Susan Sarandon

Biography

Susan Abigail Sarandon (born October 4, 1946, in New York City) is an American actress and activist whose prolific career spans over five decades, marked by a fearless embrace of complex characters and a powerful commitment to social justice. With her distinctive voice, captivating presence, and refusal to shy away from controversial roles or outspoken views, Sarandon has solidified her place as one true Hollywood icons.

Early Life and Education:

Born Susan Abigail Tomalin, the eldest of nine children in a Roman Catholic family, Sarandon grew up in Edison, New Jersey. She developed an early interest in acting and went on to study drama at The Catholic University of America in Washington, D.C., graduating with a B.A. in 1968. It was there she met and married Chris Sarandon, a fellow student, though they later divorced in 1979; she kept his surname.

Career Beginnings and Rise to Prominence:

Sarandon's acting career began in the early 1970s with her debut in the film Joe (1970). She also appeared in several television soap operas. Her breakthrough came with the cult classic musical horror film The Rocky Horror Picture Show (1975), where she played the innocent Janet Weiss, a role that gained her significant recognition.

The 1980s saw her take on increasingly challenging roles, earning her first Academy Award nomination for Atlantic City (1981), directed by Louis Malle, with whom she was romantically involved. She continued to showcase her versatility in films like The Hunger (1983) and The Witches of Eastwick (1987), where she held her own alongside Jack Nicholson. Her performance as the intelligent and sensual Annie Savoy in the baseball romantic comedy Bull Durham (1988) further cemented her star status.

Thelma & Louise and Oscar Glory:

The 1990s were a particularly prolific and award-laden decade for Sarandon. Her role as the independent and fiercely loyal Louise Sawyer in Ridley Scott's groundbreaking feminist road movie Thelma & Louise (1991) earned her another Academy Award nomination and became a defining moment in her career. She followed this with acclaimed performances in Lorenzo's Oil (1992) and The Client (1994), both earning her additional Oscar nominations.

Finally, in 1996, Sarandon won the Academy Award for Best Actress for her powerful and deeply moving portrayal of Sister Helen Prejean, a nun counseling death-row inmates, in Dead Man Walking (1995). Directed by her then-partner Tim Robbins, the film was a critical triumph.

Continued Success and Diverse Roles:

Throughout the 2000s and beyond, Sarandon continued to demonstrate her immense range, starring in everything from comedies like Stepmom (1998) and Enchanted (2007) to dramas like The Lovely Bones (2009) and the HBO film Bernard and Doris (2007), for which she received Emmy and Golden Globe nominations. Her recent television work includes critically acclaimed performances as Bette Davis in the miniseries Feud: Bette and Joan (2017) and a main role in the FOX drama Monarch (2022).

Activism and Advocacy:

Beyond her acting prowess, Susan Sarandon is equally renowned for her staunch social and political activism. A vocal advocate for progressive causes, she has championed issues ranging from anti-war efforts and civil rights to environmental awareness and LGBTQ+ rights. She was appointed a UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador in 1999 and has consistently used her platform to speak out against injustice and support marginalized communities. Her outspoken views have often placed her at the forefront of public discourse, making her one of Hollywood's most recognizable and committed activists.

Susan Sarandon remains an enduring and compelling figure in the entertainment world, an actress who seamlessly blends artistry with a passionate dedication to making a difference.