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Ellen Burstyn

Birth Place: USA

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BIO

Ellen Burstyn (born Edna Rae Gillooly; December 7, 1932) is an American actress. Known for her portrayals of complex women in dramas, she is the recipient of numerous accolades, including an Academy Award, a Tony Award, and two Primetime Emmy Awards, making her one of the few performers to achieve the "Triple Crown of Acting". She has also received a BAFTA Award and a Golden Globe Award.


Burstyn made her acting debut on Broadway in Fair Game in 1957 before winning the Tony Award for Best Actress in a Play for Same Time, Next Year (1975). She earned the Academy Award for Best Actress for her role as the widow Alice Hyatt in Martin Scorsese's romantic drama Alice Doesn't Live Here Anymore (1974). Her other Oscar-nominated roles were in The Last Picture Show (1971), The Exorcist (1973), Same Time, Next Year (1978), Resurrection (1980), and Requiem for a Dream (2000). Her other notable films include Harry and Tonto (1974), How to Make an American Quilt (1995), Divine Secrets of the Ya-Ya Sisterhood (2002), W. (2008), Interstellar (2014), The Age of Adaline (2015), and Pieces of a Woman (2020).
She won Primetime Emmy Awards for her guest role in the NBC legal drama Law & Order: Special Victims Unit (2009), and for her supporting role in the USA Network political miniseries Political Animals (2013). Her other Emmy-nominated roles include Pack of Lies (1988), Mrs. Harris (2005), Big Love (2008), Flowers in the Attic (2014), and House of Cards (2016). Since 2000, she has been co-president of the Actors Studio, a drama school in New York City. In 2013, she was inducted into the American Theatre Hall of Fame for her work onstage.
In 2024, Burstyn starred in filmmaker John Larkin's "Exorcist" Documentary, Fear and Love: The Story of The Exorcist. She also appeared in The Exorcist: Believer in 2023.

Photos

STAGE CREDITS

As You Like It As You Like It
[Off-Broadway]
Classic Stage Company Revival, 2017
Jaques
All the President's Men? All the President's Men?
[Off-Broadway]
Public Theater and National Theatre One-Night Reading, 2017
Senator Elizabeth Warren
Picnic Picnic
[Broadway]
Roundabout Theatre Company Production, 2013
Helen Potts
The Children's Hour The Children's Hour
[West End]
London Production, 2011
Mrs. Amelia Tilford
The Little Flower of East Orange
[Off-Broadway]
2008
Therese Marie
Oldest Living Confederate Widow Tells All Oldest Living Confederate Widow Tells All
[Broadway]
Original Broadway Production, 2003
Lucy Marsden
Sacrilege
[Broadway]
1995
Sister Grace
Shimada
[Broadway]
1992
Sharyn Beaumont
Shirley Valentine
[Broadway]
1989
Shirley Valentine [Replacement]
84 Charing Cross Road
[Broadway]
Original Broadway Production, 1982
Helene Hanff
Same Time, Next Year
[Broadway]
1975
Doris

