This 91-year-old actress is still breaking down barriers in a field that is infamous for its short-lived recognition of aging talent. She has performed in critically acclaimed movies, TV shows, and plays over the course of several decades.
Her ascent to stardom was anything but typical. She began her career as a model and showgirl before making her way into movies and television. With ground-breaking parts that highlighted her beauty, ability, and commitment to her craft, she rose to fame in the 1970s.
However, as her popularity soared, her personal life began to unravel. As Neil Burstyn’s mental condition deteriorated, she endured years of hardship as his spouse. Her story is one of perseverance and survival, which stands in sharp contrast to the glitz of her public persona.
This actress’s journey to fame began with a humble beginning. Prior to her Broadway debut, she worked as a nightclub dancer and model in the 1950s. She began a successful career in the 1960s when she switched to television and movies.
She was widely known by 1971 for a prominent performance that brought her praise from critics and nominations for important awards. Her roles in movies like “The Exorcist” and “Alice Doesn’t Live Here Anymore” cemented her status as one of her generation’s most gifted actors.
She received an Academy Award for her performance in the latter, but she was unable to physically accept the prize at the event in 1975. She went on to win an Emmy, a Tony, and an Oscar, becoming one of just 17 women in the profession to accomplish the Triple Crown of Acting.
When she looked back on her career, she disclosed that she had made the conscious decision to concentrate on improving her art rather than depending only on her attractiveness. “It occurred to me I could have a career based on my looks,” she explained. “But if I did, it would be a very short career, and I’d better not rely on that.”
Although she worked hard to acquire her career, the instability in her personal life was a sharp contrast to her on-screen success.
Following two unsuccessful marriages, the actress fell in love with Neil Burstyn in 1960. Neil’s charisma, skill, and eccentricity initially drew her in. But as their bond grew, Neil started exhibiting symptoms of a serious mental disease, ultimately receiving a diagnosis of psychosis and schizophrenia.
He parted ways with her in the 1970s, just as her career began to blossom. She had five Academy Award nominations and one victory during that decade, making her one of Hollywood’s most renowned actresses. Despite their separation, Neil was determined not to let her go.
She later recalled, “He wanted to come back.” He had been following me around for ten years. One of the most terrifying incidents was when he assaulted her after breaking into her house.
She encountered apathy from the police when she reported the event. Given that Neil was her spouse, the police thought his behavior was acceptable and not criminal. Even at work, Neil continued to stalk her as his mental health worsened.
When she performed on Broadway in “Same Time, Next Year,” he tormented her by shouting her name out of the crowd, frightening both her and her co-star Charles Grodin. She talked about how she lived in constant anxiety, sometimes thinking Neil would murder her.
When Neil committed suicide in 1978, their turbulent relationship came to an end. Despite years of estrangement, his passing triggered a complex range of emotions. She thought, “It seemed like somehow my success had caused his insanity,” despite knowing otherwise.
Despite the scars left by these years of suffering, they marked a significant shift in her life by motivating her to heal and rediscover herself. She embraced seclusion as a place to think and rebuild her identity since she was determined to take back her life.
The actress, who was determined to take back her life, loved her alone time and used it to think and reestablish her identity. She stayed away from new relationships for almost twenty years, preferring to concentrate on self-discovery, meditation, and therapy.
She said that this time changed her and helped her develop her inner strength and independence. The ability to say, ‘It’s okay,’ is essential. “I can be a woman, powerful and loved all at once,” she said.
A spiritual journey that led her to unusual locations also impacted her recovery. She slept on the streets of New York City, ate in soup kitchens, and begged for money while on a three-day “street retreat” with a Buddhist monk.
Her perspective on mankind changed as a result of this enlightening event. “You have to fall back on your resources, and you have to experience what life is like without all of the props,” she said. She learned compassion lessons from the retreat that influenced her perspective for years to come.
She eventually gave herself permission to accept love and friendship again as she became more grounded. She finally established a love relationship where she could give and receive completely after years of self-work.
These years of self-discovery gave her fresh strength and insight, which she applied to both her personal and artistic endeavors.
The actress’s career is a testament to her adaptability and perseverance, even as she gets closer to 92. She has captivated audiences on TV and in real life. One particularly noteworthy incident included a young guy who said that her performance in “The Last Picture Show” had saved his life.
He wrote to let her know that after witnessing her character’s tenacity in the face of adversity, he had reconsidered his intention to take his own life.
She is still breaking down barriers in Hollywood, even at the age of 90. She has been thankful for her ongoing success in recent interviews. “I’m busier than I can ever remember being at any point in my career,” she said. “Why is there so much talk about ageism in Hollywood? How could I have been excluded?
“Everyone else who could play those parts has already died, so I’m the only actress still standing who can play the great-grandmother,” she said, displaying her trademark wit as she suggested that her continuing opportunities may result from outliving her colleagues.
Her artistic pursuits extend beyond the realm of performing. Whether it’s publishing a collection of her favorite poetry or coaching the upcoming generation of theater professionals, she never stops pushing herself creatively. One delighted recipient of her influence and love of the arts is her granddaughter Emily, who manages stages.
Ellen Burstyn is a wonderful woman whose journey is a testament to perseverance and success. Her admirers still laud her for her beauty and brilliance. “I think she’s just as beautiful today as she was when she was younger,” one admirer said in a comment on X. Her grin is really beautiful.
