Linda Kozlowski captured the hearts of audiences worldwide with her role as Sue Charlton in the 1986 hit film Crocodile Dundee. Starring alongside Paul Hogan, the movie became an international success and launched her into the global spotlight. Yet, after a successful career in Hollywood, Linda Kozlowski chose to leave the limelight and pursue a life that was far removed from the entertainment industry. What happened to her after Crocodile Dundee, and what is she up to today? Let’s take a closer look at her journey.
A Hollywood Breakthrough with Crocodile Dundee
Linda Kozlowski was born on January 7, 1958, in Fairfield, Connecticut. From an early age, she had a passion for acting, which led her to study at the prestigious Juilliard School. After graduating, she moved to New York and began working in various off-Broadway productions, before making her television debut in Death of a Salesman, which starred Dustin Hoffman.
It wasn’t until she moved to California that her career took off in a big way. She landed the role of Sue Charlton in Crocodile Dundee, a film that became a global sensation. The film, which cost just $10 million to make, grossed a whopping $320 million worldwide, making it one of the highest-grossing films of the year.
While the movie helped establish Linda as a star, her initial experience on set was quite a shock. She found herself in the wilds of Australia, waking up at 4 a.m. to film in the cold, surrounded by kangaroos and wild buffalo. Despite the challenges, Linda’s performance was widely praised, and she quickly became a household name.
Life After Crocodile Dundee
Following the massive success of Crocodile Dundee, Linda starred in the film’s sequels, Crocodile Dundee II (1988) and Crocodile Dundee in Los Angeles (2001). However, despite these successes, Linda found herself at a crossroads in her career. Although she had plenty of offers, none of the roles felt right, and she turned down many scripts, some of which she humorously referred to as “kindling” for the fire.
Linda eventually chose a different path that didn’t involve more movie roles. She met and fell in love with her Crocodile Dundee co-star, Paul Hogan. The two were married in May 1990, and the couple went on to have one son, Chance Hogan, born in 1998. Linda’s focus shifted to raising her child, and she began to distance herself from the world of Hollywood.
The End of an Era: Divorce and New Beginnings
After 23 years of marriage, Linda and Paul Hogan filed for divorce in 2014, citing “irreconcilable differences.” Despite their separation, the couple remains on good terms and shares custody of their son. Linda revealed that the divorce was amicable, and she and Paul still stay in touch regularly, often having coffee together.
The divorce marked the end of a significant chapter in Linda’s life. For years, she had lived in the shadow of her husband’s fame, but now she was ready to step into the spotlight on her own terms. In an interview, Linda stated, “I lived in Paul’s shadow for many years, and it’s nice to feel my own light right now.” She received a sizable settlement, including $6.25 million, and the rights to their shared Los Angeles home for a few years.
After the divorce, Linda decided to leave the Hollywood scene for good. She relocated to Morocco, where she found love once again with local tour guide Moulay Hafid Baba. Together, they founded a luxury travel business, Dream My Destiny, offering custom tours and personalized travel experiences to clients. Linda has spoken about the instant connection she felt with Moulay, describing it as if they had known each other for a thousand years.
Linda Kozlowski’s Life Today
Now 63 years old, Linda Kozlowski has no plans to return to acting. In an interview, she explained that her life is full in ways that acting could never offer. “Reality is better than make-believe,” she said. “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’s new business venture in Morocco allows her to enjoy a different kind of fulfillment. As a co-founder of Dream My Destiny, she helps design bespoke travel experiences for clients, guiding them through the wonders of Morocco, including the Sahara Desert. She’s found peace and purpose in this new chapter of her life and is content with the direction she’s taken.
Reflections on Her Acting Career
While Linda Kozlowski is no longer active in Hollywood, her legacy as Sue Charlton in Crocodile Dundee continues to live on. The film remains a beloved classic, and Linda’s performance is remembered fondly by fans of the movie. Despite her success, she had always been somewhat disillusioned with Hollywood’s demands. She once commented that after the fame of Crocodile Dundee, many of the roles offered to her felt unfulfilling, leading her to step away from acting.
Her decision to leave the industry and focus on her family and personal growth reflects her desire for a more meaningful life, one that wasn’t dictated by the pressures of fame. It’s clear that Linda found happiness and peace by following her passion for travel and cultural exploration.
Final Thoughts: Linda Kozlowski’s Legacy
Linda Kozlowski will forever be remembered for her iconic role in Crocodile Dundee, a film that defined an era and made her a star. But rather than continue to chase fame, Linda chose to build a life that aligned with her values and passions. Her journey demonstrates the power of reinvention and the importance of following one’s own path.
Today, Linda enjoys a fulfilling life in Morocco, where she’s dedicated to her business and her relationships. Though she’s no longer in the public eye, she remains an inspirational figure for those who believe in the possibility of new beginnings, no matter the stage of life.
Her story is a reminder that it’s never too late to embrace change, pursue your passions, and find joy in unexpected places.
