--- name: "Ellen Burstyn" canonical: "https://film.one/person/ellen-burstyn" fi1m_id: "ellen-burstyn" imdb_id: "nm0000995" tmdb_id: 9560 wikidata_id: "Q211144" roles: ["Actor"] born: "7 December 1932" reviewed_on_fi1m: 11 average_fi1m_score: 67 average_as: "actor" average_over: 10 updated: "2026-10-05T02:40:36.614319+00:00" licence: "© Fi1m Ltd. Written by AI under a human editor; checked against sources before publication. Quote with attribution and a link to the canonical URL." --- # Ellen Burstyn ## Identity Ellen Burstyn - **Canonical:** https://film.one/person/ellen-burstyn - **Type:** Person - **Fi1m ID:** ellen-burstyn - **IMDb ID:** nm0000995 - **TMDB ID:** 9560 - **Wikidata ID:** Q211144 - **Same entity:** https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ellen_Burstyn, https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q211144, https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0000995/, https://www.themoviedb.org/person/9560 Actor. Born 7 December 1932 in Detroit, Michigan, USA. ## Details - **Work:** Actor - **Born:** 7 December 1932, Detroit, Michigan, USA - **Active:** 1971–present - **Also known as:** Ellen McRae, Edna Rae Gilhooley - **Titles on Fi1m:** 11: 10 acting, 1 other - **Frequently works with:** [Darren Aronofsky](https://film.one/person/darren-aronofsky.md), [Eric Watson](https://film.one/person/eric-watson.md) - **Academy Awards:** 1 Oscar (1 won · 5 nominated) - **Average Fi1m score:** 67, as actor, over 10 titles - **Fi1m score by decade:** 1970s 89 (2), 1990s 40 (1), 2000s 72 (4), 2010s 62 (2), 2020s 54 (2) - **Fi1m against the critics:** 67 to 62 across 10 titles - **Score spread:** 3 at 80+, 4 at 60–79, 3 under 60 - **Lead roles:** 2 of 9 acting credits billed first or second - **Genres:** Drama 8, Romance 4, Adventure 2, Horror 2, Science Fiction 2, Crime 1 - **Screen time:** 18 hours of reviewed films - **Box office:** $1,449m across 8 films with figures - **Elsewhere:** https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ellen_Burstyn, https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q211144, https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0000995/, https://www.themoviedb.org/person/9560 ## Streaming the US now - **Peacock:** [*Requiem for a Dream*](https://film.one/film/requiem-for-a-dream.md) (80), [*The Exorcist: Believer*](https://film.one/film/the-exorcist-believer.md) (42) - **Apple TV:** [*Interstellar*](https://film.one/film/interstellar.md) (79) - **Netflix:** [*Pieces of a Woman*](https://film.one/film/pieces-of-a-woman.md) (66) For United States; add `?region=XX` for another country. ## Fi1m on Ellen Burstyn > Ellen Burstyn can make a plain admission of unhappiness more troubling than the noise around it. We rate her for that restraint; the frustration comes when films ask for her authority and give her too little to do. Sara Goldfarb speaks about her unhappiness in *Requiem for a Dream* (2000), and Ellen Burstyn lets the words do the work. Darren Aronofsky gives her room here, away from the relentless cutting that can crowd out the people elsewhere in the film. We were moved by that quiet admission because she made the wish for relief seem ordinary and difficult to dismiss. We value her most in scenes like this, where she trusts a plain statement to hold our attention. Her restraint also makes us wish Aronofsky would give the other performers as much time. Her breakthrough was *The Last Picture Show* (1971), playing Lois Farrow, followed by Chris MacNeil in William Friedkin’s *The Exorcist* (1973). Martin