When the world came to a halt due to the pandemic, Hollywood legend Ellen Burstyn took the time to reconnect with the simple joys of life. At 87 years old, the Oscar-winning actress has been finding solace in the beauty of nature. "In this period of enforced quiet, I've really embraced the chance to slow down and appreciate the world around me," Ellen shares exclusively with Closer, now available on newsstands.
Discovering Compassion in Quiet Moments
For Ellen, the silence of quarantine brought unexpected gifts. She discovered a newfound compassion for those who had wronged her in the past. "Looking back, I wish I could've handled things differently," she admits candidly. Over her illustrious six-decade career, Ellen has earned a Tony, two Emmys, and an Academy Award for her role in the 1974 film Alice Doesn't Live Here Anymore. Yet, it's the personal growth she's experiencing now that seems to resonate most deeply.
A Journey Shaped by Adversity
Long before the accolades rolled in, Ellen faced immense challenges. She dropped out of high school to escape a violent home environment in Detroit, fleeing from a stepfather who subjected her to corporal punishment while her mother, Correine, remained uninvolved. "Life wasn't easy for me growing up," Ellen reflects. "But I learned how to endure hardship and stay grounded in the face of chaos." These early experiences shaped her resilience and prepared her for the trials that lay ahead.
Read also:Dave And Jenny Marrs Settle Lawsuit Over Home Renovations
A Complex Love Story
Ellen's personal life has also been marked by both love and heartbreak. Married twice in her youth, she found herself working in theater when she met and married actor Neil Burstyn in 1964. Neil was charming and quirky, but his diagnosis with schizophrenia brought years of fear and abuse into their marriage. By the time they divorced in 1972, Ellen had endured immense emotional turmoil. Tragically, Neil later took his own life.
Forgiveness and Reflection
Despite the pain of her past, Ellen has reached a place of peace. "I no longer carry resentment," she reveals. Her thoughts often turn to her mother, who spent much of her life trapped in an unhappy marriage. "We didn't always see eye-to-eye, but I miss her now," Ellen says. Recognizing her mother's struggles, she wishes they could connect one last time. "I hope somehow, she knows how much I care."
For more inspiring stories like Ellen's, pick up this week's issue of Closer magazine, available now on newsstands.
