Personal details
Born:
- Birthday: 1943-10-12
- Born Place: Detroit, Michigan, USA
Also Known As:
Linda "Lin" Shaye, لین شی
Lin Shaye
Lin Shaye is an American actress renowned for her extensive career in film and television, particularly within the horror genre. Born on October 12, 1943, in Detroit, Michigan, she pursued her passion for acting at the University of Michigan and later earned a Master of Fine Arts in Acting from Columbia University. Shaye honed her craft in New York City, performing in numerous off-Broadway productions and studying under esteemed mentors such as Uta Hagen, Stella Adler, and Lee Strasberg. She is also a lifetime member of the Actors Studio. Shaye's film debut occurred in 1975 with a small role in Hester Street, followed by appearances in several movies and television shows. She gained prominence in the 1980s with roles in films like A Nightmare on Elm Street (1984) and Critters (1986). Her versatility allowed her to transition seamlessly between horror and comedy, leading to memorable performances in Farrelly brothers' comedies such as Dumb and Dumber (1994) and There's Something About Mary (1998). In the Insidious franchise, Shaye portrayed Elise Rainier, a psychic who assists families in confronting supernatural entities. She appeared in all five films, including Insidious: The Red Door (2023), which served as a direct sequel to Insidious: Chapter 2 (2013) and marked the directorial debut of Patrick Wilson. In this installment, Elise continues to guide the Lambert family as they confront new paranormal challenges. Beyond her work in the Insidious series, Shaye has remained active in the horror genre, with recent roles in films like Scared to Death (2024), where she stars as Max. Her enduring presence in the industry has solidified her reputation as a "scream queen" and a beloved figure among horror enthusiasts.
