Linda Hunt's portrayal of Henrietta “Hetty” Lange on *NCIS: Los Angeles* has been a beloved fixture of the series since its inception in 2009. However, since Season 9, Hetty’s presence has noticeably decreased, leaving fans wondering why the character has been largely absent and whether she will return in the final season. The reasons behind her reduced screen time stem from a combination of real-life events and the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Hetty’s first significant absence from *NCIS: Los Angeles* occurred after Linda Hunt was involved in a car accident in July 2018. Although she did not suffer severe injuries, the accident required her to take an extended break from the show to recover. This led to Hetty being absent for the entirety of Season 10 and much of Season 11. Hunt addressed her hiatus in a statement to TV Line, expressing gratitude for the support from fans and explaining that her recovery took longer than anticipated. She reassured viewers that she planned to return to the role later in the season, which she did, much to the delight of her fans.
The COVID-19 pandemic further complicated Hunt’s ability to appear on the show. Given her age, special precautions were necessary to ensure her safety during filming.
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