Linda Hamilton Was Considering Retirement Before 'Stranger Things' Came Along

Linda Hamilton Contemplated Retirement Before 'Stranger Things'

The sci-fi icon takes on a villain role in the fifth and final season of the Netflix series. While details about her character remain scarce despite the release of the first five minutes of the new season, Hamilton's impressive career is well known, especially for her role in the Terminator franchise and other fan favorites like Beauty and the Beast and Resident Alien.

Unexpected Return to Acting

Hamilton revealed she was considering stepping away from acting before being approached for Stranger Things. In a red-carpet interview with Variety ahead of the show’s premiere, she shared insights about her decision.

Struggling With Health Challenges

The actress, famous for playing Sarah Connor, explained the personal difficulties leading to her thoughts of retirement.

“I had started to talk to my agent actually right before this about retirement. I was having a terrible hip issue for a few years and I was like, ‘I can’t guarantee that I’m going to be at my best, and if I can’t do that, then I don’t want to be in front of [the] camera.'”

A Life-Changing Opportunity

Despite her health concerns and plans to retire, a compelling offer to join Stranger Things changed her mind just months later.

Variety's Report and Public Reaction

The news was shared on social media by Variety, highlighting Hamilton’s openness about her career shift:

“Linda Hamilton, best known for her role as Sarah Connor in the Terminator franchise, says she was talking to her agent about retirement before signing on for the final season of #StrangerThings: 'I was having a terrible hip issue for a few years and I was like, 'I can't…'”

Her return marks a significant new chapter, reinforcing her lasting impact on genre television and film.

Author's summary: Linda Hamilton, once ready to retire due to health issues, embraced a new villainous role in Stranger Things, revitalizing her career and thrilling fans worldwide.

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Gizmodo Gizmodo — 2025-11-07

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