From Toronto to the West End: The enduring career of actress Linda Thorson
In short: Born Linda Robinson in Toronto, Linda Thorson became a household name in Britain as Tara King in the iconic series The Avengers. Yet, her career spans far beyond that singular role, encompassing decades of diverse performances in film, television, and prestigious stage productions across both London and Broadway.
Linda Thorson, born Linda Robinson on June 18, 1947, moved from Canada to England in 1965 to pursue formal acting training. She graduated from the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art on July 1, 1967, earning an Honours Diploma that recognized her skills in both speaking and singing. Her professional surname is derived from the latter half of Bergthorson, the name of her first husband, Barry Bergthorson, whom she married in 1964 and divorced in 1970.
Thorson achieved widespread recognition for her role as Tara King in the final series of the British adventure show The Avengers, where she starred alongside Patrick Macnee. Although she did not return for the subsequent revival, The New Avengers, her partnership with Macnee remained a notable chapter in television history. Following this, she built an extensive resume in character acting, appearing in projects ranging from the cult horror film Curtains to the daytime drama One Life to Live, where she played Julia Wheaton Medina from 1989 to 1992. Her versatility also led her to science fiction, notably portraying the Cardassian commander Gul Ocett in a 1993 episode of Star Trek: The Next Generation.
Beyond the screen, Thorson has maintained a robust presence in theater. Her stage credits include Broadway appearances in Steaming and Noises Off!, as well as a 1971 West End success in No Sex Please, We're British. She has tackled classical and contemporary roles alike, from Titania in A Midsummer Night's Dream at Regent's Park to the 2013 production of August: Osage County. In addition to acting, she has explored production, notably producing the play The Goodbye Bird in 2013. Her personal life has seen several marriages, including to news anchor Bill Boggs and production designer Gavin Mitchell, reflecting a life lived as dynamically off-stage as it has been on.
Throughout the 2000s, Thorson continued to take on varied roles, including a Supreme Court Justice in the 2002 film Half Past Dead and the villainous Rosemary King in the ITV series Emmerdale between 2006 and 2007. Her career remains a testament to sustained professional longevity, bridging the gap between mid-century British television and modern international stage and screen work.
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