Horror Icon, 66, Who Terrified Audiences as a Child Stuns Fans With Major Transformationoriginally appeared onParade. Horror movie legendLinda Blairmade headlines this week after being photographed in a rare public outing, showcasing her transformation since her iconic 1973 role. The 66-year-old actress, forever immortalized as possessed Regan MacNeil in the horror filmThe Exorcist, was recently spotted at LAX airport in Los Angeles. Blair appeared nearly unrecognizable to fans, wearing an oversized straw hat and high-waisted trousers as she was photographed at a terminal, according to photos obtained byDaily Mail. The sighting marks a rare public appearance for Blair, who has largely retreated from the media spotlight in recent years to focus on her true passion — animal rescue work. Blair's journey to stardom first began as a child model at just 5 years old, appearing in numerous commercials before landing the role that would define her career. DirectorWilliam Friedkinreportedly handpicked Blair from over 500 actresses forThe Exorcist. "She came in to meet with me, and I had a feeling about her as soon as I met her," Friedkin once recalled toET. "She was extremely bright. She was a straight-A student, and she was a champion horse woman at the time... She was an extraordinarily gifted, natural actress." The film became a massive box office success, but it also brought unwanted attention to the then-14-year-old Blair. Reflecting on the experience years later, she reportedly shared, "I'm proud of it... but it has nothing to do with what I am as an adult. I think I have been extremely polite about answering questions about The Exorcist almost every single day of my life." WhileThe Exorcistremains Blair's most famous role, her impressive film resume spans over 77 projects across four decades. Her career highlights include,Roller Boogie,Chained Heat,Married... With Children,Chicken Soup for the SoulandSupernatural. She also made a nostalgic cameo in 2023'sThe Exorcist: Believer, reprising her iconic role. However, that was her last film credit, according toIMDB. As for what she's doing now, Blair has found her true calling in animal welfare. In a 2023 NBC interview, she reportedly explained her shift away from acting. "I kind of unknowingly left the business because I gave my word to the animals. I'm still a performer. I miss working, but I won't leave my animal friends. I can't. Spiritually, emotionally, I am unable to stop trying to help and change the laws and stop the unnecessary euthanasia and pet overpopulation." Horror Icon, 66, Who Terrified Audiences as a Child Stuns Fans With Major Transformationfirst appeared on Parade on Jul 26, 2025 This story was originally reported byParadeon Jul 26, 2025, where it first appeared.
