Ellen Burstyn has a unique perspective on life and career that many of us could learn from. Imagine this: if she could go back in time and give her younger self some advice, she wouldn’t do it! Now, that’s something, isn’t it? “There was something about the discovery process that was so nourishing that I don’t think I would want to rob myself of that,” she shares with Closer in an exclusive interview. She adds, “I learned so much. I don’t think I’d like to interfere with any wisdom from the future.” It’s a philosophy that speaks to the value of life’s journey and all the lessons it brings.
Ellen Burstyn is not just a name in Hollywood; she’s a beacon of inspiration. At 91 years old, she’s still going strong, and her zest for life is contagious. The Oscar-winning actress, best known for her role in the 1974 classic Alice Doesn’t Live Here Anymore, continues to challenge herself with new roles. “I’m most proud that I’m still working and I’m 91 years old,” she says with a smile. Her passion for her craft and her ability to adapt have kept her vibrant and relevant in the ever-changing world of entertainment.
Ellen’s latest venture takes her back to one of her most iconic roles: Chris MacNeil from the 1973 film The Exorcist. In the sequel, The Exorcist: Believer, she revisits this character with a fresh perspective. “Playing a character that I created 50 years ago, I thought, ‘She’s had 50 years of living. Who has she become?’” she muses. It’s this depth of understanding and curiosity that makes Ellen Burstyn’s performances so compelling and timeless.
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For fans of Law & Order: Organized Crime, Ellen Burstyn is a familiar face as Bernadette Stabler, the mother of Christopher Meloni’s Elliot Stabler. “I love Chris. He is such a good man, a good actor, and a very good son!” Ellen says with a laugh. “We have a connection. That happens when you play somebody’s close relative, especially over a period of time.” It’s this authenticity that makes their on-screen relationship so believable and endearing.
Embracing the Passage of Time
Ellen Burstyn’s longevity in Hollywood is nothing short of remarkable, and she attributes much of her success to embracing the natural process of aging. “I’ve always heard that there’s ageism in Hollywood, and when women get to be 50, they don’t get work anymore,” she reflects. “I’m sure that’s true, but one of the ways I dealt with that was that I started playing older characters when I was still pretty young. I would put on the gray wigs and play older.” She firmly believes that fighting the passage of time is a losing battle. “It’s best to greet it head on and jump in and be older,” she advises. “That’s what I did, and it worked for me.”
A Multifaceted Career
Beyond her illustrious acting career, Ellen is also a poet at heart. She’s currently working on a book of her favorite poems, aimed at those who may not be fans of poetry. “It’s a book for people who don’t like poetry,” she explains with a chuckle. “I’m having a really good time with that because I do love poetry. I want to share my favorite poems and maybe introduce people to the beauty of it.” It’s another way Ellen Burstyn continues to inspire and connect with her audience.
Ellen has always managed to strike a balance between her career and personal life. Divorced and a single mother, she adopted her son Jefferson in 1961 and raised him largely on her own. Despite the challenges, she remains proud of the legacy she’s built. “I was able to fill both roles as mother and father,” she shares. “What I’m most proud of is that I managed to raise a son who is the best possible father to his daughter.” It’s a testament to her strength and dedication as both a parent and a professional.
When asked about her bucket list, Ellen admits she doesn’t have one. “You know, we do what we can,” she says humbly. “I’m pretty nourished by my life.” It’s a sentiment that resonates with so many of us, reminding us to cherish the journey and the moments that make life rich and fulfilling.
