Who Is Linda Thorson and Why Her Career Still Inspires
Ever notice how some actors shine brightly for a moment and then quietly disappear, while others seem to glide through decades with steady grace? Linda Thorson belongs firmly in the second group. She’s best known to many as Tara King from the classic spy series The Avengers, but that role was only the opening chapter of a career that has stretched nearly six decades.

Linda Thorson’s story isn’t about clinging to past glory. It’s about growth, adaptability, and a genuine love for the craft. From television and film to theater and international productions, she has kept moving forward, proving that longevity in entertainment is built on curiosity and courage.

Growing Up in Toronto With Big Dreams
Born Linda Robinson in Toronto, Canada, she was the second of four children in a household shaped by discipline and education. Her father taught mathematics and physics, which meant logic and structure were part of daily life. Yet Linda felt the pull of something more expressive.

She attended the prestigious Bishop Strachan School, where academics and creativity met. Even as a teenager, she knew she wanted to perform. Acting wasn’t just a hobby; it felt like a calling. That clarity set the stage for one of the boldest decisions of her life.

A Fearless Leap Across the Atlantic
At just 18 years old, Linda packed her bags and moved to England in 1965. Imagine doing that today, let alone in the 1960s. Her goal was clear: train seriously and give acting a real shot. She enrolled at the legendary Royal Academy of Dramatic Art, known as RADA, one of the toughest drama schools in the world.

She didn’t just attend; she excelled. Graduating in 1967 with an Honours Diploma, she also earned recognition for her speaking ability and soprano singing voice. That mix of discipline and talent put her in the right place at exactly the right time.

Landing the Role That Changed Everything
Only months after graduating, Linda found herself auditioning for a role that would define an era. Producers of The Avengers were searching for a new partner for John Steed after the departure of Diana Rigg. The shoes were enormous, and expectations were sky-high.

Against hundreds of hopefuls, Linda was chosen. At just 20 years old, she became Tara King, bringing youthful energy, intelligence, and charm to the show’s final season from 1968 to 1969. Interestingly, she even helped choose the character’s name, blending cinematic romance with strength.

Audience reactions were mixed at first, which is hardly surprising when replacing a beloved character. Still, Linda held her ground. She didn’t try to copy what came before. Instead, she made Tara King her own.

Moving Beyond a Single Iconic Role
Many actors struggle to escape the shadow of a famous character. Linda Thorson took a different approach. Once The Avengers ended, she leaned into variety. Theater, film, television, and international work all became part of her professional life.

Building a Strong Stage Career
On stage, she thrived. In London’s West End, she starred in the hit comedy No Sex Please, We’re British in 1971. Broadway followed, and in 1982 she earned a Theatre World Award for Steaming. Later, she delighted audiences in productions like Noises Off!, showcasing her impeccable comic timing.

Working with institutions such as the Royal Shakespeare Company and the Old Vic, she proved she could handle classical drama just as comfortably as farce. Her versatility became one of her greatest strengths.

A Steady Presence in Film and Television
Film roles came steadily over the years. She appeared in Valentino, The Greek Tycoon, and the cult horror film Curtains. In the 2000s, she surprised audiences again by playing a Supreme Court Justice in Half Past Dead.

Television remained a constant companion. She had a long-running role on One Life to Live, appeared in Star Trek: The Next Generation as a Cardassian commander, stirred drama in the British soap Emmerdale, and later charmed new generations in Canadian series like Emily of New Moon and Schitt’s Creek.

Life Off-Screen and Personal Resilience
Linda’s personal life carried as many chapters as her career. She married four times, including a long marriage to American broadcaster Bill Boggs, with whom she shares a son, Trevor. Family has always remained central to her identity.

She has also faced deep loss, including the deaths of her mother and sister. Rather than retreating, she carried on with resilience, allowing life experience to deepen her performances. Today, she divides her time between Canada and international projects, staying grounded and engaged.

Staying Relevant in a Changing Industry
What’s remarkable is not just how long Linda Thorson has worked, but how she has stayed relevant. In the 2020s, she appeared in The Hardy Boys as Gloria Estabrook across multiple seasons, took roles in projects like Lion Versus the Little People, and continued appearing in television films and stage productions.

Even in her late seventies, she chooses roles that spark interest rather than chasing exposure. Her energy feels less like nostalgia and more like quiet confidence.

Why Linda Thorson’s Journey Matters
Linda Thorson’s career is a reminder that success isn’t about a single defining moment. It’s about momentum. One brave decision to leave home led to another opportunity, then another, until a full, rich career took shape.

She adapted to new genres, new countries, and new audiences without losing her sense of self. That adaptability is the real lesson hidden in her story.

Conclusion: A Career Built on Courage and Curiosity
From a determined young woman leaving Toronto to a seasoned performer still lighting up screens and stages, Linda Thorson’s journey is a masterclass in longevity. She didn’t just ride a wave of fame. She learned to swim in changing tides.

Her legacy isn’t limited to Tara King or any single role. It lives in her willingness to evolve, her respect for the craft, and her quiet refusal to step aside simply because time passed. In an industry obsessed with the new, Linda Thorson proves that experience, when paired with passion, never goes out of style.