Happy 65th Birthday Linda Blair!
The iconic Actress turns 65 today, so time to celebrate!
She may be best known for one of the most shocking scenes in movie history – the “head spinning” moment in the classic horror film “The Exorcist” when little girl Regan “turns” around to address someone – without moving her body!
Yes, it’s just one of many stunning images from this classic film – so what could Actress Linda Blair do to “out do” it?
Well, when she grew up, she did THIS!
Hello, Linda!
Time to look at one of the more controversial moves that Linda Blair made in her career – her decision to pose topless in the “Gentleman’s” magazine of that era, Oui!
I will refrain from showing any of the more explicit topless pictures, but I will share a link later in the story if you choose to get more info yourself…
First, let’s look at Linda Blair’s road to her provocative photo spread!
Linda Blair’s Breakthrough Movie!
Linda Blair has had a long and acclaimed career, but she got her start in the biggest way possible – by starring in “The Exorcist” when she was just thirteen years old. She was Oscar nominated and won a Golden Globe for her performance, which is one of the most shocking performances of all time…
In the 50 years since it was released, “The Exorcist” has remained one of the most shocking films ever made….because of moments like this:
“Cue The Soup!”
The moment when Linda Blair unloads gallons of green liquid onto her guests is a legendary horror moment that never fails to shock…
Great “Exorcist” Trivia!
Here is some great trivia about the film:
The refrigerated bedroom set was cooled with four air conditioners and temperatures would plunge to around 30 to 40 below zero. It was so cold that perspiration would freeze on some of the cast and crew.
The air was saturated with moisture, resulting in a thin layer of snow once falling on the set before the crew arrived for filming!
Oh yeah, and then there is the “head turn” sequence! As you can see in this picture, Blair is holding a crucifix for all the wrong reasons…another scene that was so shocking that audience members fled the theaters when it was playing – this type of horror reaction just doesn’t happen any more!
You can read more great “Exorcist” stories here:
And now, back to some more Linda:
Making Controversial Choices!
Linda Blair took many courageous chances when she was young – such as starring in the TV movie “Born Innocent” in 1974, portraying a 14-year old girl sentenced to a women’s prison!
The film’s most notorious scene involved the rape of Blair’s character in the prison’s communal showers by a girl gang – with a plunger handle! This was the first all-female rape scene aired on American television!
Blair had a run of cult 80’s films as well, including “Savage Streets” – where she played a vigilante seeking revenge for her sister’s brutal rape and friend’s murder!
As you can see, Blair had a provocative pose in the film’s poster, as the Actress was pushing boundaries in her career.
Perhaps the most surprising choice she made was this one:
Oui! Oui!
However, in 1982 the Actress showed her most “adult” side by appearing in a photo spread for Oui magazine!
The pictures show the Actress in various stages of undress, and it was only a year later that Blair showed up in an Italian Playboy pictorial as well!
She wasn’t “little Regan” any more!
She went on to a great cult film career in movies like “Chained Heat!”
The Actress has had some personal and professional issues over the years, but she has also become an animal rights activist. Blair also devotes time to a non-profit organization she organized, the Linda Blair WorldHeart Foundation, focused on rescuing abused, neglected and mistreated animals.
Linda Blair has also written a Vegan Cookbook, and appears in various TV shows and films as well…
Bravo Linda for your varied career!
Blair wasn’t the only star who went from “innocent” to “provocative”…remember Ann Margret?
She starred with Elvis in a 60’s musical comedy, but in the early 70’s she ended up in bed with Art Garfunkel!
Read more about this sex kitten here:
Let me know what you think by leaving a comment!
Categories: 70's Cinema, Academy Awards, Action Films, Art, Awards, Books / Media, Cult Movies, Exploitation films, Golden Globes, Great Films, Grindhouse, Halloween, Hollywood, Horror films, Los Angeles, Memoirs, Movies, Obscure Movies, Revenge Movies, Sexploitation Movies, Talent/Celebrities, Uncategorized
johnrieber 
I saw The Exorcist on release here. My then girlfriend was so scared, she hid under the super-wide lapels of my jacket for most of the film. Some people did leave the cinema in disgust, but I thought it was amazing.
I knew little of what Linda Blair did after that, so happily followed your link to see more! At least it took my attention off of that atrocious permed hairstyle!
As for Ann-Margaret, now you are talking my language, John. She just got better and better as she got older. By the time I saw her in ‘Magic'(1978), I was swooning. What a figure, and what a lovely face too.
Thanks for the memories, and for the link to Linda too.
Best wishes, Pete.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Linda Blair had a surprisingly varied career…tough to do in Hollywood!
LikeLike