Linda Blair Tried To Protect ‘Exorcist: Believer’ Child Stars From ‘Abuse’ She Suffered On Original Movie

Linda Blair portrayed the character Regan MacNeil in 1973’s The Exorcist, however, despite her earning an award for her brilliant performance in the movie, the production of the classic was marred by less-than-ideal circumstances. Blair sustained a back fracture, which subsequently developed into scoliosis.

Although it’s been five decades since Linda Blair’s horrible experience on the movie set, the actress made a cameo appearance in the 2023 Exorcist: Believer, assuming the role of a consultant while sharing her experiences and offering support to protect young stars in the new sequel.

Linda Blair says she came on ‘Exorcist: Believer’ to help the young actors, Lidya Jewitt and Olivia O’Neill

Blair revealed that she was contacted by the producers to serve as a guardian to Lidya Jewitt and Olivia O’Neill due to her public outcry against child abuse, especially from her own experience. “I felt they should cast maybe a little older, and they said, ‘No, we want to stay honoring sort of the Reagan legacy,’ and I said, ‘Well, if you do that, these are the things you need to put into place,’ because I’ve gone on record saying, ‘Don’t ever do it to a child again; it was child abuse,'” she shared.

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The 64-year-old further explained that she was able to ensure a safe and supportive work environment for the two teenage stars. “They listened to me and they got everybody in place that needed to be: some psychologists, theologists, a spiritual adviser,” Blair admitted. “Everybody really appreciated what I did for them; even the adults said that they took advantage and that they appreciated that I put certain things in place. And so when I did create this atmosphere for them, I kept an ear and an eye on everything.

Linda Blair remains committed to guiding Lidya Jewitt and Olivia O’Neill

Blair, who briefly returned to her role as Reagan, had the chance to reunite with her on-screen mother, Ellen Burstyn, a key figure in the new film. Despite her appreciation for the time spent with Burstyn, the actress expressed equal enthusiasm for being with her successors.

She noted that she looks forward to offering guidance and hopes to continue fostering a healthy relationship with them. “I have given them the best life lessons that I can, and I tell them I’m always here as long as I’m on the planet and you need help or advice,” Blair confessed. “Being a teenager is difficult, and it’s definitely challenging right now. But not only are they incredible actresses, they’re extraordinary people.”