The Canadian Encyclopedia — neutral, cited, updated
July 27, 2026Sources cited
Canadianwire.
Canada’s encyclopedia & explainer
Home›Entertainment›Film›Linda Blair
Entertainment • Film

Linda Blair

Linda Blair is an American actress and animal-rights activist best known for playing Regan MacNeil in *The Exorcist* (1973).

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 27, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Linda Blair is an American actress and animal-rights activist best known for playing Regan MacNeil in *The Exorcist* (1973). Her performance in the film earned her a Golden Globe Award and an Academy Award nomination, and she later reprised the role in sequel and franchise entries. She also founded the Linda Blair WorldHeart Foundation in 2004 to support rescue-animal rehabilitation and adoption.

Early life and career

Linda Blair was born in 1959 in St. Louis, Missouri, and began working as a child model and actress before becoming internationally known in the early 1970s.

Breakthrough with *The Exorcist*

Blair’s portrayal of Regan MacNeil in *The Exorcist* made her a major figure in horror cinema and brought her major awards recognition.

Later acting work

After *The Exorcist*, Blair continued acting in film and television, including horror-related projects and hosting work on reality television.

Animal-rights activism

Blair shifted much of her public focus toward animal welfare and founded the Linda Blair WorldHeart Foundation in 2004.

Key facts

  • Began acting as a child and became widely known for *The Exorcist* (1973).
  • Played Regan MacNeil in *The Exorcist*, *Exorcist II: The Heretic* (1977), and *The Exorcist: Believer* (2023).
  • Won a Golden Globe Award for her role in *The Exorcist* and was nominated for an Academy Award.
  • Hosted *Scariest Places on Earth* from 2000 to 2006.
  • Founded the Linda Blair WorldHeart Foundation in 2004 to aid rescue animals.
🍁
Canadian context

Linda Blair is relevant to Canadian readers through the international popularity of *The Exorcist* and its sequels, which have remained part of horror film culture in Canada as elsewhere.

Frequently asked questions

Who is Linda Blair best known for playing?
She is best known for playing Regan MacNeil in *The Exorcist* (1973).
What awards did Linda Blair receive for *The Exorcist*?
She won a Golden Globe Award and received an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actress.
Did Linda Blair return to the *Exorcist* franchise?
Yes. She reprised Regan MacNeil in *Exorcist II: The Heretic* (1977) and appeared again in *The Exorcist: Believer* (2023).
What is the Linda Blair WorldHeart Foundation?
It is a nonprofit organization she founded in 2004 to rehabilitate and help adopt rescue animals.
What kind of work has Linda Blair done outside acting?
She has been active in animal-rights advocacy and has also hosted television programs such as *Scariest Places on Earth*.

References

  1. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Linda_Blair
    Supports: Birth name, birth date, birthplace, major roles, awards, activism, foundation, TV hosting, sequel appearances.
  2. Turner Classic Movies — https://www.tcm.com/tcmdb/person/17048%7C99323/Linda-Blair/
    Supports: Early acclaim for *The Exorcist* and Academy Award nomination.
  3. The Independent — https://www.the-independent.com/arts-entertainment/films/features/linda-blair-exorcist-believer-b2424636.html
    Supports: Animal-rights activism and 2004 foundation reference.
  4. ReMIND Magazine — https://www.remindmagazine.com/article/39234/linda-blair-now/
    Supports: Career overview, child acting, later appearance in *The Exorcist: Believer*, and animal charity work.