Linda Hamilton, the veteran actor who rose to fame as an action star in the Terminator franchise, is embracing her age and rejecting Hollywood’s conventional beauty standards. Ahead of her debut in the final season of Netflix’s Stranger Things, the 69-year-old star shared her philosophy on aging in an interview with AARP’s Movies for Grownups.
“I do not spend a moment trying to look younger on any level, ever,” Hamilton stated. “I have just completely surrendered to the fact that this is the face that I’ve earned. And it tells me so much.”
While she avoids cosmetic procedures, Hamilton emphasized her focus on physical health. To prepare for her role in Stranger Things, she maintained a rigorous fitness routine, attending the gym three times a week for a mix of Pilates, yoga, free weights, and machine work.
Hamilton, a fan of the series, was thrilled to join the cast for its final season. While remaining secretive about major plot points, she revealed her character is Dr. Kay, a head military scientist continuing the work of Dr. Brenner (Matthew Modine) inside a quarantined Hawkins.
When not on set, Hamilton enjoys a quiet, minimalist life in New Orleans, far from the pressures of the entertainment industry. “I’ve found a great balance between work and life. I certainly feel like everything is a blessing right now,” she said.
The fifth and final season of Stranger Things will be released in three parts. Volume 1, consisting of four episodes, premieres on November 26, followed by the three-episode Volume 2 on Christmas Day, and The Finale on New Year’s Eve.
