange in NCIS: Los Angeles has been a cornerstone of her career, appearing in 281 episodes and earning two Teen Choice Awards. Despite a reduced role in Season 13 due to COVID-19 safety measures, Hunt’s impact remains undeniable.
Net Worth and Salary: Financial Success in 2025
As of 2025, Linda Hunt’s net worth is estimated at $12 million, primarily from her role in NCIS: Los Angeles, where she earned $80,000 per episode, totaling approximately $2 million per season for 24-episode seasons, excluding residuals and royalties. Her voice work and theater roles also contribute, though her television success remains the largest driver. Unlike many actors, Hunt’s financial stability is bolstered by her long-term role and prudent lifestyle, living in a historic Hollywood bungalow with her wife.
A 2024 industry analysis by AndoMoney noted that residuals from NCIS: Los Angeles syndication continue to provide Hunt with steady income, highlighting her smart career choices.
Married Life and Dating History: A Love Story with Karen Kline
Linda Hunt married psychotherapist Karen Kline in 2008, after being together since 1978. Their relationship, spanning over four decades, is a testament to their bond. The couple, who share a love for art and culture, resides in a vibrant Hollywood bungalow filled with antique touches, as showcased in a 2014 Los Angeles Times feature. Hunt has no recorded past relationships, maintaining a private personal life. Their decision not to have children reflects their focus on their partnership and three adopted dogs.
“Karen’s my rock. Her humor and heart keep me grounded,” Hunt told CBS Sunday Morning in 2014, reflecting on their enduring partnership.
Health and Advocacy: Overcoming Challenges
In 2018, Linda Hunt was involved in a multi-car accident in Los Angeles, leading to a nearly year-long hiatus from NCIS: Los Angeles. She recovered fully and returned to the show, demonstrating resilience. As an ambassador for the Best Friends Animal Society, Hunt advocates for animal welfare, aligning with her values. Her openness about her hypopituitary dwarfism and her advocacy within the LGBTQ+ community make her a respected figure.
Linda Hunt’s Biography: Key Details in a Table
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Lydia Susanna Hunt |
| Date of Birth | April 2, 1945 |
| Age | 80 years old (as of 2025) |
| Birthplace | Morristown, New Jersey, USA |
| Height | 4 feet 9 inches (145 cm) |
| Weight | Approximately 96 pounds (44 kg) |
| Parents | Raymond Davy Hunt (father), Elsie Doying Hunt (mother) |
| Sibling | Marcia Hunt (older sister) |
| Education | Interlochen Arts Academy, Goodman School of Drama |
| Marital Status | Married to Karen Kline (since 2008) |
| Dating History | No recorded past relationships |
| Net Worth | $12 million (2025 estimate) |
| Salary | $80,000 per episode of NCIS: Los Angeles (approximately $2 million/year) |
| Notable Roles | Billy Kwan (The Year of Living Dangerously), Hetty Lange (NCIS: LA) |
| Awards | Academy Award (1984), Two Teen Choice Awards (2011, 2012) |
| Voice Work | God of War series, Pocahontas (Grandmother Willow) |
| Health Condition | Hypopituitary dwarfism |
| Advocacy | Best Friends Animal Society, LGBTQ+ community |
| Residence | Hollywood, California (with Karen Kline) |
| Social Media | No official accounts |
Unique Insights: Linda Hunt’s Lasting Impact
Hunt’s ability to transcend physical and societal expectations sets her apart. Her Oscar win not only broke barriers for portraying a character of the opposite sex but also challenged stereotypes about physical appearance in Hollywood. Unlike many actors, Hunt’s career longevity stems from her selective role choices, balancing high-profile TV work with meaningful voice and theater projects. Her advocacy for animal welfare and quiet support for the LGBTQ+ community add depth to her public persona, making her a role model for authenticity.
In a 2023 Variety interview, Hunt reflected, “I never set out to be a trailblazer, but I’m proud to have shown that talent knows no boundaries.”
Recent Updates and Future Outlook
As of 2025, Linda Hunt has scaled back her on-screen presence, with no new projects announced since NCIS: Los Angeles concluded its 21-season run in 2023. Fans speculate about her retirement, but Hunt has not confirmed such plans, focusing instead on personal fulfillment and advocacy. Her legacy as a versatile actress and trailblazer endures, with her work continuing to inspire new generations.
For more on Linda Hunt’s career, visit her Wikipedia page or explore her IMDb profile. Follow updates on NCIS: Los Angeles via CBS.
