Linda Hunt's career is impressive — did you know the "NCIS" actress won an Oscar? — and it's unlikely she's going anywhere any time soon. She is a powerhouse actress, and, despite being absent from the acclaimed CBS series most recently in Season 12 and for a stint in 2018, Hunt's Hetty Lange likely will return for years to come.
According to the New York Daily News, Hunt was involved in a three-car accident in 2018, which left her hospitalized and recovering for a period of time. "Yesterday I was involved in a minor traffic accident and taken to the hospital," Hunt said at the time (via People). "I'm pleased to report I'm recovering well and have no serious injuries. Thank you for all the well wishes! I'm looking forward to starting production on 'NCIS: Los Angeles' later this summer."
"An eyewitness tells us Hunt struck a sedan and then collided with a Honda SUV," TMZ reported at the time. "We're told paramedics evaluated Linda on the chair and then determined she needed to be taken to the hospital." So, while she recovered in real life, "NCIS" writers had to come up with a reason for her character's absence.
Fans can rest assured knowing that Hunt's absence in 2018 had nothing to do with her character and that she made a full, quick recovery from the accident. Her most recent absence appeared significant to the season's overarching plot, too, so it may be safe to say that Hunt is here to stay.
