Linda Melson Harrison, born on July 26, 1945, in Berlin, Maryland, is an American actress and former model best known for her iconic portrayal of Nova in the legendary 1968 film “Planet of the Apes” and its sequel, “Beneath the Planet of the Apes.” With her expressive performance in a non-speaking role, Harrison captured the hearts of millions, becoming one of the most memorable faces of classic Hollywood science fiction cinema.
Beyond her breakthrough role, Linda Harrison’s journey from a small-town beauty queen to an international film star is both inspiring and timeless. She also appeared in the popular TV series “Bracken’s World” (1969–1970) and made a cameo in Tim Burton’s 2001 remake of “Planet of the Apes.” Her grace, charm, and natural talent continue to define her legacy as a beloved actress of the silver screen.
Key Fact
| Key Fact | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name/Real Name | Linda Melson Harrison |
| Birth Date/Birth Place | July 26, 1945; Berlin, Maryland, USA |
| Family Background | Daughter of Burbage Harrison (nurseryman) and Ida Virginia Melson (beautician); third of five daughters |
| School/University | Attended Stephen Decatur High School; briefly attended University of Maryland, College Park (no degree) |
| Age | 80 years (as of 2025) |
| Height | Approximately 5 ft 6 in (1.68 m) |
| Weight | Around 56 kg (123 lbs) |
Early Life of Linda Harrison
Linda Melson Harrison was born on July 26, 1945, in Berlin, Maryland, where she grew up as the third of four sisters in a close-knit family. From a young age, Linda showed a passion for the performing arts, participating in ballet, acrobatics, and stage performances by the age of six. Her natural beauty and charisma soon caught local attention, paving the way for her early success in beauty pageants — she earned titles such as Miss Berlin and Miss Delmarva, later competing in Miss Maryland and the Miss America pageant.
Driven by ambition, Harrison’s early achievements in modeling and pageantry opened doors to new opportunities. Her success caught the eye of talent scouts, leading her to pursue modeling in New York City. Her destiny changed when she was discovered by a 20th Century-Fox talent scout during the Miss International contest finals in California, marking the beginning of her remarkable journey into Hollywood stardom.
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Full name/Real name:
Linda Melson Harrison
Birth date/Birth place:
She was born on July 26, 1945, in Berlin, Maryland, USA.
Family background:
Linda Harrison is the third of five daughters born to Burbage Harrison, a nurseryman, and Ida Virginia Melson, a beautician. She grew up in a modest family setting in Maryland and participated actively in local pageants and contests during her youth.
School/University:
She attended Stephen Decatur High School in Maryland. There is no record of her attending or completing university studies, as she transitioned early into modeling and acting after high school.
Career Journey of Linda Harrison
The career journey of Linda Melson Harrison is an inspiring tale of beauty, determination, and cinematic legacy. Her breakthrough came in the late 1960s when she was discovered by 20th Century-Fox talent scouts during her time in beauty pageants. After signing with the studio, she began appearing in small television roles before landing her career-defining role as Nova in the 1968 sci-fi masterpiece “Planet of the Apes.” This performance, despite being non-verbal, showcased her exceptional ability to communicate emotion and depth through expression alone — cementing her as a memorable face in Hollywood’s Golden Age of science fiction.
During her peak years in the late 1960s and early 1970s, Linda Harrison expanded her acting range by starring in the sequel “Beneath the Planet of the Apes” (1970) and later joining the NBC drama series “Bracken’s World” (1969–1970) as a regular cast member. Her work with producer Richard D. Zanuck, whom she later married, opened doors to several prominent projects, including cameo appearances in films like Tim Burton’s 2001 remake of “Planet of the Apes.” Through her talent and timeless beauty, Harrison became an enduring symbol of classic Hollywood, leaving behind a legacy that continues to influence the science fiction genre and inspire new generations of fans.
Physical Appearance of Linda Harrison
Age:
Linda Harrison is 80 years old as of 2025, born on July 26, 1945.
Height:
She is 5 feet 6 inches (1.68 meters) tall.
Weight:
Her weight is approximately 56 kilograms (123 pounds).
Body measurement:
38-23-37
Physical attributes:
Linda Harrison has dark brown hair and dark brown eyes. She is known for her classic beauty, which contributed to her successful career in modeling and the iconic role of Nova in the “Planet of the Apes” films. Her physical presence was expressive, especially notable in roles where she conveyed emotion without dialogue.
Major Achievements of Linda Harrison
Linda Harrison’s major achievements are deeply tied to her iconic role as Nova in the legendary sci-fi film “Planet of the Apes” (1968) and its sequel, “Beneath the Planet of the Apes” (1970). Her silent yet expressive portrayal of Nova made her a memorable figure in cinematic history, earning her recognition as one of the most captivating characters in science fiction. This role not only defined her career but also secured her a place in Hollywood’s golden era of the late 1960s.
Beyond her landmark performance, Harrison’s versatility and enduring appeal led to appearances in several notable projects, including a cameo in Tim Burton’s 2001 remake of “Planet of the Apes.” She also gained popularity for her role in the NBC television series “Bracken’s World” (1969–1970).
Personal Life of Linda Harrison
Family:
Linda Harrison is the third of five daughters born to Burbage Harrison, a nurseryman, and Ida Virginia Melson, a beautician. She was married to film producer Richard D. Zanuck from October 26, 1969, to January 23, 1978. The couple had two sons, Harrison Richard Zanuck (born 1971) and Dean Francis Zanuck (born 1972).
Nationality:
She is American.
Religion:
Christianity
Ethnicity:
Linda Harrison is of English-Irish descent.
Marital status/Relationship:
Divorced from Richard D. Zanuck.
Net worth:
Her estimated net worth is between $1 million and $2 million.
Interesting Facts About Linda Harrison
- Pageant Queen Beginnings – Before acting, Linda Harrison won several beauty contests, including Miss Berlin and Miss Delmarva, and was the first runner-up in Miss Maryland.
- Discovered Through Pageants – Her Hollywood journey began when a 20th Century-Fox talent scout discovered her during the Miss International contest in California.
- Iconic Non-Speaking Role – Harrison’s character Nova in “Planet of the Apes” became legendary for being one of the most expressive silent performances in film history.
- Hollywood Power Couple – She was married to producer Richard D. Zanuck, who produced blockbusters like Jaws and Driving Miss Daisy.
Conclusion: The Enduring Legacy of Linda Harrison
Linda Harrison’s journey from a small-town beauty queen in Maryland to a Hollywood icon in science fiction history is truly inspirational. Her portrayal of Nova in the “Planet of the Apes” franchise continues to captivate audiences even decades later, proving that impact in cinema isn’t always measured by words but by presence and emotion. Through grace, determination, and timeless beauty, Linda carved a special place for herself in the entertainment industry.
Beyond her memorable film roles, Linda Harrison’s legacy lives on as a symbol of classic Hollywood charm and perseverance.
FAQs About Linda Harrison
1. Who is Linda Harrison?
Linda Harrison is an American actress and model, best known for playing Nova in the “Planet of the Apes” films (1968 and 1970).
2. What is Linda Harrison’s most famous role?
Her most iconic role is Nova, the silent yet expressive character in the original Planet of the Apes movies.
3. Was Linda Harrison married?
Yes, she was married to film producer Richard D. Zanuck from 1969 to 1978, and they had two children together.
4. Did Linda Harrison appear in the 2001 remake of “Planet of the Apes”?
Yes, she made a cameo appearance in Tim Burton’s 2001 remake of Planet of the Apes.
