Linda Blair (born January 22, 1959) is an American actress, universally recognized for her iconic role as Regan MacNeil in the classic horror film *The Exorcist* (1973). Her portrayal of the possessed young girl, critically acclaimed for its intensity and credibility, earned her an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actress and a Golden Globe Award, solidifying her as a key figure in the genre.

This role, while bringing her worldwide fame, also heavily typecast her. Subsequently, her career was predominantly marked by horror and B-movies, such as *Exorcist II: The Heretic* (1977) and *Chained Heat* (1983). Blair often portrayed vulnerable or tormented characters, often linked to the supernatural or extreme situations, remaining an icon of horror cinema.