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Ellen Burstyn

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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 was featured in filmmaker John Larkin's Fear and Love: The Story of The Exorcist documentary, where she discussed her time working on the original film and her spiritual beliefs. She also discussed why she was reprising the role of Chris MacNeil for The Exorcist: Believer.

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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
Voices of Hope ~ Words of Wisdom by Dr. Jane Goodall
[ 2024 ] Narrator
Voices of Hope ~ Words of Wisdom by Marlon Brando
[ 2025 ] Narrator (voice)

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
Law & Order: Organized Crime
[ 2021-2024 ] Bernadette Stabler
Law & Order: Organized Crime
[ 2021-2024 ] Bernadette Stabler
Law & Order: Organized Crime
[ 2021-2025 ] Bernadette Stabler

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

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News


Olly Alexander and Iz Hesketh Join Cast for UK Reading of RIGHT BEFORE I GO Photo
Olly Alexander and Iz Hesketh Join Cast for UK Reading of RIGHT BEFORE I GO
by Stephi Wild - Feb 19, 2026

Olly Alexander and Iz Hesketh will join Vanessa Williams and Matt Henry in a UK reading of Stan Zimmerman's suicide awareness play, RIGHT BEFORE I GO, at London's Soho Theatre.
Photos: Raúl Esparza, Corey Cott, & More Attend LAW & ORDER Season 25 Celebration Photo
Photos: Raúl Esparza, Corey Cott, & More Attend LAW & ORDER Season 25 Celebration
by Josh Sharpe - Jan 9, 2026

The cast and crew of Law & Order recently gathered in New York to celebrate the show's 25th season with many Broadway alums in attendance, including Raúl Esparza, Corey Cott, Sam Waterston, and more. Check out photos from the event now.
NEW YORK JEWISH FILM FESTIVAL 2026 Lineup Unveiled Photo
NEW YORK JEWISH FILM FESTIVAL 2026 Lineup Unveiled
by A.A. Cristi - Dec 11, 2025

The Jewish Museum and Film at Lincoln Center have announced the full lineup for the 35th annual New York Jewish Film Festival, returning to the Walter Reade Theater in Manhattan.
Video: Helen Mirren, David Hyde Pierce, and More in Trailer for THIS ORDINARY THING D Photo
Video: Helen Mirren, David Hyde Pierce, and More in Trailer for THIS ORDINARY THING Doc
by Josh Sharpe - Nov 10, 2025

The official trailer has been released for This Ordinary Thing, a new documentary from Emmy-winning filmmaker Nick Davis featuring the voices of many stage alums like Helen Mirren, Joanna Gleason, Kelli O'Hara, David Hyde Pierce, and more.
HERE IN AMERICA to Have US Premiere at Burning Coal Theatre Company Photo
HERE IN AMERICA to Have US Premiere at Burning Coal Theatre Company
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Oct 30, 2025

Burning Coal Theatre Company will present Here in America (US Premiere), directed by Jerome Davis. Here in America follows four artists caught between political fear and personal conviction during two key moments in U.S. history.
Who Are the Oldest Actors to Star in a Broadway Show? Photo
Who Are the Oldest Actors to Star in a Broadway Show?
by Jennifer Ashley Tepper - Aug 30, 2025

June Squibb is a beloved actor with an incredibly long career—but does 96 make her the oldest actor to play Broadway in a regular production with 8 performances a week? According to our research, that is indeed the case! 
Seth Rudetsky and Christine Taylor to Join RIGHT BEFORE I GO at The Tank Photo
Seth Rudetsky and Christine Taylor to Join RIGHT BEFORE I GO at The Tank
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Aug 27, 2025

The Tank has added two more performances of Stan Zimmerman's suicide awareness play, Right before I go. Seth Rudetsky and Christine Taylor will join the cast. Learn more!
Patrick Page, Peppermint and More to Star in Stan Zimmerman's RIGHT BEFORE I GO at Th Photo
Patrick Page, Peppermint and More to Star in Stan Zimmerman's RIGHT BEFORE I GO at The Tank
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Jul 28, 2025

