Linda Kozlowski’s rise to fame in the 1980s was fast, bright, and unforgettable. Audiences around the world instantly recognized her as Sue Charlton from Crocodile Dundee, the role that made her a household name. Her charm, confidence, and natural chemistry with Paul Hogan helped turn the film into a global success. Yet behind the fame was a woman whose life would eventually take a very different direction—one built on personal choice, reinvention, and quiet fulfillment far from Hollywood’s noise.
Born on January 7, 1958, in Fairfield, Connecticut, Linda always felt pulled toward acting. That passion led her to the prestigious Juilliard School, where she trained intensely and graduated in 1981. She spent her early years performing in off-Broadway productions and eventually made her way onto Broadway. Her skill caught the attention of respected actors, including Dustin Hoffman, who cast her in a television production of Death of a Salesman. Working alongside him became a defining step in her early career.
Even with talent and training, Linda struggled to find steady work. She took jobs to stay afloat and continued auditioning, waiting for the role that would change everything. During that difficult period, Dustin Hoffman and his wife offered her a place to stay at their Malibu home, a gesture that gave her stability and unexpected opportunities. From there, Linda auditioned for a new adventure-comedy film, and the chance paid off.
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