NCIS: Los Angeles Became a Hit Just Like the Original Series—But Fans Noticed a Key Absence in Season 10
NCIS has been a long-running hit on CBS, so it made perfect sense to launch a spin-off. When NCIS: Los Angeles debuted in 2009, it quickly won over fans with the same mix of crime-solving, action, and military intrigue that made the original series a success.
Starring Chris O’Donnell and LL Cool J, with Oscar-winning actress Linda Hunt as team leader Henrietta “Hetty” Lange, the show built a loyal following. Hetty, with her mysterious past and sharp wit, soon became a fan favorite.
However, when Season 10 premiered, viewers were disappointed to see Hetty missing from the team. The reason? Linda Hunt had been involved in a car accident and needed time to recover. The good news is that her absence wasn’t permanent—Hetty would return.
Linda Hunt has appeared in over 200 episodes as the enigmatic Hetty, whose backstory includes Cold War operations and international espionage. While Hetty remains a mystery on screen, the actress behind her has an inspiring real-life story.
Before achieving fame, Hunt faced doubts about her acting future—even at drama school, where she was encouraged to pursue directing instead. Her parents supported her dreams, though her father hoped she’d choose a more stable career like teaching. Hunt ignored the doubts and pushed forward.
She eventually proved herself with a groundbreaking performance in The Year of Living Dangerously, earning an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress in 1984. Reflecting on the moment, she shared, “My father was so relieved when I won that award. He finally said, ‘You know what? I guess she’s right. She’s going to be okay.’”