On This Day

Birthday of Linda Blair

January 22nd 1959

10:37 22 January 2024

American actress and activist Linda Blair was born in St Louis, Missouri on this day in 1959. After beginning her acting career with a regular role in the short-lived daytime TV soap 'Hidden Faces' (1968-69), Linda made her big screen debut in the 'The Way We Live Now' (1970) followed by a bit part in 'The Sporting Club' (1971). She rose to International prominence when she was selected from 600 applicants to play Regan MacNeil in William Friedkin's 'The Exorcist' (1973). Her portrayal of a 12-year old possessed by an ancient demon won her a Golden Globe award and an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actress.

Further success followed with roles in the TV movies 'Born Innocent' (1974) and ' Sarah T. - Portrait of a Teenage Alcoholic' (1975). Other notable film credits include 'Airport 1975' (1974), 'Exorcist II: The Heretic' (1977), 'Roller Boogie' (1979), 'Hell Night' (1981), 'Chained Heat' (1983), 'Savage Streets' (1984), 'Up Your Alley' (1989), 'Repossessed' (1989), 'Sorceress' (1995), 'Whoa!' (2013) and 'Landfill' (2021).

In 2003 the actress established the Linda Blair Worldheart Foundation, a nonprofit organisation dedicated to rescuing and rehabilitating abused, neglected, and abandoned animals. 

As well as devoting much of her time to campaigning against animal cruelty, Linda Blair continues to make regular appearances on film and TV, most recently a cameo as Regan MacNeil in 'The Exorcist: Believer' (2023). Happy Birthday Linda.