'Terminator' star Linda Hamilton on why she ditched Hollywood – and what lured her back According to Netflix , Hamilton plays a character named Dr. Kay, the "new head scientist overseeing the military occupation in Hawkins." The streamer describes her as a "smart," "intimidating" woman who "ruthlessly pursues her goals" as she hunts down Eleven, played by Millie Bobby Brown . Speaking to Variety , Hamilton revealed she was dealing with a "really bad hip problem" and considering retiring from acting before she was offered the role on "Stranger Things." Comic-Con: Linda Hamilton rocks new 'Terminator: Dark Fate' as 'a woman of a certain age' "I was like, I just can't tough it out anymore," she told the outlet. "And of course. my agent was like, 'Oh. you don't mean that.' Then he calls me, and he says '"Stranger Things" called and asked if you were available. And I said yes.' So I laughed at that, like, no one takes me seriously at all. He signed me up for a year." If you purchase through our links, the USA Today Network may earn a commission. Prices were accurate at the time of publication but may change. Featured Weekly Ad Source: https://www.usatoday.com/story/entertainment/celebrities/2025/11/26/linda-hamilton-aging-stranger-things/87480112007/