Scorsese’s *Alice Doesn’t Live Here Anymore* (1974) gave her the title role. Lead and supporting work continued through the following decades before *Requiem for a Dream* brought a notable return to a leading part. Women facing emotional or family crises recur in her work. Those parts suit her ability to make strain convincing, though the later tendency to cast her as a mother can narrow what she is asked to do. David Gordon Green’s *The Exorcist: Believer* (2023) brings her back as Chris MacNeil, with little screen time to spare. She looks towards Victor with the recognition of one parent watching another about to learn something painful, and her monologue briefly gives the sequel someone worth listening to. The film’s quiet opening promises more than its loud, crowded exorcism delivers. Burstyn is good in a poor film, and the script’s treatment of her is its most wasteful decision; we will leave the particulars alone. A familiar face is a thin reason to bring a character back unless there is something for her to do. For a first encounter, choose *Requiem for a Dream*, with a warning about its relentless cutting and how punishing it can be. Sara’s quiet admission is reason enough to face it. Do not expect much comfort. ## Biography Ellen Burstyn is an American actress. Born Edna Rae Gillooly on 7 December 1932 in Detroit, Michigan, she began her career on Broadway in the late 1950s, later credited as Ellen McRae and Ellen Burstyn. She won the Academy Award for Best Actress for *Alice Doesn't Live Here Anymore* (1974) and received further Oscar nominations for *The Last Picture Show* (1971), *The Exorcist* (1973), *Same Time, Next Year* (1978), *Resurrection* (1980) and *Requiem for a Dream* (2000). Burstyn also won a Tony Award for *Same Time, Next Year* (1975) and two Primetime Emmy Awards, for *Law & Order: Special Victims Unit* (2009) and *Political Animals* (2013). Her other notable film roles include *Interstellar* (2014), *The Age of Adaline* (2015) and *Pieces of a Woman* (2020). She reprised the role of Chris MacNeil in *The Exorcist: Believer* (2023). *Sources: imdb.com, en.wikipedia.org, britannica.com, nytimes.com.* ## On Fi1m (11) ### Performed in (10) — the average rests on these - *The Exorcist: Believer* (2023), Fi1m 42, as Chris MacNeil — [page](https://film.one/film/the-exorcist-believer.md) - *Pieces of a Woman* (2020), Fi1m 66, as Elizabeth Weiss — [page](https://film.one/film/pieces-of-a-woman.md) - *Lucy in the Sky* (2019), Fi1m 44, as Nana Holbrook — [page](https://film.one/film/lucy-in-the-sky.md) - *Interstellar* (2014), Fi1m 79, as Murph (older) — [page](https://film.one/film/interstellar.md) - *Big Love* (2006), Fi1m 79, as Nancy Davis Dutton — [page](https://film.one/tv/big-love.md) - *The Fountain* (2006), Fi1m 66, as Dr. Lillian Guzetti — [page](https://film.one/film/the-fountain.md) - *Requiem for a Dream* (2000), Fi1m 80, as Sara Goldfarb — [page](https://film.one/film/requiem-for-a-dream.md) - *Dying Young* (1991), Fi1m 40, as Mrs. O'Neil — [page](https://film.one/film/dying-young.md) - *The Exorcist* (1973), Fi1m 89, as Chris MacNeil — [page](https://film.one/film/the-exorcist.md) - *The Last Picture Show* (1971), Fi1m 89, as Lois Farrow — [page](https://film.one/film/the-last-picture-show.md) ### Also credited (1) — thanks, archive footage, uncredited - *Red Dragon* (2002), Fi1m 64, as Grandma Dolarhyde (voice) (uncredited) — [page](https://film.one/film/red-dragon.md) ## Complete filmography (151) Every credit, newest first. Titles without a page