Linda Haynes only made a handful of movies throughout the 1970's, but was a standout in all of them. Her films were gritty and her characters were often streetwise and strong. She left the business after her last film, Brubaker, with Robert Redford, and years later was discovered in Florida working as a legal secretary.
What happened? The only thing known for sure is that her small body of work is impressive and one can only wonder what kind of career she might have had if she had stuck it out.
Linda Haynes was first noticed in the movie Coffy, as a part of the infamous catfight scene which included Pam Grier, pimps, razor blades and salad. From there she took on major roles in The Nickel Ride, Rolling Thunder and the women's prison drama Human Experiments. And it was through those films that her true talent as an actress emerged.
According to an interview with her, she said she was approached by Quentin Tarantino's casting director to audition for a part in ER that he was directing. At the time she didn't know who he was and turned down the offer. Hopefully Tarantino won't give up so easily and Linda Haynes can once again appear on the screen where she so rightfully belongs.
What happened? The only thing known for sure is that her small body of work is impressive and one can only wonder what kind of career she might have had if she had stuck it out.
Linda Haynes was first noticed in the movie Coffy, as a part of the infamous catfight scene which included Pam Grier, pimps, razor blades and salad. From there she took on major roles in The Nickel Ride, Rolling Thunder and the women's prison drama Human Experiments. And it was through those films that her true talent as an actress emerged.
According to an interview with her, she said she was approached by Quentin Tarantino's casting director to audition for a part in ER that he was directing. At the time she didn't know who he was and turned down the offer. Hopefully Tarantino won't give up so easily and Linda Haynes can once again appear on the screen where she so rightfully belongs.
ADDENDUM
Steve, a reader of this blog, brought to my attention that Linda Haynes passed away on July 17, 2023. Like so many talented actors profiled here, Ms. Haynes didn't have the acting career that many of us felt she was capable of. The work she left behind, though, is memorable, and I hope others will discover her talents.