Movies

The Christmas Tree
[ 1958 ] Elizabeth
The Big Brain
[ 1963 ] Ellen
For Those Who Think Young
[ 1964 ] Dr. Pauline Swenson
Goodbye Charlie
[ 1964 ] Franny Saltzmann
The Winner
[ 1969 ] Ellen McCleod
Alex in Wonderland
[ 1970 ] Beth Morrison
Tropic of Cancer
[ 1970 ] Mona Miller
The Last Picture Show
[ 1971 ] Lois Farrow
The King of Marvin Gardens
[ 1972 ] Sally
The Exorcist
[ 1973 ] Chris MacNeil
Alice Doesn't Live Here Anymore
[ 1974 ] Alice Hyatt
Harry and Tonto
[ 1974 ] Shirley
Thursday's Game
[ 1974 ] Lynne Evers
Providence
[ 1977 ] Sonia Langham
A Dream of Passion
[ 1978 ] Brenda Collins
Same Time, Next Year
[ 1978 ] Doris
Resurrection
[ 1980 ] Edna
Silence of the North
[ 1981 ] Olive Frederickson
The People vs. Jean Harris
[ 1981 ] Jean Harris
The Ambassador
[ 1984 ] Alex
Into Thin Air
[ 1985 ] Joan Walker
Surviving
[ 1985 ] Tina Brogan
Twice in a Lifetime
[ 1985 ] Kate MacKenzie
Act of Vengeance
[ 1986 ] Margaret Yablonski
Something in Common
[ 1986 ] Lynn Hollander
Look Away
[ 1987 ] Mary Todd Lincoln
Pack of Lies
[ 1987 ] Barbara Jackson
Hanna's War
[ 1988 ] Katalin
The Color of Evening
[ 1990 ] Kate O'Rielly
When You Remember Me
[ 1990 ] Nurse Cooder
Dying Young
[ 1991 ] Mrs. O'Neil
Grand Isle
[ 1991 ] Mademoiselle Reisz
Mrs. Lambert Remembers Love
[ 1991 ] Lillian 'Lil' Lambert
Taking Back My Life: The Nancy Ziegenmeyer Story
[ 1992 ] Wilma
Shattered Trust: The Shari Karney Story
[ 1993 ] Joan Delvecchio
The Cemetery Club
[ 1993 ] Esther Moskowitz
Getting Gotti
[ 1994 ] Jo Giacalone
Getting Out
[ 1994 ] Arlie's Mother
Primal Secrets
[ 1994 ] Frances Griffin
When a Man Loves a Woman
[ 1994 ] Emily
Follow the River
[ 1995 ] Gretel
How to Make an American Quilt
[ 1995 ] Hy
My Brother's Keeper
[ 1995 ] Helen
Roommates
[ 1995 ] Judith
The Baby-Sitters Club
[ 1995 ] Mrs. Haberman
Cross the Line
[ 1996 ] Mary Davis
Our Son, the Matchmaker
[ 1996 ] Iva Mae
The Spitfire Grill
[ 1996 ] Hannah Ferguson
Timepiece
[ 1996 ] Maud Gannon
A Deadly Vision
[ 1997 ] Yvette Watson
Liar
[ 1997 ] Mook
Miracle of the Spring
[ 1998 ] June Clatterbuck
Playing by Heart
[ 1998 ] Mildred
You Can Thank Me Later
[ 1998 ] Shirley Cooperberg
Night Ride Home
[ 1999 ] Maggie
Walking Across Egypt
[ 1999 ] Mattie Rigsbee
Mermaid
[ 2000 ] Trish
Requiem for a Dream
[ 2000 ] Sara Goldfarb
The Yards
[ 2000 ] Val Handler
Dodson's Journey
[ 2001 ] Mother
Within These Walls
[ 2001 ] Joan Thomas
Divine Secrets of the Ya-Ya Sisterhood
[ 2002 ] Vivi
Brush with Fate
[ 2003 ] Rika
The Five People You Meet in Heaven
[ 2004 ] Ruby
The Madam's Family: The Truth About the Canal Street Brothel
[ 2004 ] Tommie
Mrs. Harris
[ 2005 ] Former Tarnower Steady
Our Fathers
[ 2005 ] Mary Ryan
30 Days
[ 2006 ] Maura
The Elephant King
[ 2006 ] Diana (Mom)
The Fountain
[ 2006 ] Dr. Lillian Guzetti
The Wicker Man
[ 2006 ] Sister SummersIsle
Mitch Albom's for One More Day
[ 2007 ] Pauline (Posey) Benetto
The Stone Angel
[ 2007 ] Hagar
Lovely, Still
[ 2008 ] Mary Malone
The Loss of a Teardrop Diamond
[ 2008 ] Addie
W.
[ 2008 ] Barbara Bush
Possible Side Effects
[ 2009 ]
Surviving Summer
[ 2009 ] Katherine
The Mighty Macs
[ 2009 ] Mother St. John
The Velveteen Rabbit
[ 2009 ] Swan - Voice
Main Street
[ 2010 ] Georgiana Carr
Another Happy Day
[ 2011 ] Doris Baker
Someday This Pain Will Be Useful to You
[ 2011 ] Nanette
Wish You Well
[ 2013 ] Louisa Mae Cardinal
Draft Day
[ 2014 ] Barb Weaver
Interstellar
[ 2014 ] Murph (Older)
Old Soul
[ 2014 ] Eileen
River of Fundament
[ 2014 ] Hathfertiti
The Calling
[ 2014 ] Emily Micallef
Two Men in Town
[ 2014 ] Garnett's mother
When Marnie Was There
[ 2014 ] Nan - Voice
About Scout
[ 2015 ] Gram
The Age of Adaline
[ 2015 ] Flemming
Custody
[ 2016 ] Beatrice Fisher
Wiener-Dog
[ 2016 ] Nana
A Little Something for Your Birthday
[ 2017 ] Celia
The House of Tomorrow
[ 2017 ] Josephine Prendergast
Nostalgia
[ 2018 ] Helen
The Tale
[ 2018 ] Nettie
American Woman
[ 2019 ] Miss Dolly
Lucy in the Sky
[ 2019 ] Nana Holbrook
Pieces of a Woman
[ 2020 ] Elizabeth
Queen Bees
[ 2021 ] Helen Wilson
The Lost Girls
[ 2022 ]
Three Months
[ 2022 ] Valerie
The Exorcist
[ 2023 ] Chris MacNeil