can be requested for review on the HTML page. - *Place to Be* (2026), as Brooke - *Flesh Impact* (2026), as Marilyn Monroe - *Duse, the Greatest* (2025), Actor - *E. Jean Carroll v. Donald J. Trump* (2024), as E. Jean Carroll - *Mother, Couch* (2024), as Mother - *The Exorcist: Believer* (2023), as Chris MacNeil — Fi1m 42, [page](https://film.one/film/the-exorcist-believer.md) - *The First Lady* (2022), series, as Sara Delano Roosevelt - *Three Months* (2022), as Valerie - *Queen Bees* (2021), as Helen Wilson - *Watch on the Rhine* (2021), as Fanny - *Law & Order: Organized Crime* (2021), series, as Bernadette Stabler - *Pieces of a Woman* (2020), as Elizabeth Weiss — Fi1m 66, [page](https://film.one/film/pieces-of-a-woman.md) - *Lucy in the Sky* (2019), as Nana Holbrook — Fi1m 44, [page](https://film.one/film/lucy-in-the-sky.md) - *American Woman* (2019), as Miss Dolly - *The House of Tomorrow* (2019), as Josephine Prendergast · Executive Producer - *Nostalgia* (2018), as Helen Greer - *All I Wish* (2018), as Celia Berges - *The Tale* (2018), as Nettie - *Wiener-Dog* (2016), as Nana - *Custody* (2016), as Beatrice Fisher - *Unity* (2015), as Narrator (voice) - *About Scout* (2015), as Gram - *The Age of Adaline* (2015), as Flemming - *Interstellar* (2014), as Murph (older) — Fi1m 79, [page](https://film.one/film/interstellar.md) - *The Calling* (2014), as Emily Micallef - *Petals on the Wind* (2014), as Olivia Foxworth - *Two Men in Town* (2014), as Mère Garnett - *Draft Day* (2014), as Barb Weaver - *River of Fundament* (2014), as Hathfertiti - *Flowers in the Attic* (2014), as Grandmother - *Wish You Well* (2013), as Louisa Mae Cardinal - *Mom* (2013), series, as Shirley - *House of Cards* (2013), series, as Elizabeth Hale - *Coma* (2012), series, as Mrs. Emerson - *Political Animals* (2012), series, as Margaret Barrish - *Someday This Pain Will Be Useful to You* (2012), as Nanette - *Another Happy Day* (2011), as Doris Baker - *The Mighty Macs* (2011), as Mother St. John - *Main Street* (2010), as Georgiana Carr - *According to Greta* (2009), as Katherine - *Lovely, Still* (2009), as Mary - *The Velveteen Rabbit* (2009), as Swan (voice) - *W.* (2008), as Barbara Bush - *The Loss of a Teardrop Diamond* (2008), as Miss Addie - *Mitch Albom's For One More Day* (2007), as Pauline "Posey" Benetto - *The Stone Angel* (2007), as Hagar - *The Fountain* (2006), as Dr. Lillian Guzetti — Fi1m 66, [page](https://film.one/film/the-fountain.md) - *30 Days* (2006), as Maura - *The Wicker Man* (2006), as Sister Summersisle - *The Elephant King* (2006), as Diana Hunt - *Big Love* (2006), series, as Nancy Davis Dutton — Fi1m 79, [page](https://film.one/tv/big-love.md) - *The Book of Daniel* (2006), series, as Bishop Beatrice Congreve - *Mrs. Harris* (2005), as Former Tarnower Steady - *Our Fathers* (2005), as Mary Ryan - *The Five People You Meet In Heaven* (2004), as Ruby - *The Madam's Family: The Truth About the Canal Street Brothel* (2004), as Tommie - *Brush with Fate* (2003), as Rika - *Red Dragon* (2002), as Grandma Dolarhyde (voice) (uncredited) — Fi1m 64, [page](https://film.one/film/red-dragon.md) - *Divine Secrets of the Ya-Ya Sisterhood* (2002), as Vivi - *Within These Walls* (2001), as Joan Thomas · Executive Producer - *Requiem for a Dream* (2000), as Sara Goldfarb — Fi1m 80, [page](https://film.one/film/requiem-for-a-dream.md) - *That's Life* (2000), series, as Dolly DeLucca - *Mermaid* (2000), as Trish - *The Yards* (2000), as Val Handler - *Walking Across Egypt* (1999), as Mattie