Detroit-born Ellen Burstyn Was president of her high school’s drama club. But she was not a very good student, and dropped out in her senior year.
She became a model and a dancer – even got a job dancing on the Jackie Gleason Show – before making her professional acting debut almost 70 years ago.
And since then, Ellen Burstyn has amassed a house full of awards, including acting’s Triple Crown: an Oscar, a Tony, and two Emmys.
She starred in movies ranging from “The Last Picture Show” to “The Exorcist” to “Requiem For a Dream.” She’s been in soap operas, mini-series, and “Law & Order SVU.”
In 2006 Burstyn wrote her autobiography, which she called Lessons in Becoming Myself. That’s when I had a few minutes with this extraordinary performer.
So here now, from 2006, Ellen Burstyn.
Ellen Burstyn is 92 now. She is co-president of The Actors Studio.