TV Shows

Kraft Theatre
Linda
Cheyenne
Emmy Mae
Dr. Kildare
Anne Garner
Michael Shayne
Carol
Surfside 6
Wandra Drake
The Dick Powell Show
Rose Maxon
The Loretta Young Show
Ann Walters
Ben Casey
Connie, Dr. Leslie Fraser
Bus Stop
Phyllis Dunning
Checkmate
Margo
I'm Dickens, He's Fenster
Joan
Kraft Mystery Theater
Greta Dryden
Perry Mason
Mona Winthrope White
The Detectives
Nora
The Many Loves of Dobie Gillis
Donna Whittaker
The Real McCoys
Dorothy Carter
77 Sunset Strip
[ 1961-1963 ] Sandra Keene, Betty Benson
Going My Way
Louise
Laramie
Amy
The Defenders
Hilda Wesley
Vacation Playhouse
Ellen
Wagon Train
Margaret Whitlow
Death Valley Days
Jenny
Kraft Suspense Theatre
Barbara Sherwood, Lucille Benton
The Greatest Show on Earth
Susan Mason
Theatre of Stars
Eva Laurelton
For the People
Maria Haviland
The Doctors
Dr. Kate Bartok
The Time Tunnel
Eve Holland
The Big Valley
Sister Jacob
Iron Horse
[ 1967-1968 ] Julie Parsons
Insight
Janet
The Virginian
Kate Burden
Gunsmoke
[ 1962-1971 ] Amy Waters, Polly
The Bold Ones: The Lawyers
Rachel Lambert
The Dick Cavett Show
Ellen Brewer
The Ellen Burstyn Show
[ 1986-1987 ] Ellen Brewer
The Wonderful World of Disney
Laura Strong
A Will of Their Own
Veronica Steward
That's Life
[ 2000-2002 ] Dolly DeLucca
The Book of Daniel
Bishop Beatrice Congreve
5 Second Movies
Chris MacNeil
Law & Order: Special Victims Unit
Bernie Stabler
Big Love
[ 2007-2011 ] Nancy Davis Dutton
Visionado obligado
Chris MacNeil
Coma
Mrs. Emerson
Political Animals
Margaret Barrish
Louie
Evanka
The Dollanganger Saga
Olivia Foxworth, Grandmother
Mom
Shirley
House of Cards
Elizabeth Hale
Law & Order: Organized Crime
[ 2021-2022 ] Bernadette Stabler
The First Lady
Sara Delano Roosevelt

Awards and Nominations

The Lortels - 2009 - Outstanding Lead Actress

Ellen Burstyn, The Little Flower of East Orange


winner
Drama Desk Awards - 1975 - Outstanding Actress - Play

Ellen Burstyn, Same Time, Next Year


winner
Outer Critics Circle Awards - 1975 - Best Ensemble Performance

Ellen Burstyn, Same Time, Next Year


winner
Tony Awards - 1975 - Best Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role in a Play

Ellen Burstyn , Same Time, Next Year

Videos

More Video

News


SAME TIME, NEXT YEAR To Be Featured at Compass Rose Theater  Photo
SAME TIME, NEXT YEAR To Be Featured at Compass Rose Theater 

