Linda Kozlowski became known all over the world following her role in Crocodile Dundee. The American actress starred alongside Paul Hogan, and the two embarked on a wonderful voyage of love together after the films.
Sadly, Kozlowski and Hogan divorced in 2014, though the couple share one son together. Since then, she’s gone her own way in life, and has found love once again.
So what did Linda Kozlowski get up to following Crocodile Dundee? And what does she look like today? This is all you need to know!
Every actor or actress dreams about that big breakthrough role and the glamorous life that will almost certainly come with it. A great performance in the right film or series can open doors to offers that will likely move one further up the Hollywood celebrity ladder, which is turns means more money and more fame.
Linda Kozlowski – ‘Crocodile Dundee’
Oftentimes, we see actors pretty much playing the same sort of role over and over again. If one finds success as a tough guy or the girl next door, for example, we can expect to see them starring as similar characters in their next few jobs.
But just because someone’s been in one of that years’ biggest and most popular films doesn’t actually mean that fame is guaranteed. And, in fact, some actors just don’t want to continue in Hollywood, even after they’ve been a part of a great success story.
One such actor is Linda Kozlowski. She got her big breakthrough as Sue Charlton in the 1986 film Crocodile Dundee, and quickly became a star all over the world.
Crocodile Dundee changed her life, both on a professional and personal level. But after three Dundee-films and several other appearances, she disappeared.
Looking at her filmography, Linda Kozlowski hasn’t starred in any sort of production since 2001. So what happened? And what does she look like now?
Here’s all you might want to know about her!
Linda Kozlowski was born on January 7, 1958 in Fairfield, Connecticut. The daughter of Stanley and Helen Kozlowski, she grew up in Fairfield and graduated from Andrew Warde High School in 1976.
Linda Kozlowski – early life
Kozlowski had a passion for acting early on. She decided to pursue a career in the business and was accepted into the prestigious Juilliard School’s drama division. She graduated in 1981, and went on to move to New York.
To start off her acting career, Kozlowski starred in several off-Broadway productions, including How It All Began. She would go on to land smaller roles on broadway, as well as in television, including in the television film Death of a Salesman, where she starred alongside Dustin Hoffman.
However, as many actors probably will agree, moving to New York wasn’t easy. She worked as a waitress after Death of a Salesman wrapped up, and a that point, Kozlowski decided to leave for California.
Meanwhile, she and Dustin Hoffman had become great friends, and he became was sort of a mentor for her.
“It was cold in New York,” she told People. “And I didn’t see any other work in sight, and I was sort of miserable.”
Hoffman and his wife wanted to help Linda out. They offered her the chance to stay in their Malibu beach house, and only six weeks after her move to the west coast, she auditioned for Crocodile Dundee.
Dustin Hoffman was actually the one that recommended her for the part, since he was very impressed with her performance in Death of a Salesman.
“Linda got the movie because they liked her”
“There was a feeling in that room that was so positive,” she recalled of the audition. “I never once thought, ‘Oh, my God, this might not work.’
“Dustin asked me, ‘Who are these people? What are their names, and where are they staying?’,” she recalled. “And I told him. So just as they were calling me to say I had the part, they got a phone call: It was Dustin Hoffman. At first they thought it was a friend doing a bad impersonation.
“Once they realized it was Hoffman, they were just beaming. It was a sign they’d made the right decision.”
Kozlowski’s longtime friend William DeAcutis added: “Dustin’s call was like the Good Housekeeping Seal of Approval, but Linda got the movie because they liked her.”
In 1986, Kozlowski starred alongside Paul Hogan in the first Crocodile Dundee film. It became one of the biggest films’ of the year, earning a staggering $320 million. Considering it only cost about $10 million to make, it was – on top of the fans loving it – great business.
At first, however, when Linda arrived at the Crocodile Dundee set in Australia, it was something of a shock.
“It was 4 o’clock in the morning, freezing cold, with kangaroos and wild buffalo roaming around. I was in a daze,” she said.
