Linden was born in
Worthing to Marcus and Freida Fletcher. Her earliest film appearances were as the heroine in
Hammer's
Nightmare (1964) and
Barbara in
Dr. Who and the Daleks (1965). Her most widely known film role was as Ursula in
Women in Love (1969), for which she received a
BAFTA nomination; a year later she appeared in
the film version of
Iris Murdoch's novel
A Severed Head. Her subsequent film appearances include
Vampira (1974),
Valentino (1977) and
Charlie Muffin (1979). Wishing to bring up her son in England, Linden decided not to pursue a career in Hollywood. She was considered for
The Lion in Winter (1968) and
The Go-Between (1970); the latter was for the lead role of Marian Maudsley for which
Julie Christie was later cast. She turned down the role of Amy in
Sam Peckinpah's
Straw Dogs (1971). She starred with
Kenneth Williams in the theatrical production of
My Fat Friend in 1972. Also, she toured in
Trevor Nunn's
Royal Shakespeare Company production of
Hedda Gabler for two years playing Thea Elvsted, with
Glenda Jackson in the title role; they later appeared together in the
1975 film adaptation. Linden's television credits include
The Avengers (episode:
Lobster Quadrille, 1964);
''Dr Finlay's Casebook (episode: A Right to Live
, 1965); Sherlock Holmes (1965); The Saint (Episode S5,E4: "The Reluctant Revolution",1966) as Diane Holbrook; The Persuaders! (episode: To the Death, Baby
, 1970); The Rivals (1970); The Adventures of Black Beauty (episode: "Foul Play", 1973); Thriller (episode: "Death to Sister Mary", 1974) as "Sister Mary"; Little Lord Fauntleroy (1976); Lillie (1978) as Patsy Cornwallis-West; Tales of the Unexpected (episode: "Pattern of Guilt", 1982); Lytton's Diary (1985); Chancer (1990); Lovejoy (1991); and Trainer'' (1991). She continues to perform different roles on TV and stage. She is married to Chris Mann; they have a son, Rupert. ==Filmography==