Even without speaking a word, Linda Harrison’s Nova remains a permanent fixture in the minds of sci-fi movie fans. The character is held in captivity alongside George Taylor, soon becoming a companion and love interest for him. She would also appear in the film’s 1970 sequel, “Beneath the Planet of the Apes.” A child version of the heroine, played by Amiah Miller, has a prominent role in 2017’s “War for the Planet of the Apes.” 

Following minor roles in productions such as the 1966 “Batman” TV series, Harrison helped with “Planet of the Apes makeup tests. Her relationship with then-boyfriend and 20th Century Fox studio head Richard D. Zanuck helped her earn the role of Nova. After reprising her role in “Beneath the Planet of the Apes,” the actor starred in movies such as “Airport 1975,” “Cocoon,” and “Cocoon: The Return.” In 2001, she cameoed alongside Charlton Heston in the “Planet of the Apes” remake directed by Tim Burton. Since then, the 78-year-old performer has mostly stayed out of the spotlight, although her sons Dean and Harrison Zanuck continue to work in the industry as producers.