Linda Hamilton is a seasoned actress who has captivated audiences with her talent and on-screen presence. With a career spanning several decades, she has become an iconic figure in the world of film and television. Hamilton is well-known among the masses for playing the role of Catherine Chandler in the television series Beauty and the Beast (1987–1990). But it looks like with time the on-screen princess decided to get some real action.
The above statement is well-proven by Hamilton’s presence in the sci-fi action franchise The Terminator. Her portrayal of strong and empowered women in the franchise has made a lasting impact on pop culture, solidifying her status as a beloved and influential actress. But it looks like this path of working in The Terminator films was not that rosy for the Children of the Corn star as Hamilton ended up busting her ear permanently during the shooting of Terminator 2: Judgment Day.
Linda Hamilton Justified Her Remarkable Role in The Terminator Franchise
Linda Hamilton‘s portrayal of Sarah Connor in The Terminator franchise has left an indelible mark on the world of cinema. As Sarah Connor, Hamilton brought to life a character who evolved from a vulnerable waitress to a resilient and determined warrior. Her transformation throughout the series is palpable, with Hamilton embodying the physical and emotional strength required to face a dystopian future threatened by advanced machines.
Hamilton’s justified portrayal of Sarah Connor has made an indelible mark on the world of cinema. Her character has become an icon, symbolizing female empowerment and resilience. Her performance has transcended the boundaries of the Terminator franchise, solidifying her status as a beloved and influential character.
Linda Hamilton Damaged Her Ear Permanently During Judgment Day Shooting
During the production of any action movie, stunts and intense scenes are common, and safety becomes paramount to avoid accidents and injuries. For Linda Hamilton, the carelessness in simply wearing personal protective equipment (PPE) led to a significant problem down the line. In Terminator 2, Hamilton forgot to wear ear protection during a scene involving shotgun blasts in a closed space. Hamilton recounted the incident, explaining how the noise became unbearable and caused excruciating pain.
“To this day I have serious hearing loss in one ear. We were shooting a scene in an elevator and I’d forgotten to put my earplugs in. The doors closed, we had shotguns and started blasting, and suddenly I was in agony. I fell to my knees in pain. I thought I’d been shot. That was how bad it was. I knew we weren’t using real ammunition, that they were squibs, little explosives that double for bullets, but I was sure that something has misfired and I’d been hit by shrapnel or something.”
Despite the agony, Hamilton chose to continue filming, determined to fulfill her professional responsibilities.
“The noise was so intense, so extreme, I’ll never forget it. So I fell to the ground, but thought ‘shit, nobody’s noticing, nobody’s stopping,’ so I got back up again, picked up my gun, and kept on going. That was the professional thing to do. But it hurt like Hell.”
Unaware of the full extent of the incident, Linda Hamilton continued to work, overlooking the permanent damage she had sustained. It was later revealed that she suffered hearing loss in one ear, a condition that would remain with her for life. However, this one particular accident didn’t stop the prominent actress from reprising her role in the franchise in the future.
Terminator 2: Judgment Day is available on Netflix.
Source: Blockbuster