Ellen Burstyn

Ellen Burstyn, an actress recognized for her portrayals of complex women in dramas, has a rich background in the theater and film industry. Burstyn made her Broadway debut in "Fair Game" in 1957 and received the Tony Award for Best Actress in a Play for "Same Time, Next Year" in 1975. Her filmography includes notable films such as "The Last Picture Show," "The Exorcist," "Resurrection," "Requiem for a Dream," "Interstellar," and "Pieces of a Woman." Burstyn's roles in these films have earned her several accolades, including an Academy Award for Best Actress for "Alice Doesn't Live Here Anymore" in 1974, a BAFTA Award, and a Golden Globe Award.

In addition to her success on the stage and screen, Burstyn has taken on various roles in television. She has won Primetime Emmy Awards for her roles in "Law & Order: Special Victims Unit" and "Political Animals." Burstyn also starred in the CBS television series "That's Life" from 2000 to 2002 and had an occasional recurring role on the HBO television drama series "Big Love" between 2007 and 2011. Her work in television extends beyond acting, as she served as an executive producer and starred in "The House of Tomorrow" in 2017.

Burstyn's leadership roles in the acting community further highlight her experience and expertise. She served as president of the Actors' Equity Association from 1982 to 1985 and has been co-president of the Actors Studio since 2000. In 2013, she was inducted into the American Theatre Hall of Fame. Burstyn's advocacy for more substantial roles for women in movies and her contributions to theater and film have not only earned her the Sarah Siddons Society Award but also the Triple Crown of Acting: an Oscar, Emmy, and Tony Award. In 2025, she announced that her book "Poetry Says It Better" would be released in April 2026.