Rigsbee - *Law & Order: Special Victims Unit* (1999), series, as Bernie Stabler - *Night Ride Home* (1999), as Maggie - *Playing by Heart* (1998), as Mildred - *A Will of their Own* (1998), series, as Veronica Steward - *You Can Thank Me Later* (1998), as Shirley Cooperberg - *The Patron Saint of Liars* (1998), as June Clatterbuck - *Flash* (1997), as Laura Strong - *Deceiver* (1997), as Mook - *A Deadly Vision* (1997), as Yvette Watson - *Timepiece* (1996), as Maud Gannon - *The Spitfire Grill* (1996), as Hannah Ferguson - *How to Make an American Quilt* (1995), as Hy Dodd - *The Baby-Sitters Club* (1995), as Mrs. Haberman - *Follow The River* (1995), as Gretel - *My Brother's Keeper* (1995), as Helen - *Roommates* (1995), as Judith - *Trick of the Eye* (1994), as Frances Griffin - *Getting Gotti* (1994), as Jo Giacalone - *When a Man Loves a Woman* (1994), as Emily - *Getting Out* (1994), as Arlie's Mother - *Roots of Roe* (1993), as Letters of Margaret Sanger (voice) - *Shattered Trust: The Shari Karney Story* (1993), as Joan Delvecchio - *The Cemetery Club* (1993), as Esther Moskowitz - *Earth and the American Dream* (1992), as Reader (voice) - *When It Was a Game 2* (1992), as Passage Narrator (voice) - *Taking Back My Life: The Nancy Ziegenmeyer Story* (1992), as Wilma - *Grand Isle* (1991), as Mademoiselle Reisz - *Dying Young* (1991), as Mrs. O'Neil — Fi1m 40, [page](https://film.one/film/dying-young.md) - *Mrs. Lambert Remembers Love* (1991), as Lillian "Lil" Lambert - *When You Remember Me* (1990), as Nurse Cooder - *The Color of Evening* (1990), as Kate O'Rielly - *American Experience* (1988), series, as Narrator (voice) - *Hanna's War* (1988), as Katalin - *Dear America: Letters Home from Vietnam* (1987), as Mrs. Stocks (voice) - *Pack of Lies* (1987), as Barbara Jackson - *Something in Common* (1986), as Lynn Hollander - *The Ellen Burstyn Show* (1986), series, as Ellen Brewer - *Act of Vengeance* (1986), as Margaret Yablonski - *Into Thin Air* (1985), as Joan Walker - *Twice in a Lifetime* (1985), as Kate MacKenzie - *Surviving* (1985), as Tina Brogan - *The Ambassador* (1985), as Alex Hacker - *Silence of the North* (1981), as Olive Frederickson - *People vs. Jean Harris* (1981), as Jean Harris - *Resurrection* (1980), as Edna - *A Dream of Passion* (1978), as Brenda Collins - *Same Time, Next Year* (1978), as Doris - *Providence* (1977), as Sonia Langham - *Alice Doesn't Live Here Anymore* (1974), as Alice Hyatt - *Harry and Tonto* (1974), as Shirley - *Thursday's Game* (1974), as Lynne Evers - *The Exorcist* (1973), as Chris MacNeil — Fi1m 89, [page](https://film.one/film/the-exorcist.md) - *The King of Marvin Gardens* (1972), as Sally - *The Last Picture Show* (1971), as Lois Farrow — Fi1m 89, [page](https://film.one/film/the-last-picture-show.md) - *Alex in Wonderland* (1970), as Beth Morrison - *Tropic of Cancer* (1970), as Mona (uncredited) - *Pit Stop* (1969), as Ellen McCleod - *The Time Tunnel* (1966), series, as Eve Holland - *The Big Valley* (1965), series, as Sister Sarah Jacob - *Goodbye Charlie* (1964), as Franny Salzman - *For Those Who Think Young* (1964), as Dr. Pauline Swenson - *Kraft Suspense Theatre* (1963), series, as Barbara Sherwood / Lucille Benton - *The Greatest Show on Earth* (1963), series, as Susan Mason - *Vacation Playhouse* (1963), series, as Ellen - *Going My Way* (1962), series, as Louise - *I'm Dickens, He's Fenster* (1962), series, as Joan - *The Virginian* (1962), series, as Kate Burden - *Ricochet* (1961), as Rose Maxon - *Ben