But unlike many aspiring actors who simply dream, Linda committed herself to the craft with an extraordinary seriousness. That determination would lead her to one of the single most important decisions of her young life.

Juilliard: The Beginning of Real Transformation
When Linda applied to the Juilliard School — one of the most competitive performing arts conservatories in the world — she knew the odds were slim. Thousands applied; few were selected. Yet her audition stood out. Her presence was strong, her voice grounded, and her emotional clarity beyond her years. She was accepted, a moment that changed her entire trajectory.
Her time at Juilliard was both exhilarating and exhausting. Days were long, nights were intense, and she was surrounded by brilliant peers who constantly pushed her to evolve. She learned discipline, emotional precision, vocal technique, movement, and — perhaps most importantly — the resilience required to survive the entertainment industry.
Graduating in 1981, she stepped into the world of professional acting with exceptional training, a sharpened skill set, and a deep sense of purpose.
New York Theatre: Art, Hardship, and Humility
Linda’s early years in New York were a combination of thrilling opportunities and sobering struggles. She landed roles in off-Broadway and Broadway productions, often performing in front of small but passionate audiences. She sang, she danced, she acted in musicals, dramas, and experimental plays.
Her stage career included:
- A series of off-Broadway musicals that showcased her vocal strength
- Supporting roles in Broadway productions with well-known directors
- A steady stream of television appearances, including the acclaimed TV adaptation of Death of a Salesman
It was during Death of a Salesman that she met Dustin Hoffman, the legendary actor who became an unexpected mentor and friend. Hoffman saw something special in her — not just talent, but sincerity and a quiet confidence that he believed would one day take her far.
A Mentor’s Support — and a Period of Uncertainty
Despite her talent and training, Linda encountered the same harsh reality that thousands of actors face every year: auditions weren’t translating into stable work. Roles were inconsistent. Casting directors were fickle. Bills piled up. She worked part-time jobs, including waitressing, just to stay afloat.

During this challenging chapter, Dustin Hoffman extended a generous hand: he offered her a place to stay in his Malibu beach home. The gesture wasn’t one of pity — it was a belief in her potential, a belief that she deserved the space and support to find the role that would define her career.
Linda moved to California, carrying with her:
- determination forged in New York
- training sharpened by Juilliard
- and a deepening desire to find a role worthy of her abilities
Then, almost unexpectedly, the opportunity arrived.
The Role That Changed Everything: Sue Charlton in Crocodile Dundee
Dustin Hoffman had heard about casting for a new adventure-comedy film being shot partly in Australia. He thought Linda would be perfect for the female lead — an intelligent, adventurous American reporter sent to the Australian Outback.
Hoffman encouraged her to audition.
Linda’s chemistry with Paul Hogan, the film’s star and writer, was instant. She read with confidence, humor, and charisma. Directors loved her. Producers loved her. She won the role.
When Crocodile Dundee premiered in 1986, everything changed.
The film became:
- a global box-office sensation
- a cultural phenomenon
- one of the highest-grossing films of its decade
On a budget of around $10 million, it earned nearly $320 million worldwide. Linda Kozlowski, almost overnight, went from struggling actress to international star.
Hollywood Opens Its Doors — But Offers the Wrong Keys
After Crocodile Dundee, Linda’s future seemed limitless. Studios knew her name. Fans adored her. She was praised for her comedic timing, emotional depth, and natural screen presence.
Yet Hollywood didn’t know what to do with her. Most of the scripts sent her way were shallow roles:
- the girlfriend of the funny male lead
- the pretty side character with little storyline
- the forgettable romantic interest
Linda rejected many of these offers, unwilling to compromise on artistic integrity. She had trained too hard, worked too long, and believed too deeply in meaningful performance to accept roles that reduced her to decoration.

Though she starred in the Dundee sequels, she could feel Hollywood’s interest shifting when she refused to conform.
Leaving Hollywood: A Courageous, Quiet Exit
By the mid-2000s, Linda understood something that many actors never realize until too late: Hollywood wasn’t designed for her fulfillment. Fame didn’t equal happiness. The spotlight didn’t equal purpose.
She stepped away.
No scandal. No bitterness. No dramatic farewell.
Simply a quiet act of self-preservation.
She traded the noise and pressure of Hollywood for something she had never truly experienced: peace.
A Love Story Behind the Scenes
While filming the Dundee movies, Linda and Paul Hogan developed a deep connection that eventually evolved into a lasting romance. They married in 1990 and welcomed their son, Chance, in 1998.
Their marriage endured for many years, but ultimately, they grew apart. In 2014, they finalized their divorce — a difficult yet respectful chapter that marked the end of one era and the beginning of another.
The Beginning of a New Life — Far From Film Sets
After her divorce, Linda made a bold, life-changing decision: she moved to Morocco. The vibrant colors, rich culture, ancient streets, and warm spirit of the people drew her in instantly.
In Marrakech, she met Moulay Hafid Baba, a charismatic and knowledgeable local tour guide. Their connection was effortless, sincere, and transformative. They soon became partners in both life and business.
Together, they founded Dream My Destiny, a luxury travel company specializing in personal, intimate, and culturally rich travel experiences.
It was a world away from red carpets, but finally — Linda felt at home.
When Linda Kozlowski stepped off the plane and into the warm Moroccan air for the first time, she had no idea that her life was about to unfold in a direction she never expected. What began as a trip meant only for reflection eventually evolved into the foundation of a new identity — one not shaped by Hollywood, but by human connection, adventure, and a rediscovered sense of inner peace.
A New Beginning in a Land of Color and Spirit
Morocco, with its ancient Medina walls, bustling souks, mountain landscapes, and soothing desert horizons, captivated Linda immediately. After years of pressure, public scrutiny, and relentless expectations, the country felt like an exhale she never knew she needed.
Where Hollywood demanded perfection, Marrakech offered authenticity.
Where the industry asked for performance, Morocco asked for presence.
Where fame had placed her under harsh lights, the desert sun embraced her warmth.
It was in this unfamiliar yet deeply comforting environment that Linda began rebuilding — not out of necessity, but out of a desire to finally live life on her own terms.
