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Linda Hunt has been a part of the cast of CBS’ hit show NCIS: Los Angeles since its beginning in 2009. Her character, Henrietta “Hetty” Lange, became a fan favorite thanks to her no-nonsense approach and signature style. However, she has not been seen much on the show since season 9 and was absent from the recent finale. The reason has a heartbreaking backstory. So, continue reading to discover what happened to Hetty on NCIS: Los Angeles.

What Happened to Hetty in the NCIS: Los Angeles Finale

CBS announced the renewal of NCIS: Los Angeles for a ninth season on March 23, 2017.

Also Read: What Happened to Hetty on “NCIS: LA?” Is Linda Hunt Leaving “NCIS: Los Angeles?”

On October 1, 2017, diehard fans watched the season 9 premiere of NCIS: Los Angeles with bated breath and rapt attention.

However, fan-favorite character Hetty has been on and off from the show since season 9. In 2017, there were rumors that Linda Hunt left the show. But the producers revealed that Hetty is on an on-off covert mission in Vietnam.

Following that, Hunt had a lengthy hiatus from the show due to a car accident in July 2018. The TV star missed most of season 10 and all of season 11, even though the crash left her without significant injuries.

At that time, Hunt shared a statement and said, “I first want to say how much I appreciate the outpouring of support from the NCIS: Los Angeles fans following my car accident this summer.”

“Though I had hoped to return to playing Hetty at the start of the season, I had to take additional time to recover. I look forward to returning later this season.”

The Oscar-winning actress’ role was reduced in season 13 due to COVID-19 safety measures. Because of COVID and the team’s efforts to keep her safe, Hunt was away from the show quite a bit.

NCIS: LA Reaches End

The NCIS: Los Angeles finale aired on May 21, 2023. The final episode, “New Beginnings,” was a two-parter that wrapped up the storylines of the show’s main characters.

The second part of the series finale was full of optimism and promise for the agents’ futures. Grisha Callen and Anna were finally married after much anticipation. Favorite couple Kensi Blye and Marty Deeks announced they were expecting a child.

Henrietta “Hetty” Lange did not appear in the finale but had a pseudo return.

After the wedding ceremony, the party was having a good time when a mysterious man arrived to give Callen a letter from the former operations manager.

Hetty not only congratulated and wished Callen and Sam well in the letter, but she also gave them two plane tickets to Morocco for a side project she claimed to need their help with.