Linda Carlson was an American actress.

In 1978-79, she played the reporter girlfriend of Ron Leibman's convict turned criminal defense attorney on CBS' short-lived Kaz.

Carlson joined CBS's Newhart in 1985 for its third season as Dutton, who works at Channel 8, home of the interview program Vermont Today, hosted by local author Dick Loudon (Bob Newhart). She appeared on episodes through the sixth season.

She later showed up on episodes of WKRP in Cincinnati, Lou Grant, Remington Steele, St. Elsewhere, Cagney & Lacey, Clueless, Days of Our Lives, NYPD Blue, and Passions.

On ABC's legal drama Murder One, she portrayed Judge Beth Bornstein for two seasons, from 1995-97.

Carlson died October 28, 2021 in Gaylordsville, Connecticut. She was 76.