Marilyn Burns played the role of a character.
Marilyn Burns ; ( born Mary Lynn Ann Burns ; May 7 , 1949 -- August 5 , 2014 ) was an American actress who became known for her role as Sally Hardesty in the Texas Chainsaw Massacre film series . She is also known for portraying Linda Kasabian in the three-time Emmy-nominated television film Helter Skelter ( 1976 ) .