Fact-checked by Grok 2 weeks ago

Amy Linker

Amy Meredith Linker (born October 19, 1966) is an American former child actress best known for her co-starring role as Lauren Hutchinson in the sitcom (1982–1983). Born in , , Linker entered the entertainment industry during her childhood and gained prominence through her performance in , a single-season series created by that followed the social struggles of high school misfits, co-starring a young . In the show, her character was depicted as an awkward teenager often wearing fake braces and a to emphasize the theme of nonconformity. Beyond Square Pegs, Linker's notable credits include a supporting role in the science fiction film D.A.R.Y.L. (1985), directed by Simon Wincer, where she played Sherie Lee Fox, the teenage daughter of Daryl's neighbors, and voice work as Robin O'Neill on the animated series Mister T (1983). She also appeared in episodes of other television programs, such as A Time for Miracles (1980) and E/R (1984), early in her career. Following the cancellation of after one season, Linker's on-screen appearances became infrequent, though she continued acting sporadically with her last known role in Child of the '70s (2016). She later transitioned to a career in .

Early life

Birth and family background

Amy Meredith Linker was born on October 19, 1966, in , . Linker was born and spent her early childhood in before her family relocated to .

Education and early interests

She attended in , graduating in 1984. Linker attended Frenchwoods Festival of the Performing Arts camp, reflecting an early interest in performance. During her high school years, Linker balanced her studies with the demands of her nascent acting pursuits. Following the conclusion of her initial acting roles, she transitioned to higher education, enrolling at Wellesley College and earning a bachelor's degree in French studies in 1989.

Career

Acting career

Amy Linker began her acting career as a child actress in the early 1980s with guest and supporting roles, including in A Time for Miracles (1980) and Family Ties (1983), and a regular role as Kelly Lewis in the sitcom Lewis & Clark (1981–1982). Her breakthrough came with the co-starring role in the CBS sitcom Square Pegs (1982–1983), where she portrayed Lauren Hutchinson, a socially awkward high school freshman navigating cliques and adolescence alongside her best friend Patty Greene. The character was depicted as an intelligent but uncool teen, often struggling to fit in at Weemawee High School, and Linker co-starred with Sarah Jessica Parker as Patty, as well as Merritt Butrick, Tracy Nelson, and Jami Gertz. To embody Lauren's nerdy image, Linker wore fake braces and a custom-made fatsuit throughout the series, which aired for one season and was created by Anne Beatts, a former Saturday Night Live writer known for her sharp comedic style. Following , Linker took on supporting and voice roles that showcased her versatility. In 1983, she provided the voice of Robin O'Neill, a spirited redheaded girl and one of Mr. T's young clients, in the Mister T, which followed the actor leading a group of kids solving mysteries. Her most notable film appearance came in 1985 as Sherie Lee Fox in the science fiction drama D.A.R.Y.L., directed by , where she played the sarcastic older sister to Danny Corkill's Turtle Fox, a neighbor to the titular child Daryl (Barret Oliver) who possesses advanced abilities and becomes the target of government recapture efforts. Linker's performance added familial tension and humor to the story of ethical dilemmas surrounding and childhood innocence. Linker's acting career as a child performer spanned 1980–1985 amid the competitive landscape of 1980s television and film, where young actors often faced production instability, long hours, and the pressure of transitioning from adolescence to teen roles. Shows like Square Pegs exemplified era-specific challenges, including abrupt cancellations due to low ratings and behind-the-scenes script pressures, despite critical acclaim for innovative storytelling. After a handful of credits, Linker stepped away from acting to pursue education, reflecting the difficulties many child stars encountered in sustaining careers beyond their early breakthroughs. In later years, Linker participated in retrospectives celebrating her work, notably accepting the Viewers' Choice "Most Beautiful Braces Award" for at the 5th Annual in , honoring the iconic dental prop that defined her character's look. This event underscored the enduring cult appeal of her early performances among fans of 1980s teen media.