Casey* (1961), series, as Dr. Leslie Fraser, Connie - *Bus Stop* (1961), series, as Phyllis Dunning - *Dr. Kildare* (1961), series, as Anne Garner - *The Defenders* (1961), series, as Hilda Wesley - *Kraft Mystery Theatre* (1961), series, as Greta Dryden - *Surfside 6* (1960), series, as Wandra Drake - *Checkmate* (1960), series, as Margo as Ellen McRae - *The Detectives* (1959), series, as Nora - *The Many Loves of Dobie Gillis* (1959), series, as Donna Whittaker - *The Christmas Tree* (1958), as Elizabeth - *77 Sunset Strip* (1958), series, as Betty Benson, Sandra Keene - *Perry Mason* (1957), series, as Mona Winthrope White - *Cheyenne* (1955), series, as Emmy Mae - *Gunsmoke* (1955), series, as Polly, Amy Waters - *Letter to Loretta* (1953), series, as Ann Walters - *Hallmark Hall of Fame* (1951), series, as Elizabeth, Barbara Jackson, Maggie, Rika - *Easy Out?* (1948), as Mary - *Bathing Flo*, Director ## Gallery - ![Ellen Burstyn](https://film.one/media/person/15745/gallery-68e7d1422b7e.jpg) Ellen Burstyn — David Shankbone, CC BY 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons (https://thumb.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/6/63/Ellen_Burstyn_at_the_2009_Tribeca_Film_Festival.jpg/1280px-Ellen_Burstyn_at_the_2009_Tribeca_Film_Festival.jpg?utm_source=commons.wikimedia.org&utm_campaign=imageinfo&utm_content=thumbnail) - ![Ellen Burstyn at the 2007 Toronto International Film Festival](https://film.one/media/person/15745/gallery-9aab78c4e0d6.jpg) Ellen Burstyn at the 2007 Toronto International Film Festival — gdcgraphics at https://www.flickr.com/photos/gdcgraphics/, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons (https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/e/ec/EllenBurstyn07TIFF.jpg?utm_source=commons.wikimedia.org&utm_campaign=imageinfo&utm_content=thumbnail_unscaled) - ![Actress Ellen Burstyn at the 2009 Creative Arts Emmy Awards.](https://film.one/media/person/15745/gallery-a15ac5a0c033.jpg) Actress Ellen Burstyn at the 2009 Creative Arts Emmy Awards. — Greg Hernandez (Greg in Hollywood), CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons (https://thumb.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/1/19/Ellen_Burstyn_2009.jpg/1280px-Ellen_Burstyn_2009.jpg?utm_source=commons.wikimedia.org&utm_campaign=imageinfo&utm_content=thumbnail) - ![Actress Ellen Burstyn at the 2009 Creative Arts Emmy Awards.](https://film.one/media/person/15745/gallery-64bdc8f575f6.jpg) Actress Ellen Burstyn at the 2009 Creative Arts Emmy Awards. — Greg Hernandez (Greg in Hollywood), CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons (https://thumb.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/6/6a/Ellen_Burstyn_2009_%28cropped%29.jpg/1280px-Ellen_Burstyn_2009_%28cropped%29.jpg?utm_source=commons.wikimedia.org&utm_campaign=imageinfo&utm_content=thumbnail) - ![Ellen Burstyn](https://film.one/media/person/15745/gallery-88554ec27594.jpg) Ellen Burstyn — Image via TMDB - ![Ellen Burstyn](https://film.one/media/person/15745/gallery-35868f894f20.jpg) Ellen Burstyn — Image via TMDB - ![Ellen Burstyn](https://film.one/media/person/15745/gallery-60d2ccffb0a6.jpg) Ellen Burstyn — Image via TMDB - ![Ellen Burstyn at the 2009 Tribeca Film Festival premiere of Poliwood.](https://film.one/media/person/15745/gallery-65206c825362.jpg) Ellen Burstyn at the 2009 Tribeca Film Festival premiere of Poliwood. — David Shankbone, CC BY 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons (https://thumb.