The Tank has revealed the casts for a limited four performance run of Stan Zimmerman's suicide awareness play, Right before I go. Learn more and see how to purchase tickets.
EGOT Explained: Who Has Joined the Elite Group and Who Is Close to Making History? Photo
EGOT Explained: Who Has Joined the Elite Group and Who Is Close to Making History?
by Sidney Paterra - May 26, 2025

Few honors in entertainment are as coveted—or as rare—as achieving EGOT status. This elite distinction marks a career filled with versatility, longevity, and extraordinary talent across multiple mediums. What does it all mean? We're taking a closer look at the artists who have managed to join one of the industry’s most exclusive clubs.
Tribeca Festival 2025 Unveils Star-Studded Talks, Reunions & Retrospectives Photo
Tribeca Festival 2025 Unveils Star-Studded Talks, Reunions & Retrospectives
by Josh Sharpe - Apr 29, 2025

The 2025 Tribeca Festival has revealed its lineup of talks, reunions, and retrospectives featuring groundbreaking artists, cultural icons, and unforgettable moments from cinema history.
Cast Set For Zimmerman's RIGHT BEFORE I GO at Curtis Theatre Photo
Cast Set For Zimmerman's RIGHT BEFORE I GO at Curtis Theatre
by Stephi Wild - Apr 21, 2025

Playwright/Director, Stan Zimmerman has set his cast for a special one night performance of his suicide awareness play, Right Before I Go. Learn more about the show here!
Previews: DIETRICH at Revolution Stage Company Photo
Previews: DIETRICH at Revolution Stage Company
by David Green - Mar 25, 2025

The legendary sex symbol Marlene Dietrich, celebrated for her groundbreaking performances in film and on stage, comes to life in DIETRICH, a one-woman play-with-music starring Cindy Marinangel. This production will take center stage at the Revolution Stage Company in Palm Springs for two nights only, April 4 and 5, 2025.
Previews: DIETRICH at Revolution Stage Company Photo
Previews: DIETRICH at Revolution Stage Company
by Kay Kudukis - Feb 18, 2025

DIETRICH, written by Willard Manus, starring Cindy Marinangel, Chicago Second City Conservatory graduate, directed by Glenda Morgan Brown and produced by Sea Angel Productions., LLC is based on a true story. Set in May 1960, the play takes place when the actress returned to the Berlin stage for the first time since fleeing the Hitler regime in the 1930’s. Inside her dressing room at the Tatania-Palast Theater, Dietrich weighs whether to go through with the live performance despite threats on her life by Nazi sympathizers who resented her for having spent much of World War II entertaining American soldiers on the front lines. To them, Dietrich is a turncoat; a traitor who deserves to be shot and killed on stage.
2025 Virginia Thespian Festival to Produce Stan Zimmerman's RIGHT BEFORE I GO Photo
2025 Virginia Thespian Festival to Produce Stan Zimmerman's RIGHT BEFORE I GO
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Dec 23, 2024

The 2025 Virginia Thespian Festival will produce Stan Zimmerman's suicide awareness play, Right Before I Go., as part of their All-State Experience. Learn more and see how to purchase tickets.
SAME TIME, NEXT YEAR To Be Featured at Compass Rose Theater  Photo
SAME TIME, NEXT YEAR To Be Featured at Compass Rose Theater 
by A.A. Cristi - Oct 10, 2024

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
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Jul 15, 2024

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
by A.A. Cristi - Jul 10, 2024

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
by A.A. Cristi - Jun 17, 2024

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
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Jun 17, 2024

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
by A.A. Cristi - Mar 27, 2024

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.
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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 won several awards for her performance in Same Time, Next Year. She received the Outstanding Actress in a Play award from the Drama Desk Awards, the Best Ensemble Performance award from the Outer Critics Circle Awards, and the Tony Award for Best Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role in a Play.

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