Linda Hunt is a towering figure and one of Hollywood’s most celebrated actresses, impressing fans with her captivating performances in films and television and her fascinating married life.
Actress Linda Hunt’s journey to stardom has been anything but ordinary. Her male role in an ’80s film eventually catapulted her to victory, earning her an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress.
Despite facing challenges related to her disability, Hunt’s exceptional qualities have propelled her toward success, ultimately leading her to find the love of her life.
Linda Hunt attends the George T. Delacorte Theatre’s 25th Anniversary Celebration on July 28, 1987, at the Tavern on the Green in New York City | Source: Getty Images
Linda Hunt is one of the most versatile actresses today. She gained fame and won an Academy Award for portraying the male character, photojournalist Billy Kwan in the 1982 film “The Year of Living Dangerously” alongside actor Mel Gibson.
The film marked a groundbreaking moment in cinematic history. No actor had ever received an Oscar for portraying a character of the opposite sex before this achievement.
Linda Hunt poses with her Oscar Award in April 1984 | Source: Getty Images
However, an encounter with a waiter who had addressed Hunt as “sir” left her feeling both “upset” and “weird.” Eventually, she began accepting on-screen roles that aligned with her gender.
The change also brought immense relief to her parents, especially her father, who had been worried about her life in the spotlight. Hunt was born in 1945 in Westport, Connecticut, and was often teased because of her height. She recalled:
“I knew that I was different by the time I was like ten. Everybody was taking their spurts except me. I was not growing up…”
Linda Hunt attends The Paley Center for Media’s PaleyFest 2015 Fall TV preview of “NCIS: Los Angeles” at The Paley Center for Media on September 11, 2015, in Beverly Hills, California. | Source: Getty Images
Despite being diagnosed with dwarfism, she overcame challenges and paved her way. Her exceptional talent not only made her stand tall but also filled her with pride.
She not only gained prominence in the industry and from her colleagues but also found success in her personal life. Nothing beats true love, something Linda can attest to after finding true happiness with her partner.
Linda Hunt Has Been in a Happy Relationship with a Woman for over Three Decades
Hunt has had an illustrious career spanning several decades, but her remarkable romantic life has captivated the public’s attention even more. Hunt’s love story began before she achieved fame.
Despite considering herself not conventionally attractive, she possesses a beauty that goes far beyond appearances. Luckily, one person fell in love with her as she is: Karen Kline.
Hunt is happily married to Kline, a retired therapist since 2008, but their relationship started long before that. They have been residing together in Los Angeles since 1987, suggesting they have been a couple for over 33 years.
The couple first met in 1978, and the actress’s short frame never bothered Kline. In 2013, Kline revealed that Hunt’s corduroys were the first thing that got her attention instead of her short stature.
At 64, Linda Hunt married her true love, who accepted her for who she was. Together, they live in a “jewel-box” home. Although they don’t have any children, they have adopted three dogs.
Hunt and Kline celebrated their marriage during the year California legalized same-sex unions. Since then, the duo has kept most of their first meeting private.
Other than the couple’s enduring relationship, Hunt had no romantic involvement with anyone else. However, it seemed that she has prioritized her personal life over her career.
She expressed a desire for the day when she would no longer need to work, despite earning a significant fan base through her performances in the series “NCIS: Los Angeles.”
In response to the pandemic outbreak in 2020, the showrunners decided to reduce the actress’s role in the series for her health and safety.
Linda Hunt attends the 2011 CBS Upfront at The Tent at Lincoln Center on May 18, 2011, in New York City | Source: Getty Images
In 2018, fans grew concerned about Hunt’s abrupt absence from one season of the show. It was later revealed that the esteemed actress had been involved in a car accident. Fortunately, she sustained no serious injuries.
Hunt expressed gratitude to her fans for their unwavering support of the show. While she had hoped to make a quick return, she needed to allocate additional time for her recovery.
Linda Hunt as Henrietta “Hetty” Lange in “NCIS: Los Angeles” taken in October 2019 | Source: Getty Images
Recently, showrunner R. Scott Gemmill recognized Hetty’s “integral force” in the agency. He also intended to return Hunt’s character to the series during its 14th season.
Despite the uncertainty about Hunt’s character’s return, she is currently enjoying her private life with Kline. Over the years, they have made countless memories together.
A Glimpse Inside Linda Hunt and Karen Kline’s ‘Jewel-Box’ Home in Los Angeles
Kline and Hunt have peacefully resided in their Los Angeles “jewel-box” home, beautifully blending classic and contemporary elements. Hunt fondly talked about their home, which has stood proudly since 1919:
“This house has whimsy and a special kind of elegance. It’s welcoming.”
Their one-story home, which exudes the charm of a traditional craftsman, resembles a treasure chest, brimming with meticulously chosen elements and personalized touches.
Inside Linda Hunt and Karen Kline’s home in Los Angeles taken in September 2014 | Source: Getty Images
Vintage door handles, a lavender-shaded wall, and eye-catching graphic wallpapers in purple and green colors added to their home’s vibrant and charming details.
The couple’s home is spacious, with abundant natural light creating a warm and sunny atmosphere. Before this, the area was cramped, but the couple managed to make it roomy.
They envisioned a seamless transition in their home, and they succeeded. This design choice was crucial to them, as it would meet their needs and provide ample space for their guests and dogs.
Another detail of their home that makes it appear like a jewelry box is the colorful stained-glass skylight in the hallway and the 200-square-foot sunroom with a gray board–and–batten siding and a saltbox pitched roof.
Kline and her wife take great pleasure in their comfortable indoor sanctuaries. Also, Hunt often uses their guest room as a special place to perfect her acting skills and practice her lines.
In addition to their home, the couple has been spotted several times out in Los Angeles. They often go on leisurely trips to the park and engage in playful activities with their dogs.
Karen Kline and Linda Hunt’s childless love in sickness and health is enviable. While the pair does not maintain any social media presence, their charming home life and fulfilling relationship are enough evidence that they are content with the direction their lives have taken.