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

Linda Hamilton Considered Retirement Before Joining Stranger Things

The sci-fi icon Linda Hamilton will play a villain in the fifth and final season of Netflix's Stranger Things. Although details about her character remain scarce despite the release of the season's first five minutes, Hamilton's impressive career is well-known. She gained fame primarily through the Terminator franchise and has appeared in other popular genre projects such as Beauty and the Beast and Resident Alien.

Surprisingly, Hamilton was contemplating stepping away from acting before the opportunity with Stranger Things arose. She shared insights about this pivotal moment during a red carpet interview with Variety ahead of the show's premiere.

Contemplating Retirement

“I had started to talk to my agent actually right before this about retirement,” Hamilton recalled. “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.’”

Only a few months after considering retirement, Hamilton received a call that changed her plans.

Impact on Career

Hamilton’s decision to join Stranger Things demonstrates her enduring talent and ability to bring commanding presence to any role, maintaining her status as a formidable figure in science fiction and genre television.

Summary: Linda Hamilton, once contemplating retirement due to health issues, was drawn back to acting by a compelling offer to join Stranger Things, showcasing her lasting impact on the genre.

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Gizmodo Gizmodo — 2025-11-07

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