Over night, Linda Kozlowski became a star. But the funny thing was that for a short while, she was a huge celebrity in Australia – but yet unknown in the US.
Major success with ‘Crocodile Dundee’
Crocodile Dundee opened “Down Under” before it opened in the US, which meant people in the US didn’t know her at all.
“It was a bit like being Cinderella,” Kozlowski told the Los Angeles Times. “In Australia, I’d be riding about in limos, whereas here I was still running around in my old Toyota trying to see casting directors.”
Linda soon went from a struggling actress to a star. However, she always felt that she didn’t get that much attention. All in all, it was all about Dundee.
“But I’ll tell you where I was a big star,” she said, laughing. “In Fairfield, Conn., where I grew up. My parents, Stanley and Helen Kozlowski, still live there, and when the movie opened they saw it again and again.
“What’s funny is the local paper never referred to me as ‘Linda,’ always as ‘Stanley’s daughter.’ It was ‘Stanley’s daughter says this…’ and ‘Stanley’s daughter says that’…”
Two years later, she appeared in the second Crocodile Dundee film, and in 2001, the third one, Crocodile Dundee in Los Angeles was released.
At that point, Kozlowski had also found love. And it was with her co-star Paul Hogan, also known as the Crocodile Dundee.
The couple married in May 1990 in Australia. According to the Los Angeles Times, Hogan gave her a $2 million mansion as a wedding gift.
Marriage with Paul Hogan
Following her first two very successful appearances in the Crocodile Dundee films, one might think that Linda Kozlowski had hundreds of offers for new projects. Well, for her, that wasn’t the case at all.
Sure, she had options, but nothing felt exciting.
“After Crocodile Dundee I turned down lots of stuff, most of it where I’d play the girlfriend of some funny man,” Kozlowski said, explaining that she used the scripts for a whole different reason.
“I use them for kindling, to get the fire started,” she said.
“That’s about all they’re good for. I was getting very depressed, but finally something good did come along–‘Pass the Ammo.’ That’s been a long time coming out, but now there’s a release date.”
In 2001, Linda Kozlowski appeared in the third Crocodile Dundee film. But that was her last appearance in any production to this day.
Before the third film, she decided to leave show business. In 1998, she and Paul Hogan had welcomed their first and only child together, Change Hogan, and instead she wanted to focus on raising her beloved son.
After 23 years of marriage, Linda and Paul divorced in 2014. The couple filed for divorce in October 2013, citing “irreconcilable differences” as the reason.
Divorced in 2014
Speaking with New Idea, Linda explained that she now wanted to be the one in the spotlight. According to Sydney Morning Herald, Linda received $6.25 million in a one-off payment. At the same time, Hogan kept the rights to his Crocodile Dundee character, as well as the film company that produced the films.
Furthermore, Kozlowski was allowed to stay in their home in Los Angeles for four years or until she remarried – whichever came first.
“I lived in Paul’s shadow for many, many years and it’s nice to feel my own light right now,” she told New Idea, adding that the problem between the two was the lack of shared interests.
“Honestly, we just naturally grew apart. One of our problems was we really had nothing in common and, over time, that happens to a lot of people.”
Paul Hogan said the same thing, however added that they still make things work despite their differences.
“We were opposites and we were attracted to each other for a long time. Opposites in everything,” Hogan said.
“From the food we ate, the music we liked, the entertainment we liked, the colors, the clothes, the places, everything, It worked anyway.”
The couple still have shared custody of their son, Change. And despite the divorce, they remain close friends.
Linda Kozlowski today
“The divorce was completely amicable. We talk on the phone all the time, I go over and have coffee,” she said. “We’re completely friendly. Everybody’s happy.”
Linda left the spotlight and has relocated to Morocco, where she has found love once again.
During a trip to Morocco, she was led by local tour guide Moulay Hafid Baba. Speaking to Luxe Beat, Kozlowski said their attraction was instant.