Transition to psychotherapy

After her major acting roles ended in the mid-1980s, Amy Linker pursued and a career shift toward and . Linker graduated from in 1989 with a bachelor's degree in French studies. She later returned to academia, earning a from the in 2012, which prepared her for professional practice in . As a licensed psychotherapist, Linker worked as an outpatient community following her MSW, with sources indicating employment as a Psychotherapist II at specializing in therapy for children and adolescents.

Personal life

Relationships and family

Amy Linker has maintained a high degree of regarding her personal relationships and family life, with no verified public information available on marriages, partnerships, divorces, or children. She has largely stepped away from the public eye, focusing instead on professional endeavors without disclosing details of her adult family dynamics or extended family interactions.

Interests and activism

Linker has shown a continued interest in preserving the legacy of her early acting work, particularly through reflections on . In the 2008 DVD release of the series' complete collection, she contributed commentary tracks, discussing her experiences portraying Lauren Hutchinson and the show's unique approach to teenage awkwardness. She has also participated in retrospective interviews, such as an audio commentary excerpt from the 2008 DVD release where she reminisced about the cast dynamics and behind-the-scenes moments during production. In 2007, she attended the 5th Annual , where she accepted the Viewers' Choice Award for "Most Beautiful Braces" based on her performance as Lauren Hutchinson. These efforts underscore her personal attachment to the project that launched her career.

Filmography

Television roles

Linker began her television career with a minor appearance in the Christmas-themed TV movie A Time for Miracles (1980), portraying a young family member in the biographical drama about Elizabeth Seton. She gained early prominence in the short-lived NBC sitcom Lewis & Clark (1981–1982), playing the recurring role of Kelly Lewis, the daughter of the lead characters, across all 13 episodes of the single season. Her breakthrough came as co-lead Lauren Hutchinson in the CBS teen comedy Square Pegs (1982–1983), a role that required her to wear prosthetic braces and a padded suit to depict an awkward high schooler; she appeared in all 20 episodes of the one-season series. In 1983, Linker provided the voice for Robin O'Neill, one of the kidnapped child athletes in the animated action series Mister T, recurring in all 30 episodes across its three seasons on . That same year, she guest-starred as Ellie Woods in the episode "The Fantasy Island Girl/Saturday's Child" of the anthology series . Linker narrated the children's book A Chair for My Mother as herself in a 1984 episode of the educational series Reading Rainbow. She starred as the protagonist Jenny Pennoyer in the Canadian TV movie When We First Met (1984), adapting Norma Fox Mazer's novel about a teenage girl's first romance. Later in 1984, she made a guest appearance as Cheryl in the episode "All's Well That Ends" of the medical sitcom E/R. Linker's final credited television role to date was as Psychic Esmerelda in the 2009 web series episode "God Is Not Board Certified" of Don't Make Me Sick.

Film roles

Amy Linker's film career, though limited compared to her television work, featured notable supporting roles in two feature films spanning different genres and periods of her acting life. In 1985, she portrayed Sherie Lee Fox, the sister of the antagonistic character Howie Fox, in the science fiction adventure D.A.R.Y.L., directed by Simon Wincer. The film follows a young boy revealed to be an experimental android, with Linker's character contributing to the suburban family dynamics and interpersonal conflicts central to the story. Her performance added a layer of youthful tension to the narrative, highlighting sibling rivalries amid the sci-fi elements. Nearly two decades later, Linker appeared as Rosy in the 2004 independent comedy Holy Hollywood, written and directed by Terry Zarchi. In this satirical take on the film industry, her role supported the involving two friends running an extras casting agency that uncovers murder and ambition in . The film, which premiered at festivals and featured cameos from industry veterans like , marked a return to acting for Linker after a hiatus.