Compass Rose Theater has announced the cast and production team of its upcoming show, “Same Time Next Year,” by Bernard Slade.
The SAG-AFTRA Foundation Launches Legacy Collection, New Historical Video Series Photo
The SAG-AFTRA Foundation Launches Legacy Collection, New Historical Video Series

The SAG-AFTRA Foundation is launching its Legacy Collection today, offering a comprehensive archive of interviews and materials celebrating the contributions of actors and performers in the entertainment industry. Learn more!
Compass Rose Theater Announces LITTLE SHOP OF HORRORS And More for 2024-25 Season Photo
Compass Rose Theater Announces LITTLE SHOP OF HORRORS And More for 2024-25 Season

Compass Rose Theater in Annapolis has announced its 2024-25 season featuring award-winning productions like INTIMATE APPAREL, SAME TIME, NEXT YEAR, PROOF, and LITTLE SHOP OF HORRORS. Season subscriptions available until September 13, 2024.
Three LA Artists Featured In 2024 PlayGround Free-Play Festival Photo
Three LA Artists Featured In 2024 PlayGround Free-Play Festival

Discover the diverse new works at PlayGround's Free-Play Festival, featuring 11 productions from acclaimed theatre artists, including three from Los Angeles. Runs August 9-25 at Potrero Stage and simulcast.
PlayGround's Free-Play Festival to Return in August at Potrero Stage Photo
PlayGround's Free-Play Festival to Return in August at Potrero Stage

PlayGround's Free-Play Festival will return in Augus at Potrero Stage, featuring 11 diverse productions by theatre artists nationwide. Enjoy a variety of performances from dance to ensemble plays. Learn how to purchase tickets.
Photos: Tony Shalhoub, Ellen Burstyn, And More Attend Joseph Feury's Humanitarian Aid Photo
Photos: Tony Shalhoub, Ellen Burstyn, And More Attend Joseph Feury's Humanitarian Aid Art Opening

Many movie world favorites came out to support artist Joseph Feury and Ukraine as he revealed his humanitarian aid exhibit in New York City. See photos of guests including Ellen Burstyn, Elaine May, Jeannie Berlin, Taylor A. Purdee, Candice Bushnell, Tony Shalhoub, John Donchak, Dinah Manoff, Susie Essman, Joy Behar, Ed Bianchi, Marlo Thomas, and Brenda Vacarro, as they step out to support the Oscar-winning artist.
The UK Premiere Of TR Warszawa's PIECES OF A WOMAN Comes To Battersea Arts Centre Thi Photo
The UK Premiere Of TR Warszawa's PIECES OF A WOMAN Comes To Battersea Arts Centre This May

Experience the UK premiere of TR Warszawa's PIECES OF A WOMAN at Battersea Arts Centre this May. Witness a riveting performance that explores the complexities of womanhood.
Battersea Arts Centre and The Adam Mickiewicz Institute To Present PIECES OF A WOMAN Photo
Battersea Arts Centre and The Adam Mickiewicz Institute To Present PIECES OF A WOMAN

From the writer and director behind the award-winning hit Netflix film adaptation: Kata Wéber and Kornél Mundruczó, Battersea Arts Centre and The Adam Mickiewicz Institute present the UK stage premiere of TR Warszawa's Pieces of a Woman.
Closure of The Theatre Museum Marks the End of an Era Photo
Closure of The Theatre Museum Marks the End of an Era

After almost 30 years of preserving, celebrating, and championing the rich history of theater, The Theatre Museum, originally established as The Broadway Theatre Institute in 1995, announces the difficult decision to cease operations in 2024.
Brave New World Rep To Present the World Premiere Award-Winning Play, LENI'S LAST LAM Photo
Brave New World Rep To Present the World Premiere Award-Winning Play, LENI'S LAST LAMENT

Explore the controversial legacy of Leni Riefenstahl in the one-woman play that won top awards at United Solo Fest. Presented at Brooklyn’s Brave New World Rep from March 15-30.
Burning Coal Theatre Company to Present A LITTLE NIGHT MUSIC in April Photo
Burning Coal Theatre Company to Present A LITTLE NIGHT MUSIC in April

