Legendary “Terminator” star Linda Hamilton captivated audiences for decades, not just with her fierce role but with her unapologetic embrace of aging. See how the Hollywood icon has transformed over the years in these striking photos.

When Linda Hamilton first took on her role in “The Terminator,” released in 1984, she never imagined the impact it would have on her life and career. Known for her intensity and striking looks, she transformed from an aspiring Shakespearean actress into an unexpected action star.

Reflecting on the change, she once mentioned that she had never anticipated becoming known for action-adventure roles. “Did I think I was going to become an action-adventure star? Not once! I was going to be a Shakespearean actress, and with ‘Terminator,’ it all took a left turn,” she shared.

In the film, the actress played an ordinary woman thrust into extraordinary circumstances, hunted by a relentless cyborg from the future, played by Arnold Schwarzenegger. As Sarah Connor, Hamilton spent much of her screen time on the run, surviving by sheer will and determination.

However, the demanding role took its toll on her mental health. The actress later revealed that the experience left her battling depression and haunted by vivid dreams about her robotic foe, long after the cameras stopped rolling.

Hamilton could never have predicted the global phenomenon the film would become, nor that she would be called back to reprise her role years later in “Terminator 2.”

This time, she demanded a shift in her character, wanting to portray Sarah not as a damsel but as a fiercely determined, albeit slightly unhinged, warrior. Director James Cameron eagerly wrote the role to meet her expectations, diving deeper into Sarah’s complex psyche.

Behind the scenes, Hamilton’s personal battles were just as intense. She dealt with mental health struggles from a young age, grappling with depression that began in her childhood and went unnoticed for years.

The actress recalled feeling different from others, struggling silently after losing her father at the tender age of five. Although she described her childhood as generally happy, it was also marred by unexpected outbursts of anger and a sense of isolation that continued into her teenage years.

Acting, which she initially saw as an escape, eventually compounded her struggles, leading her to substance abuse as she sought solace in drugs and alcohol to cope with her emotional turmoil.

Hamilton’s distaste for Hollywood’s relentless pace prompted her to step away from the spotlight. Nearly three decades ago, she left Los Angeles for a quieter life, choosing a ranch in Virginia where she focused on caring for her family.

She later relocated to New Orleans, embracing a life far removed from the industry that had both elevated and exhausted her. Hamilton often expressed that it wasn’t the work she disliked, but the unrealistic pressures and obsession with appearance that came with it.

To her, the aging process was a natural, inevitable journey, one she accepted with grace. The star shared that she felt no need to conform to Hollywood’s standards, emphasizing that skin is only a small part of who we are.

Acknowledging that the years have visibly transformed her, the actress has been vocal about embracing her age and the experiences that have shaped her.

“Of course, people are going to look at me and say, ‘Oh, she got old.’ Yes, I did, and I have so much more to say as a strong, experienced, life-ridden woman,” the Hollywood star shared.

In her words, she proudly declared that she had no desire to chase the past, choosing instead to celebrate her present self. For the Hollywood veteran, it was no longer about trying to match her former image — it was about embracing her evolving identity with authenticity and strength.

As she approaches turning 68, take a look at how Linda Hamilton, the actress many regard as “iconic,” transformed over the years, showcasing how she remained just as beautiful as time went on.