In 1971, the legendary Lynda Day George stepped into the world of espionage as Lisa Casey in the groundbreaking television series Mission: Impossible. Known for her incredible talent in disguise, she quickly became a fan favorite. “I absolutely adored working on Mission: Impossible because each episode was like a brand-new adventure. They were all so much fun,” Lynda, now 76, shares with Closer.
Revolutionizing Female Roles in Television
Lynda’s portrayal of Lisa Casey earned her nominations for both an Emmy and a Golden Globe. She believes her role helped pave the way for more complex female characters in television, especially during the Cold War era. “I think we started seeing more individualized and authentic roles for women. Casting women wasn’t just about filling a quota; it was about bringing depth and substance to the screen,” she explains.
A Versatile Career Spanning Decades
Beyond her time on Mission: Impossible, Lynda’s career is marked by memorable performances across various iconic TV series. She graced the sets of Route 66, Mannix, The Fugitive, The Love Boat, Wonder Woman,
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Joining the Cast of Mission: Impossible
What was it like finding out you’d landed your role on Mission: Impossible?
“That was the moment I realized I was truly becoming an actress. My agent kept emphasizing that it wasn’t just another role—it was joining a series. I couldn’t wrap my head around it! I had just wrapped up a show and had plans for another project the following week, so it didn’t seem real at first,” Lynda recalls with a laugh.
Comparing Then and Now: The Modern Mission: Impossible
What do you think of the modern Tom Cruise Mission: Impossible movies?
“Oh, it’s a completely different animal now. Tom Cruise does an incredible job, but it’s not the Mission: Impossible I knew and loved back in the day,” she muses.
Lynda Day George and Tom Cruise.
A Journey to Acting
Did you always want to become an actress?
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Not at all. Growing up, my dream was to become a doctor or a healer. It was my mom who nudged me in a different direction. When I was 12, she entered me into a beauty contest—it didn’t matter how young you were back then.
But you were so young!
“Yes, and let me tell you, walking in a bathing suit and high heels wasn’t exactly my forte! [Laughs] I must’ve tripped at least three times before even getting on stage. But somehow, I managed to make the cut. That experience led me into modeling, and the rest, as they say, is history.”
Big Breaks and Meeting Love
Do you remember your big modeling break?
“Oh, I think it was a Dove soap commercial. Believe it or not, it was a blast!”
Were you still modeling when you met your husband, Christopher George?
“Absolutely. We were both signed with Eileen Ford. We’d meet up for lunch or dinner and became great friends. Then we worked together on a film in Brazil, and I fell head over heels for him. It was magical.”
Working with Legends
Aw, that’s so sweet! You also both starred alongside John Wayne in the 1970 western Chisum. What was John like?
“John Wayne was simply breathtaking. He was my idol growing up. When he walked up behind me, I turned around and just started crying—I was overwhelmed with joy seeing this man I’d watched in movies since childhood.”
What did John think of your reaction?
“He said, ‘Whoa, what happened?’ I was speechless because it felt like the Statue of Liberty had just waved hello. He laughed, gave me a big hug, and from that point on, he’d tease me by stepping on the back of my skirt or tipping my hat forward.”
Life After Loss
You and Christopher went on to act in several films together. Was it challenging to balance work and marriage?
“Not at all. We helped each other with lines and loved working together. It was natural and so much fun.”
You lost Christopher to a heart attack when he was only 52. That must have been devastating. How did you cope?
“My children, Nick and our daughter, were my anchors during that dark time. Nick was a pillar of strength in my healing journey. The support from friends and family was invaluable. Some parts of that period are still a blur. I remember standing in the hospital parking lot, screaming to God, asking why.”
Do you have advice for others dealing with the loss of a spouse?
“Trust that there’s a reason for everything. Life throws challenges our way to help us grow. Once you’ve processed it, find your new path and keep moving forward. Never stop.”
A Legacy of Love
Did any of your children follow you and Christopher into acting?
“No, but our grandson, also named Christopher George, has. Every time I see him, he reminds me more and more of Chris. It’s like getting to see him again. He has a kind heart and is incredibly genuine, just like Chris was.”