A Little Night Music by Stephen Sondheim and Hugh Wheeler will be performed at Burning Coal Theatre Company in Raleigh, NC from April 4 - April 21, 2024. Learn more about the production here!
Len Cariou to Star in TUESDAYS WITH MORRIE at Sea Dog Theater Photo
Len Cariou to Star in TUESDAYS WITH MORRIE at Sea Dog Theater

The award-winning Sea Dog Theater will present Mitch Albom’s Tuesdays with Morrie, by Jeffrey Hatcher and Mitch Albom, based on the book by Mitch Albom, directed by Erwin Maas. Learn how to purchase tickets!
World Premiere of LENI'S LAST LAMENT to Open at Brooklyn's Brave New World Repertory Photo
World Premiere of LENI'S LAST LAMENT to Open at Brooklyn's Brave New World Repertory Theatre

Brooklyn's acclaimed Brave New World Repertory Theatre will present its 2024 season debut with the world premiere of Leni's Last Lament, a new play that took three top honors at the one-night-only presentation at United Solo Festival in March 2023.
THE SPITFIRE GRILL Comes to Ocala Civic Theatre Photo
THE SPITFIRE GRILL Comes to Ocala Civic Theatre

The musical THE SPITFIRE GRILL is live on stage February 8-25 at Ocala Civic Theatre. Learn more about the production here!
Wake Up With BroadwayWorld December 7th, 2023 Photo
Wake Up With BroadwayWorld December 7th, 2023

Rise and shine, BroadwayWorld! It is December 7, 2023 and it's time to catch up on all of the theatrical happenings you may have missed in the last 24 hours.
Raue Center School for the Arts to Present On-Camera Acting Masterclass with Austin & Photo
Raue Center School for the Arts to Present On-Camera Acting Masterclass with Austin & Colleen Basis

Raue Center School for the Arts will present an on-camera acting masterclass with Austin & Colleen Basis on December 9th and 10th, 2023.
Palm Beach Dramaworks to Present THE PERLBERG FESTIVAL OF NEW PLAYS Photo
Palm Beach Dramaworks to Present THE PERLBERG FESTIVAL OF NEW PLAYS

Palm Beach Dramaworks presents the Perlberg Festival of New Plays, featuring a lineup of exciting new works. Don't miss this opportunity to experience innovative and thought-provoking theater.
Raue Center School For The Arts Will Host Three Fall Classes Photo
Raue Center School For The Arts Will Host Three Fall Classes

 Raue Center has announced the return of its School for the Arts education program (RCSA) with three new classes. 
Review: THE EXORCIST At Open Stage Photo
Review: THE EXORCIST At Open Stage

If you are looking for spine-tingling, bone-chilling, hair-raising special effects, this production of The Exorcist does not disappoint. Audiences who love classic horror should not miss out on this production of The Exorcist at Open Stage.
Review: The ASA Honors Betty Buckley With NEW WAYS TO DREAM Concert at Merkin Hall Photo
Review: The ASA Honors Betty Buckley With NEW WAYS TO DREAM Concert at Merkin Hall

A cast of Friends Of Betty filled the stage of Merkin Hall this week as the American Songbook Association honored Betty Buckley.
More News

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

How many Broadway shows has Ellen Burstyn been in?

Ellen Burstyn has appeared on Broadway in 7 shows.

How many West End shows has Ellen Burstyn been in?

Ellen Burstyn has appeared on London's West End in 1 shows.

What was Ellen Burstyn's first West End show?

Ellen Burstyn's first West End show was The Children's Hour which opened in 2011

What awards has Ellen Burstyn been nominated for?

Outstanding Lead Actress (The Lortels) for The Little Flower of East Orange, Outstanding Actress - Play (Drama Desk Awards) for Same Time, Next Year, Best Ensemble Performance (Outer Critics Circle Awards) for Same Time, Next Year and Best Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role in a Play (Tony Awards) for Same Time, Next Year.

What awards has Ellen Burstyn won?

Ellen Burstyn has received several notable awards, including Outstanding Actress in a Play at the Drama Desk Awards for Same Time, Next Year. She also won Best Ensemble Performance at the Outer Critics Circle Awards for the same production. Additionally, she received the Tony Award for Best Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role in a Play, again for Same Time, Next Year.

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