Linda Carroll Hamilton is an American actress. Known for portraying tough, resilient characters, she made her film debut in 1979 before coming to prominence with her starring role as Sarah Connor in The Terminator (1984), Terminator 2: Judgment Day (1991), and Terminator: Dark Fate (2019).
Hamilton was born in Salisbury, Maryland, and raised in a nearby town. She attended Wicomico High School, where she was a member of the drama club. After graduating, she moved to New York City to study acting at the Lee Strasberg Theatre and Film Institute.
Hamilton began her acting career in the late 1970s, appearing in a number of television shows and films. In 1984, she was cast as Sarah Connor in The Terminator, a science fiction action film directed by James Cameron. The film was a critical and commercial success, and Hamilton's performance was widely praised. She reprised the role of Sarah Connor in Terminator 2: Judgment Day (1991), which was an even greater success than the first film.
In the years since Terminator 2, Hamilton has appeared in a number of other films and television shows, including Children of the Corn (1984), King Kong Lives (1986), Mr. Destiny (1990), Silent Fall (1999), and Chuck (2007–2009).
Hamilton is a strong and independent woman who has spoken out about a number of important issues, including feminism, gun control, and environmental protection. She is a role model for many women and is an inspiration to millions of people around the world.