Linda Kozlowski became a household name in the 1980s thanks to her unforgettable role as Sue Charlton in Crocodile Dundee. Her on-screen chemistry with Paul Hogan, the film’s star and writer, was electric, and their romance extended beyond the big screen into real life. But what many fans don’t know is that one of the most iconic scenes from the movie was completely unscripted—and very real.
The Scene That Took Everyone by Surprise
Crocodile Dundee is packed with legendary moments, from Mick Dundee’s famous “That’s not a knife” scene to his wild adventures in the Australian Outback. But one particular scene involving Linda Kozlowski was so authentic that even the crew was stunned when it happened.
In the scene, Sue Charlton, played by Kozlowski, is wading through the water in the Outback, unaware that she is being closely watched by a massive crocodile. As the tension builds, Mick Dundee (Paul Hogan) rushes in at the last moment to save her in dramatic fashion. While the moment was meant to be carefully choreographed, reports suggest that a real crocodile was lurking nearby during the shoot—leading to Kozlowski’s genuine reaction of fear.
Was It Really That Dangerous?
According to behind-the-scenes accounts, the crew had taken precautions to ensure Kozlowski’s safety. However, during filming, an actual crocodile reportedly came closer to the set than expected. While trained animal handlers were on standby, the actress’s terrified reaction as Mick pulls her to safety was completely unscripted—because she was genuinely startled.
“She wasn’t acting in that moment,” a crew member later revealed. “She was reacting naturally because the situation suddenly became much more real than anyone had planned.”
The Scene’s Lasting Impact
The authenticity of the moment made it one of the film’s most unforgettable sequences. Fans watching Crocodile Dundee for the first time had no idea that Kozlowski’s expression of shock wasn’t just great acting—it was her real fear coming through.
This scene is a testament to why Crocodile Dundee remains one of the most beloved adventure-comedy films of all time. Its mix of humor, romance, and thrilling moments—combined with unexpected real-life drama—keeps audiences coming back decades later.
Linda Kozlowski’s performance in the film launched her into stardom, but this particular scene proved just how dedicated she was to making the adventure feel as authentic as possible—even if it meant a little real-life danger along the way.