Linda Blair catapulted into stardom at the tender age of 14 with her iconic role in "The Exorcist," one of the most chilling films in horror history.
However, the success came at a significant cost, as she grappled with the aftermath of her portrayal and the alleged curse that surrounded the film.
Despite her undeniable talent and critical acclaim for her performance as Regan MacNeil, Blair's career failed to flourish as expected. Beginning her career at the age of five as a model, Blair had already gained popularity through Macy's catalogs and The New York Times advertisements.
Selected among 600 applicants for "The Exorcist," Blair's outstanding performance earned her an Oscar nomination and a Golden Globe Award. However, the film's overwhelming success led to unsettling real-life consequences. Reports of fainting, vomiting, heart attacks, and even a spontaneous abortion among viewers circulated after its premiere.
Being the face of the demonized character brought a different kind of horror into Blair's life. She faced harassment from religious groups and fanatics who considered her possessed. Threats of kidnapping forced her into hiding, and Warner provided her with bodyguards for six months.
Haunted by the trauma of the public's inability to separate her from the demonic role, Blair and her family made the difficult decision to relocate multiple times to escape the relentless scrutiny. Meanwhile, her career took a hit, with roles in low-quality productions like "Born Innocent" and "Sweet Kidnapping."
As Blair's real-life drama unfolded, she entered into controversial relationships, adding further s--ndal to her already tumultuous journey. Dating musician Rick Springfield, ten years her senior, and later guitarist Gary Rossington of Lynyrd Skynyrd, brought public attention and judgment.
A police raid during a funeral in 1977 resulted in Blair facing charges of drug possession and sale. Sentenced to three years of probation, she spent nine months in a rehabilitation center. The sequel to "The Exorcist," titled "The Heretic," received negative reviews, criticizing Blair's appearance. Struggling with depression, she sought solace in a psychiatric hospital.
Her relationship with musician Rick James in 1981, known for his notorious lifestyle, further distanced her from mainstream Hollywood. Accepting roles in B movies and erotic thrillers, Blair posed nude for Playboy in an attempt to reclaim her image.
Linda Blair's journey after "The Exorcist" serves as a poignant reminder of the complexities that accompany sudden fame and the challenges of navigating the blurred lines between fiction and reality.
