Ellen Burstyn

Born: 7 December 1932
Where: Detroit, Michigan, USA

A model, showgirl, dancer and eventually an actress, Ellen has become a familiar face of the big screen since her feature debut in 1964 in For Those Who Think Young.

Throughout the 60s her film career thrived. She gained notice for her role in Goodbye Charlie, but her big break came in 1971 when she was cast in The Last Picture Show - for which she was nominated for a Golden Globe and an Oscar.

Her chilling performance alongside Jack Nicholson in The King of Marvin Gardens, was followed by a similar role in The Exorcist - and another Oscar nomination.

Eventually an Oscar winged its way onto Ellen's mantelpiece after her role as a waitress in Alice Doesn't Live Here Anymore.

Other notable credits in Ellen's past are Same Time, Next Year and Resurrection. More recently she has starred in How To Make An American Quilt and Red Dragon.

Ellen was the first woman president of Actor's Equity, the actors' union, from 1982 to 1985.