References

  1. [1]
    Amy Linker - IMDb
    Amy Linker was born on 19 October 1966 in Brooklyn, New York, USA. She is an actress, known for Square Pegs (1982), D.A.R.Y.L. (1985) and Mister T (1983).
  2. [2]
    Amy Linker — The Movie Database (TMDB)
    Amy Linker (born October 19, 1966) is a former child actress. Her most notable role was perhaps as co-starring as Lauren Hutchinson on the TV show, Square Pegs.
  3. [3]
    Amy Linker | Biography, Movie Highlights and Photos | AllMovie
    Find bio, credits and filmography information for Amy Linker on AllMovie - Amy Meredith Linker is an American former child actress.
  4. [4]
    Amy Linker - Biography - IMDb
    Amy Linker was born on October 19, 1966 in Brooklyn, New York, USA. She is an actress, known for Square Pegs (1982), D.A.R.Y.L. (1985) and Mister T (1983).
  5. [5]
    Amy Linker List of Movies and TV Shows - TV Guide
    See Amy Linker full list of movies and tv shows from their career. Find ... Biography · Credits. Amy Linker. Profession Actress. Actress. 7 Credits. Holy ...<|control11|><|separator|>
  6. [6]
    Amy Linker - Actress - TV Insider
    Amy Linker is an actress who appeared in Square Pegs, DARYL, and A Time For Miracles. Credits: Actor, Guest, Producer, Director, Writer, Music
  7. [7]
    Carole Linker Obituary - Costa Mesa, CA - Dignity Memorial
    Celebrate the life of Carole Linker, leave a kind word or memory and get funeral ... Amy Linker. 12/16/2017. Thinking of you, Mom, this Hannukah. Your light still shines in our memories and hearts.
  8. [8]
    Carole Linker Obituary (1936 - 2017) - Legacy Remembers
    Carole Linker Obituary. Published by Legacy Remembers on May 5, 2017. ... 1 Entry. Amy Linker. December 16, 2017. Thinking of you, Mom, this Hannukah.
  9. [9]
    Amy Linker - Trivia - IMDb
    Amy Linker. Actress: Square Pegs. Amy Linker was ... Amy Linker. Edit ... Graduated from Wellesley College in 1989, with a degree in French studies.
  10. [10]
    5 Teen Stars Who Quit Acting - Portable Press
    Sep 14, 2015 · Parker has had a big career on TV and in movies, but Linker quit acting in 1985 after just a handful of roles. She enrolled in Wellesley, ...
  11. [11]
    Sarah Jessica Parker's epic throwback to '80s sitcom will blow your ...
    Oct 10, 2025 · Amy Linker played Sarah Jessica's friend Lauren Hutchinson on Square Pegs. ... Amy now works as a psychotherapist." 3/5. Merritt Butrick on ...Missing: background | Show results with:background
  12. [12]
    Square Pegs - Full Cast & Crew - TV Guide
    Enter Patty Greene and Lauren Hutchinson, two freshman who tried hard to be accepted into these cliques. The only problem was they stood out like sore thumbs.<|separator|>
  13. [13]
    Square Pegs - ‎Apple TV
    For "square pegs" Patty Greene (Sarah Jessica Parker) and Lauren Hutchinson (Amy Linker), fitting into the round hole known as Weemawee High School is at the ...
  14. [14]
    Amy Linker - My Movies
    Amy Linker was a child actress, born Oct. 19, 1966, who co-starred on the TV show, Square Pegs (on which she was required to wear fake braces and a fatsuit). ...
  15. [15]
    Mr. T. (1983 TV Show) - Behind The Voice Actors
    Robin O'Neill voice Robin O'Neill voiced by Amy Linker Amy Linker, Jeff Harris voice Jeff Harris voiced by Shawn Lieber Shawn Lieber, Woody Daniels voice Woody ...
  16. [16]
