Linda Harrison, a native of Berlin, Maryland, began her journey to stardom at the tender age of 16, when she was crowned Miss Berlin. This early success led her to pursue a career in modeling in New York's Garment Center, where she honed her skills and gained valuable experience.
However, it wasn't long before Linda's homesickness for her native Maryland got the better of her, and she returned to her roots. It was during this time that she entered and won the state beauty pageant, a triumph that would ultimately lead her to greater things.
The turning point in Linda's career came when she competed in the Miss International contest, held in Long Beach, California. It was during the finals that she caught the eye of talent scout Mike Medavoy, who was so impressed with her talent and charisma that he presented her to 20th Century-Fox.
Throughout her years at Fox, Linda appeared in a string of successful films, including the iconic Planet of the Apes series. Her co-star in the franchise was Charlton Heston, with whom she developed a close friendship.
In addition to her acting career, Linda was also known for her high-profile personal life. She dated Richard D. Zanuck, the studio boss at Fox, and the two were married in 1968. The couple remained together until their divorce in 1978, but Linda has since appeared in three of Zanuck's films.
Despite the ups and downs of her personal life, Linda has remained a beloved figure in the entertainment industry, and her legacy continues to inspire new generations of actors and actresses.