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/2/2c/Ellen_Burstyn_2009_Tribeca_portrait.jpg/1280px-Ellen_Burstyn_2009_Tribeca_portrait.jpg?utm_source=commons.wikimedia.org&utm_campaign=imageinfo&utm_content=thumbnail) - ![Ellen Burstyn at the 2009 Tribeca Film Festival premiere of Poliwood.](https://film.one/media/person/15745/gallery-592bcce19c01.jpg) Ellen Burstyn at the 2009 Tribeca Film Festival premiere of Poliwood. — David Shankbone, CC BY 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons (https://thumb.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/6/65/Ellen_Burstyn_2009_portrait.jpg/1280px-Ellen_Burstyn_2009_portrait.jpg?utm_source=commons.wikimedia.org&utm_campaign=imageinfo&utm_content=thumbnail) - ![Ellen Burstyn](https://film.one/media/person/15745/gallery-b0524c9537ff.jpg) Ellen Burstyn — Image via TMDB - ![Ellen Burstyn](https://film.one/media/person/15745/gallery-172bfe86ddd2.jpg) Ellen Burstyn — Image via TMDB - ![Ellen Burstyn](https://film.one/media/person/15745/gallery-abe9b7a68e17.jpg) Ellen Burstyn — Image via TMDB ## Awards ### Academy Awards — 1 won, 5 nominated - 2001: Best Actress (nominated), for *Requiem for a Dream* - 1981: Best Actress (nominated), for *Resurrection* - 1979: Best Actress (nominated), for *Same Time, Next Year* - 1975: Best Actress (won), for *Alice Doesn't Live Here Anymore* - 1974: Best Actress (nominated), for *The Exorcist* - 1972: Best Supporting Actress (nominated), for *The Last Picture Show* ### BAFTA Film Awards — 1 won - 1976: Best Actress in a Leading Role (won) ### Golden Globes — 1 won - 1979: Best Actress in a Motion Picture – Musical or Comedy (won) ### Primetime Emmy Awards — 2 won - 2013: Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Miniseries or a Movie (won), for *Political Animals* - 2009: Outstanding Guest Actress in a Drama Series (won), for *Law & Order: Special Victims Unit* ### Berlin International Film Festival — 1 won - 1988: Berlinale Camera (won) ### Other awards — 12 won - Genie Awards 2009: Genie Awards (won), for *The Stone Angel* - Canadian Screen Award for Best Actress in a Comedy Series 2008: Canadian Screen Award for Best Actress in a Comedy Series (won) - Fangoria Chainsaw Award for Best Actress 2001: Fangoria Chainsaw Award for Best Actress (won) - Satellite Award for Best Actress – Motion Picture 2001: Satellite Award for Best Actress – Motion Picture (won) - Boston Society of Film Critics Award for Best Actress 2000: Boston Society of Film Critics Award for Best Actress (won) - Chicago Film Critics Association Award for Best Actress 2000: Chicago Film Critics Association Award for Best Actress (won) - Florida Film Critics Circle Award for Best Actress 2000: Florida Film Critics Circle Award for Best Actress (won) - Online Film Critics Society Award for Best Actress 2000: Online Film Critics Society Award for Best Actress (won) - Michigan Women's Hall of Fame 1997: Michigan Women's Hall of Fame (won) - Tony Award for Best Actress in a Play 1975: Tony Award for Best Actress in a Play (won) - National Society of Film Critics Award for Best Supporting Actress 1971: National Society of Film Critics Award for Best Supporting Actress (won) - New York Film Critics Circle Award for Best Supporting Actress 1971: New York Film Critics Circle Award for Best Supporting Actress (won) *From Wikidata, which records wins more completely than nominations.* --- © Fi1m Ltd. Written by AI under a human editor; checked against sources before publication. Quote with attribution and a link to the canonical URL. Canonical: https://film.one/person/ellen-burstyn