Hollywood is usually the place where relationships go to die, or at least to get recycled every three to five years. But then you have Linda Hunt and Karen Kline. They’ve been together since 1978. That’s nearly half a century. Honestly, in an industry built on vanity and "what’s next," their staying power is basically a statistical anomaly.
Most people recognize Linda as the formidable, tea-sipping Hetty Lange from NCIS: Los Angeles. She’s 4'9", but she has a voice that can command a room of Navy SEALs. Yet, behind that iconic career is a very quiet, very deliberate life shared with Karen, a retired psychotherapist. They don’t do the red carpet circuit much. You won’t find them posting "couple goals" on Instagram because, frankly, they don’t have to prove anything to anyone.
How It All Actually Started
The meeting wasn’t some cinematic "meet-cute" on a movie set. It happened in 1978. Linda was in her early 30s, working hard in the New York theater scene, long before she became the first person to win an Oscar for playing a character of the opposite sex in The Year of Living Dangerously.
Karen has mentioned in rare interviews—like a 2013 CBS chat—that she wasn't actually looking at Linda’s height or her burgeoning fame when they met. Apparently, she was impressed by Linda’s corduroy pants. It sounds silly, but it’s that kind of mundane, real-world detail that anchors a relationship for decades. They lived together for thirty years before they ever officially tied the knot.
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When did they finally marry? September 2008. They waited until it was legally recognized in California, joining the wave of couples who wanted their commitment to have the weight of the law behind it.
The Quiet Life in Hollywood
They don't live in a glass-and-steel mega-mansion. Instead, they share a 1919 American Craftsman-style home in Hollywood. It’s been described as a "jewel box"—renovated, historical, and filled with books and their beloved dogs. For a long time, their household included two dogs, though they’ve been known to be huge supporters of the Best Friends Animal Society.
Living with a therapist probably helped Linda navigate the high-stress world of acting. Linda has admitted that she’s never quite learned how to act without a massive amount of stress and anxiety. Having Karen there—someone who understands the human psyche but isn't part of the Hollywood machine—seems to be her "North Star."
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Why You Saw Less of Linda on TV
If you’re a fan of NCIS: LA, you probably noticed Hetty started disappearing. It wasn’t a contract dispute or some "diva" behavior.
- In 2018, Linda was in a serious car accident. At 73, recovery isn't a weekend affair.
- Then the pandemic hit.
- The showrunners, specifically R. Scott Gemmill, were incredibly protective of her. They even filmed scenes in her driveway to keep her safe from COVID-19 risks.
By the time the series ended in 2023, Linda was ready for a slower pace. She’s 80 now. Recently, she was spotted out in Los Angeles with Karen, both looking relaxed in casual gear. It’s a reminder that while the world sees a "star," Karen just sees her partner of 47 years.
What Most People Get Wrong
There’s a misconception that Linda is "retired" or "hiding." She isn't. She’s just choosing a life that prioritizes her health and her relationship over another 14-hour day on a soundstage. She’s spoken about not wanting to be one of those actors who "dies on the stage." She wants time to think, to stretch, and to be with the person who has been by her side since the Carter administration.
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The real takeaway from the story of Linda Hunt and Karen Kline isn't about the fame or the Oscar. It’s about the fact that they built a private sanctuary in the middle of the world's loudest city. They survived the 80s, the 90s, the rise of the internet, and a global pandemic, all while keeping their world small and their bond tight.
If you’re looking to apply their "success" to your own life, start with the basics.
- Invest in privacy: Not everything needs to be shared or "content."
- Prioritize the "real" person: Find someone who likes your "corduroys," not just your resume.
- Know when to pivot: Stepping back from a career to enjoy your health and your partner isn't "quitting"—it's winning.