Together, they founded a Marrakesh-based luxury travelling business Dream My Destiny, where they plan customized journeys depending on what their guests desire.
“We knew in a flash that we had known each other for a thousand years, which was a magic moment in both our lives,” Linda Kozlowski said. “As business partners, we plan all our guests’ trips together.
“He’ll look after the men when the ladies need to shop for shoes! He knows the country inside out, including the Sahara Desert. You feel safe with him wherever you are.”
It’s easy to say that Linda remains a very beautiful woman!
It’s been a long time since Linda appeared on screen. She will forever be remembered as the wonderful Sue in Crocodile Dundee, and her legacy will live on forever.
No plans of returning to acting
Today, she’s 63 years of age. However, she has no plans on returning to the big screen.
“I don’t miss acting because my life is so full now. Reality is better than make believe.
“One thing I always hated about acting was that it got in the way of having an adventurous life,” she added.
“You had to stick around LA and wait for work. Now I’m rejoicing in my freedom. I definitely think acting helped develop my intuition, which is essential to my new endeavor, as so much of what I do is based on reading people and instinctively catering to their needs.”
Linda Kozlowski was a truly wonderful actress. But in the end, we’re happy that she choose to follow her passion.
Please, share this article with friends and family to honor Linda Kozlowski!
Am I Right for Not Inviting My Sister to My Wedding after She Ruined My Proposal?
Jake’s dream proposal to Emma was ruined when his sister, Lisa, hijacked the moment with drunken antics and snarky comments. Now, as their wedding day approaches, Jake faces a family feud over the decision to exclude Lisa, leaving him to question if he’s justified in protecting their special day.
I had always imagined my wedding day as perfect. But now, I faced a dilemma. My sister, who ruined my proposal, was not invited. My family was angry. Was I wrong?
A frustrated man | Source: Pexels
My name is Jake, and I’m 29. My girlfriend, Emma, and I have been together for three years. We met at a coffee shop, and it was love at first sight. She is kind, smart, and beautiful. I knew I wanted to spend the rest of my life with her. So, I planned a special proposal.
I wanted the proposal to be unforgettable. I chose the beach where we had our first date. It was secluded and romantic. I decorated the spot with flowers and fairy lights and hired a violinist to play our favorite song. And, I bought fireworks to light up the night sky.
Beach at night | Source: Pexels
On the day of the proposal, I was excited and nervous. Everything was perfect. I couldn’t wait to see the look on Emma’s face.
As we walked to the beach, I held Emma’s hand. She had no idea what was about to happen.
“This walk is so nice,” Emma said, smiling up at me.
“Yeah, it is,” I replied, my heart racing.
Emma on the beach | Source: Midjourney
Just then, I saw my sister, Lisa, approaching us. I was shocked.
“Lisa, what are you doing here?” I asked, trying to hide my surprise.
“Hey, Jake! I thought I’d tag along and take some candid photos for you guys,” she said, holding up her camera.
“Uh, I don’t think that’s a good idea,” I said, feeling uneasy.
A woman with a camera | Source: Pexels
“Come on, it’ll be fun,” Lisa insisted.
Reluctantly, I agreed. As we reached the beach, Lisa started acting strange. She made snarky comments and tried to direct everything.
“Jake, move a little to the left,” she said, waving her hand.
“Lisa, stop. You’re ruining the moment,” I whispered.
Woman takes a photo on the beach | Source: Pexels
“Relax, I’m just helping,” she replied, rolling her eyes.
Emma looked confused. “Is everything okay?” she asked.
“Yeah, everything’s fine,” I said, trying to keep calm.
But then, Lisa did something unforgivable. She grabbed the ring box from my pocket and shouted, “Surprise! Look what he’s going to do!”
Lisa stole the box from Jake | Source: Midjourney
Emma’s eyes widened in shock. “Jake, is this…?”
I nodded, feeling my heart sink. The moment was ruined.
