Ellen Burstyn, born on December 7, 1932 in Detroit Michigan, wasn’t born a star. She worked various odd jobs, such as a short-order cook, while studying at the Detroit-based Cass Technical High School. After working as a model in Texas, Ellen Burstyn moved to New York and became a showgirl for “The Jackie Gleason Show,” then moved to Montreal as a dancer and finally made her Broadway debut on the 1957 production of “Fair Game.” However, it was only in the 1964 movie “Goodbye Charlie” did Ellen Burstyn gain attention. She then took a break from work and studied at the Actors Studio under Lee Strasberg.

In 1971, Ellen Burstyn got her big break when she won the role of Lois Farrow in “The Last Picture Show,” where she received nominations for an Academy Award and Golden Globe. Since then, Ellen Burstyn has been nominated to both the Golden Globe and Academy Award numerous times for the made-for-TV movie “The People vs. Jean Harris” and films such as “The Exorcist,” “Alice Doesn’t Live Here Anymore,” “Same Time, Next Year,” “Resurrection” and “Requiem for a Dream.” Ellen Burstyn has also won a Tony Award for her work on the production of “Same Time, Next Year” in 1978, three years before she starred on its movie adaptation.

In 1997, Ellen Burstyn was inducted into the Michigan Women’s Hall of Fame. Along with Harvey Keitel and Al Pacino, Burstyn was also named co-president of The Actor’s Studio in 2000. In May 2001, People Magazine chose Ellen Burstyn as one of the “50 Most Beautiful People of the World.” In 2005, the Savannah Film Festival awarded Ellen with a Lifetime Achievement Award in Acting.

Ellen Burstyn was married to William Alexander, Paul Roberts and Neil Burstyn. She has an adopted son named Jefferson and a grandchild.