    D.A.R.Y.L. (1985) - Amy Linker as Sherie Lee Fox - IMDb
    D.A.R.Y.L. (1985) - Amy Linker as Sherie Lee Fox.
  17. [17]
    You're My Secret Weapon: D.A.R.Y.L. (1985) | consideringstories
    Sep 18, 2024 · Even Turtle's older beleaguered sister Sherie Lee (Amy Linker) takes to Daryl. ... It's a thankless role, really. However, Colleen Camp is ...
  18. [18]
    https://www.gettyimages.com/detail/news-photo/actress-amy-linker-accepts-the-most-beautiful-braces-award-news-photo/73888051
  19. [19]
    Allow Anne Beatts to Set the Record Straight on Square Pegs - Vulture
    Apr 9, 2021 · Despite TV Guide's sensationalist exposé, drugs, ego, and chaos did not kill Square Pegs. Low ratings did.
  20. [20]
    Actress Amy Linker accepts the Most Beautiful Braces Award ...
    Apr 15, 2007 · Actress Amy Linker accepts the Most Beautiful Braces Award onstage during the 5th Annual TV Land Awards held at Barker Hangar on April 14, 2007
  21. [21]
    Amy Linker - Awards & Nominations - Awards & Winners
    2007 ; TV Land Most Beautiful Braces Award. Honored for : Square Pegs ; Nominations 2007 ». Award Nominated, Nominated Work. TV Land Most Beautiful Braces Award ...
  22. [22]
    Amy Linker Email & Phone Number | Children's Hospital Los ...
    Amy Linker, based in Los Angeles, California, United States, is currently a Psychotherapist Ii at Children's Hospital Los Angeles (Chla).<|control11|><|separator|>
  23. [23]
    Square Pegs - DVD Talk
    May 19, 2008 · The interviews range from a brief eight minutes to almost a half-hour, and include a tribute to Merritt Butrick as well as reminiscences from ...
  24. [24]
    Amy Linker - Square Pegs DVD Commentary - YouTube
    Jun 29, 2011 · Amy Linker who played Lauren on the show "Square Pegs" discusses her time on the show.Missing: childhood family
  25. [25]
    Lewis & Clark (TV Series 1981–1982) - IMDb
    Rating 6.2/10 (28) Lewis & Clark · Episodes13 · Photos · Top Cast18 · User reviews2 · Featured reviews · Missed it back in the day, but just saw the trailer · Laugh Track mania · More ...
  26. [26]
    Square Pegs (TV Series 1982–1983) - IMDb
    Square Pegs: Created by Anne Beatts. With Sarah Jessica Parker, Amy Linker, Merritt Butrick, John Femia. Patty Greene and Lauren Hutchinson, ...
  27. [27]
    The Fantasy Island Girl/Saturday's Child - IMDb
    Rating 6.3/10 (54) The Fantasy Island Girl/Saturday's Child: Directed by Leslie H. Martinson ... Amy Linker · Ellie Woods · Linda Stelling · Angelica ...
  28. [28]
    "Reading Rainbow" A Chair for My Mother (TV Episode 1984) - IMDb
    ... Amy Linker ("Square Pegs") reads "A Chair for My Mother", about a family ... Reading Rainbow. S2.E5. All episodesAll · Cast & crew · IMDbPro. All topics. A ...
  29. [29]
    When We First Met (TV Movie 1984) - IMDb
    Rating 7.2/10 (37) When We First Met: Directed by Paul Saltzman. With Amy Linker, Andrew Sabiston, Jayne Eastwood, Patricia Hamilton. A teenage girl falls in love with a boy, ...
  30. [30]
    "E/R" All's Well That Ends (TV Episode 1984) - IMDb
    Rating 8.1/10 (12) E/R. S1.E9. All episodesAll · Cast & crew · IMDbPro. All topics. All's Well That Ends ... Amy Linker · Cheryl · Marj Dusay · Mrs. Paffly · Sam ...
  31. [31]
    Don't Make Me Sick (TV Series 2009– ) - IMDb
    Don't Make Me Sick: With Mike Gandolfi, Caitlin Muelder, Susane Lee ... Lab Tech Ty. 3 eps 3 episodes • 2009. Amy Linker · Psychic Esmerelda.