In the vibrant, neon-soaked landscape of the 1980s, few cinematic figures captured the global imagination quite like Sue Charlton. As the sophisticated New York journalist who ventured into the unforgiving Australian Outback, she didn’t just find a story; she found herself mesmerized by the rugged charm of Mick “Crocodile” Dundee. The actress behind that iconic role, Linda Kozlowski, became an overnight sensation.
With her blonde hair, piercing gaze, and a pedigree forged at the world-renowned Juilliard School, she seemed destined for the highest echelons of Hollywood royalty.
Yet, if you were to scan the red carpets of Los Angeles or the call sheets of major studios today, you would find a conspicuous absence. Linda Kozlowski did not merely fade away into the obscurity of “where are they now” trivia; she chose to vanish, trading the manufactured glamour of Tinseltown for the ancient, spice-scented winds of Marrakech. Her journey from a Connecticut theater student to a Moroccan travel mogul is a masterclass in reclaiming one’s narrative after the world has already tried to write the ending.
Born on January 7, 1958, in Fairfield, Connecticut, Linda’s early life was defined by a rigorous, almost monastic dedication to the craft of acting. Unlike many starlets of her era who relied primarily on aesthetic appeal to open doors, Kozlowski was a serious student of the stage. Earning a coveted spot in the theater program at Juilliard was no small feat, and graduating in 1981 solidified her status as a formidable talent.
Her early career was built on the boards of off-Broadway theaters, where she honed her skills in demanding, gritty productions that required more than just a pretty face.
This dedication eventually led her to Broadway and a significant role in the television adaptation of Arthur Miller’s “Death of a Salesman.” It was there that she worked alongside the legendary Dustin Hoffman, a partnership that would prove to be the pivotal axis upon which her life would turn.
Despite her undeniable talent and prestigious education, the path to stardom was initially paved with the mundane struggles of a working artist. After the curtain closed on “Death of a Salesman,” Linda found herself in the classic New York struggle, waiting tables to make ends meet. Sensing her potential and recognizing her grit, Hoffman stepped in not just as a mentor, but as a benefactor. He and his wife invited her to stay at their Malibu beach house in California, providing the stability and mental space she needed to pursue high-level auditions without the crushing weight of financial insecurity. It was during this stay that Hoffman, impressed by her range, recommended her for a quirky Australian project called “Crocodile Dundee.”
When Linda stepped into the role of Sue Charlton, the chemistry between her and her co-star, Paul Hogan, was palpable—a lightning-in-a-bottle connection that translated perfectly to the screen. The film was a gargantuan success, grossing over $320 million on a shoestring budget of just $10 million. Virtually overnight, Kozlowski was a household name. In Australia, the fervor was even more intense; the film’s early release made her a national treasure before she had even fully processed the magnitude of her fame in the United States. However, this sudden fame brought with it a frustrating paradox. While she was globally recognized, Hollywood executives struggled to see past her “girlfriend” archetype. She was frequently offered roles that were two-dimensional and flat, relegated to being the romantic foil for comic actors—a far cry from the complex, psychologically layered theatrical work she had mastered at Juilliard.
Disenchanted with the industry’s penchant for typecasting and the alarming lack of substantial scripts for women, Linda eventually made a choice that few in her position would dare: she walked away. Following the third installment of the “Dundee” series, she stepped out of the limelight, choosing her creative integrity over a comfortable paycheck. This period of her life was also defined by her real-life romance with Paul Hogan. The pair married in 1990, becoming one of the most talked-about power couples of the decade. They welcomed a son, Chance, in 1998, and for many years, they lived a relatively private life, insulating their family from the relentless glare of the paparazzi. However, as with many high-profile Hollywood romances, the flame eventually flickered out, and the couple filed for divorce in 2014.
The end of her marriage did not signal a retreat, but rather the beginning of a true metamorphosis. Armed with a newfound sense of autonomy and the wisdom of her years in the spotlight, Linda began to travel, seeking a place that resonated with her soul rather than her public image. That search led her to the North African kingdom of Morocco. In the labyrinthine alleys of the medinas and the sweeping, majestic vistas of the Atlas Mountains, she met Moulay Hafid Baba. A native tour guide with an expert knowledge of the land’s hidden treasures and a deep respect for its history, Baba provided Linda with a perspective on life that felt more authentic than anything she had experienced in the hills of California.
The connection between them was more than romantic; it was a professional synergy born of shared passion. Together, they founded “Dream My Destiny,” a luxury boutique travel agency based in Marrakech. The agency reflects Linda’s own transition, focusing on bespoke, soul-stirring itineraries that shun typical tourist traps in favor of deep cultural immersion and spiritual connection. Linda discovered that the intuition she had developed during her years of character study was actually her greatest asset in the travel industry. She could “read” her clients, understanding their unspoken desires and crafting experiences that felt like a personalized film script, with the breathtaking landscapes of Morocco as the backdrop.
Today, in 2026, Linda Kozlowski looks remarkably different than the woman who waded through the billabongs in 1986, yet she carries a radiance that comes from genuine, hard-won fulfillment. She has swapped the stifling scrutiny of the film industry for a life of boundless adventure and entrepreneurship. Living in Marrakech, she is surrounded by vibrant colors, ancient history, and a partner who sees her for who she truly is, not the character she played three decades ago. She often remarks that real life is far more rewarding than fiction. In the desert heat of Morocco, the “Girl from New York” finally found her true home.
Linda’s legacy as Sue Charlton remains a beloved part of cinema history, a nostalgic touchstone for millions who grew up in the eighties. But for Linda herself, that role was merely the first act of a much larger play. Her story serves as a powerful reminder that it is never too late to exit a stage that no longer serves your growth. By moving from the silver screen to the golden sands of Morocco, she proved that the most interesting story isn’t the one written for you by a studio executive—it’s the one you have the courage to write for yourself. She may have been the world’s crush in the 1980s, but today, she has earned the world’s respect for having the strength to live life entirely on her own terms.