“Lisa, what the hell?” I shouted, furious.
“Oh, come on, Jake. It was just a joke,” Lisa said, laughing.
Shocked happy woman | Source: Pexels
I turned to Emma, who looked hurt and disappointed. “I’m so sorry, Emma. This wasn’t how it was supposed to be.”
Emma and I tried to salvage the proposal, but the magic was gone. She said yes, but it wasn’t the moment we had both dreamed of.
Later that night, I confronted Lisa.
An angry man | Source: Pexels
“You ruined everything,” I said, anger boiling inside me.
“Don’t be so dramatic, Jake. I was just trying to help,” she said, shrugging.
“Help? You call that help? You embarrassed me and ruined a special moment,” I replied, my voice shaking.
“You’re overreacting. It’s not a big deal,” Lisa said dismissively.
A laughing woman | Source: Pexels
Planning the wedding was supposed to be a joyful time for Emma and me. After the proposal fiasco, we agreed on one thing: we wanted our wedding to be drama-free. This meant not inviting my sister, Lisa.
“Jake, we can’t risk her ruining our day,” Emma said one evening as we discussed the guest list.
“I know. I just don’t want any more chaos,” I replied, feeling a knot in my stomach.
A couple has a serious talk | Source: Pexels
When we told my parents, their reaction was immediate and intense.
“How can you not invite your own sister?” my mom exclaimed, her face red with anger.
“She ruined the proposal, Mom. We don’t want a repeat performance,” I tried to explain.
“She’s family, Jake. You’re being heartless,” my dad chimed in.
A disapproving elderly man | Source: Pexels
Lisa, of course, played the victim.
“You’re tearing this family apart over a little joke,” she said, tears streaming down her face. “I just wanted to help.”
Despite the backlash, Emma and I stood firm. We deserved a special day without any disruptions.
Crying woman | Source: Pexels
The day of the wedding arrived, and everything was going smoothly. Emma looked stunning in her dress, and I couldn’t wait to say “I do.” The ceremony was set on the beach, just like our first date.
As we exchanged vows, I noticed a commotion near the back. To my horror, Lisa had shown up, uninvited and clearly drunk.
“Jake! Emma! I’m here to celebrate!” she slurred, stumbling toward us.
Shocked guests at the wedding | Source: Midjourney
The guests whispered and stared. Emma’s face turned pale. I couldn’t believe this was happening.
“Lisa, you need to leave,” I said firmly, stepping in front of her.
“Why? I’m your sister. I deserve to be here,” she shouted, drawing more attention.
“You’re causing a scene. Please, just go,” I insisted.
Jake stands in Lisa’s way | Source: Midjourney
She ignored me and continued to make a spectacle. “Everyone, let’s toast to the happy couple!” she yelled, raising an empty glass.
I had no choice. I signaled the security we had hired for the event. They escorted her out, much to her protest.
“Jake, you’re making a mistake! This is my family too!” she screamed as they led her away.
A screaming woman | Source: Pexels
Once she was gone, the ceremony resumed. Emma and I exchanged rings and shared our first kiss as husband and wife. Despite the earlier disruption, the rest of the day was filled with joy and love.
Looking back, I still feel conflicted about how everything unfolded. Was I right to exclude my sister? Could I have handled it differently? My parents are still upset, and Lisa continues to act like the victim.
Angry middle aged man | Source: Pexels
“Jake, did we do the right thing?” Emma asked me as we relaxed after the wedding.
“I think we did. We needed to protect our day,” I replied, though doubt lingered in my mind.
What do you think? Was I justified in my decision to keep our wedding day special, and free from drama? Or should family always come first, no matter the circumstances?
Man deep in thought | Source: Pexels
In the end, weddings are about love and commitment. Sometimes, tough decisions have to be made to preserve the happiness of the couple. Family dynamics are complex, and it’s not always easy to balance everyone’s feelings. But when it comes to such a significant day, ensuring it remains about the couple is paramount.
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