Linda Kozlowski, best known for her role in the iconic Crocodile Dundee series, has revealed that one of her most memorable scenes in the film was not as scripted—what viewers didn’t know is that it was completely real. In an exclusive interview, Kozlowski opened up about the unforgettable moment that shocked fans and forever changed her career.
The scene in question comes from the 1986 classic Crocodile Dundee, where her character, Sue Charlton, takes part in a high-stakes and intense moment in the wilderness. In one of the film's most exhilarating action sequences, Sue finds herself in a life-threatening situation with a wild animal. What viewers thought was a carefully choreographed stunt turned out to be real.
Kozlowski confessed that during the filming of the scene, the crew accidentally found themselves in a dangerous situation when a real crocodile appeared unexpectedly on set. "We were in the middle of shooting, and the script called for the crocodile to be ‘tamed,’” she explained. “But the crocodile didn’t follow the script. It lunged at me for real, and the cameras kept rolling. It was terrifying. I just reacted instinctively."
The close call resulted in some dramatic and authentic reactions from the actress, which made the scene even more intense. “Looking back, I can’t believe they kept the footage,” Kozlowski added with a laugh. "I wasn’t acting—I was genuinely scared, and it shows in the final cut."
While the scene has become one of the most unforgettable moments in Crocodile Dundee, it’s this behind-the-scenes reality that fans never suspected. Kozlowski’s bravery and authenticity are part of what made the film a lasting success and cemented her legacy in Hollywood.