What is Ellen Burstyn's Net Worth and Salary?
Ellen Burstyn, born Edna Rae Gillooly, is an American actress with a net worth of $20 million. Known for her performances in films like "The Last Picture Show," "The Exorcist," "Resurrection," "Requiem for a Dream," and "Alice Doesn't Live Here Anymore," she has significantly impacted both screen and stage. Burstyn won the Academy Award for Best Actress for her role in "Alice Doesn't Live Here Anymore" and a Tony Award for her work in the play "Same Time, Next Year." Her television appearances include "That's Life," "Political Animals," "House of Cards," and "Law & Order" spinoffs.
Burstyn's accolades began with a nomination for Best Supporting Actress in "The Last Picture Show" in 1971. She gained additional recognition with "The Exorcist" in 1973 and won the Academy Award for "Alice Doesn't Live Here Anymore" in 1974. Her role in the play "Same Time, Next Year" earned her a Tony Award, a Golden Globe, and another Oscar nomination for the film adaptation.
Early Life and Education
Ellen Burstyn was born Edna Rae Gillooly on December 7, 1932, in Detroit, Michigan. Raised by her mother and stepfather after her parents' divorce, she attended Cass Technical High School, where she studied fashion illustration. Burstyn dropped out during her senior year after failing her classes.
Career Beginnings
After leaving high school, Burstyn worked as a dancer under the name Kerri Flynn and then as a model. She later moved from Dallas to New York City, where her acting career began to take shape.
Film Career, Part 1
Burstyn, initially using the name Ellen McRae, appeared in the 1964 films "Goodbye Charlie" and "For Those Who Think Young." She later starred in "Pit Stop," "Alex in Wonderland," and "Tropic of Cancer." Her breakthrough came with 1971's "The Last Picture Show," directed by Peter Bogdanovich, earning her an Academy Award nomination. She achieved significant success with William Friedkin's blockbuster "The Exorcist" in 1973, which earned her a Best Actress nomination. In 1974, Burstyn won the Academy Award for her role in "Alice Doesn't Live Here Anymore."
Burstyn continued her success with roles in "Harry and Tonto" and adaptations like "Same Time, Next Year." The 1980s saw her in "Resurrection," "Silence of the North," "The Ambassador," and "Hanna's War." In the 90s, Burstyn starred in "Grand Isle," "The Cemetery Club," "Roommates," and "Walking Across Egypt."
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Film Career, Part 2
In the 2000s, Burstyn's performance in Darren Aronofsky's "Requiem for a Dream" earned her another Academy Award nomination. Her other notable films included "The Yards," "Divine Secrets of the Ya-Ya Sisterhood," "The Fountain," and "The Wicker Man." The 2010s brought roles in "Interstellar," "The Age of Adaline," and "Pieces of a Woman," where she was acclaimed for her role as Vanessa Kirby's mother.
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Television Career
Burstyn has also had a prolific television career, starting with roles in "Dr. Kildare," "Gunsmoke," and "Perry Mason" during her early years. She starred in television films such as "The People vs. Jean Harris" and "Pack of Lies." Her sitcom "The Ellen Burstyn Show" aired from 1986 to 1987.
From 2000 to 2002, she had a leading role in "That's Life." Her performance in "Mrs. Harris" earned her an Emmy nomination. She played recurring roles in "Big Love," "Political Animals," and "House of Cards," winning an Emmy for her guest role in "Law & Order: Special Victims Unit."
Theater Career
Burstyn made her Broadway debut in 1958 with "Fair Game," returning in 1975 to win a Tony for "Same Time, Next Year." Her Broadway credits include "84 Charing Cross Road," "Sacrilege," and "The Oldest Living Confederate Widow Tells All."
Personal Life
Ellen Burstyn has been married and divorced multiple times. She has an adopted son named Jefferson with her second husband, Paul Roberts. Her third husband, Neil Nephew, struggled with mental illness and violence, which led to their divorce and his eventual suicide in 1978.
Although raised Catholic, Burstyn practices Sufism and has been a co-president of the Actors Studio alongside Alec Baldwin and Al Pacino since 2000.
Real Estate
Burstyn's primary residence is a 3000 square foot home in New York's Hudson Valley, purchased in 1989 for $750,000. She has since invested several million dollars in renovations, with similar homes in the area selling for $4-5 million.
