Susan Sarandon

Susan Sarandon. Susan Sarandon is an acclaimed American actress and prominent activist, renowned for her versatile performances across five decades in film. She rose to prominence in the 1970s and achieved critical acclaim for roles in films like The Rocky Horror Picture Show and Atlantic City, later winning an Academy Award for her performance in Dead Man Walking. Beyond her cinematic work, she is equally recognized for her outspoken advocacy on progressive political causes, human rights, and humanitarian issues.

Early life and education

Susan Abigail Tomalin was born in the Queens borough of New York City, to parents of Welsh, English, Irish, and Italian descent. Her mother, Lenora, was a homemaker, and her father, Phillip Tomalin, worked as an advertising executive and one-time television producer. Raised in a large Roman Catholic family in Edison, New Jersey, she was the eldest of nine children. Sarandon attended Edison High School before enrolling at The Catholic University of America in Washington, D.C., where she earned a Bachelor of Arts in drama in 1968. Her initial career path was not focused on acting; a talent agent discovered her after she accompanied her then-husband, Chris Sarandon, to an audition.

Career

Sarandon's film debut was in the 1970 drama Joe. She gained wider recognition for her role as Janet Weiss in the cult musical ''The Rocky Horror Picture Show'' in 1975. Her career progressed with significant roles in films such as The Great Waldo Pepper and The Other Side of Midnight. A major turning point was her performance in Atlantic City (1980), directed by Louis Malle, which earned her first Academy Award nomination. Throughout the 1980s and 1990s, she delivered a series of celebrated performances in movies like The Witches of Eastwick, Bull Durham, Thelma & Louise, and Lorenzo's Oil. She won the Academy Award for Best Actress for portraying Helen Prejean in Dead Man Walking (1995). Later notable work includes roles in Stepmom, Igby Goes Down, and the television miniseries Mussolini and I. She has also provided voice work for animated features like The SpongeBob SquarePants Movie and the Robot Chicken series.

Activism and political involvement

Sarandon is a high-profile activist, consistently using her platform to advocate for progressive and left-wing causes. She has been a vocal supporter of Democratic Socialists of America and was a prominent surrogate for Bernie Sanders during his 2016 and 2020 presidential campaigns. Her activism spans issues including opposition to the Iraq War, advocacy for LGBT rights, and support for Syrian refugees. She has worked extensively with humanitarian organizations such as UNICEF and Heifer International. Sarandon's political engagement has sometimes sparked controversy, including criticism for her stance during the 2016 election and her comments on the Israel–Hamas war. She has been arrested multiple times during protests, including at demonstrations against the death of George Floyd and for climate change activism.

Personal life

Sarandon was married to actor Chris Sarandon from 1967 to 1979; she kept his surname professionally after their divorce. She had a long-term relationship with actor and director Tim Robbins from 1988 to 2009; they have two sons. She also has a daughter from a previous relationship with Italian filmmaker Franco Amurri. Sarandon has lived primarily in New York City and is known for her interests in ping-pong, co-owning the SPiN chain of ping-pong social clubs. In 2018, she received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

Filmography and awards

Sarandon's extensive filmography spans over 100 credits in film and television. Major film works include Pretty Baby (1978), The Hunger (1983), White Palace (1990), Little Women (1994), James and the Giant Peach (1996), Enchanted (2007), and The Meddler (2015). On television, she has appeared in series like Feud and Ray Donovan. Her award accolades include an Academy Award, a BAFTA Award, and a Screen Actors Guild Award. She has also received numerous honors for her humanitarian work, including the Action Against Hunger Humanitarian Award and a GLAAD Vanguard Award.

Category:American film actresses Category:American activists Category:Best Actress Academy Award winners