Hetty Lange: Unveiling the Age-Old Mystery of NCIS: Los Angeles' Enigma
Ah, Hetty Lange. The diminutive powerhouse with a mane of silver secrets and a past as classified as a government black site. Played by the incredible Linda Hunt, Hetty has been the enigmatic leader of the NCIS: Los Angeles team since its 2009 debut. But one question has lingered in the minds of fans for over a decade: How old is Hetty?
The Theories Are Out There (and They're Hilarious)
The internet, that bastion of truth (sometimes), is brimming with speculations about Hetty's age. Here are a few of our favorites:
- Hetty Witnessed the Signing of the Declaration of Independence: This theory places Hetty squarely in her late 200s, crediting her youthful appearance to a secret government serum distilled from the tears of bald eagles and the finest Californian merlot.
- Hetty Trained Dinosaurs: This theory suggests Hetty honed her leadership skills while managing a particularly feisty pack of velociraptors. While it would explain her fondness for leather jackets, it remains unconfirmed.
- Hetty is Benjamin Button's Glamorous Aunt: This theory proposes Hetty is actually getting younger, which might explain her boundless energy and ability to rock a pantsuit like nobody's business.
The Reality (Maybe): Linda Hunt's Age and a Dash of Mystery
The actress who portrays Hetty, Linda Hunt, was born in 1945. So, by that logic, Hetty would be in her late 70s. However, the show has never explicitly mentioned Hetty's age. This adds to the character's mystique, making her a timeless force in the NCIS universe.
Hetty's Age: The Ultimate MacGuffin
Perhaps Hetty's age is the ultimate MacGuffin, a plot device that keeps us guessing. It's more fun to speculate about her globetrotting adventures and classified past than to know the exact number of candles on her birthday cake.
Here's to Hetty, the ageless wonder of NCIS: Los Angeles! May she continue to lead the team with her sharp wit, tactical brilliance, and a touch of mystery for many seasons to come.
