Written by: Isabel Sanchez

Susan Sarandon: A Legendary Actress and Activist

Susan Sarandon is a household name, synonymous with iconic roles in film and television, as well as her unwavering commitment to social and political activism. With a career spanning over five decades, she has solidified her position as a Hollywood legend, earning numerous accolades, including an Academy Award, a British Academy Film Award, and a Screen Actors Guild Award.

Early Life and Career

Sarandon was born on October 4, 1946, in Queens, New York, to Philip Leslie Tomalin and Lenora Marie Criscione Tomalin. She began her acting career in the early 1970s, landing small roles in films such as Joe (1970) and F. Scott Fitzgerald and The Last of the Belles (1974). Her breakthrough role came in 1975 when she played Janet Weiss in the cult classic The Rocky Horror Picture Show.

Award-Winning Performances

Sarandon's impressive filmography is filled with critically acclaimed performances, including her Oscar-winning role as Sister Helen Prejean in Dead Man Walking (1995). She has received Oscar nominations for her roles in Atlantic City (1980), Thelma and Louise (1991), Lorenzo's Oil (1992), and The Client (1994).

Other notable films in her repertoire include Pretty Baby (1978), The Hunger (1983), The Witches of Eastwick (1987), Bull Durham (1988), Little Women (1994), James and the Giant Peach (1996), Stepmom (1998), Enchanted (2007), Speed Racer (2008), The Lovely Bones (2009), Cloud Atlas (2012), and The Meddler (2015).

Theater and Television

In addition to her film career, Sarandon has also had a successful stage presence, making her Broadway debut in An Evening with Richard Nixon (1972). She has received Drama Desk Award nominations for her performances in A Coupla White Chicks Sitting Around Talking (1979) and Extremities (1982).

On television, Sarandon has been nominated for six Primetime Emmy Awards for her guest roles on popular sitcoms like Friends (2001) and Malcolm in the Middle (2002), as well as her performances in HBO films You Don't Know Jack (2010) and Bernard and Doris (2008), and the FX miniseries Feud (2017).

Activism and Philanthropy

Sarandon is an outspoken advocate for various social and political causes, including women's rights, LGBTQ+ rights, and anti-war movements. She has been arrested multiple times for her involvement in protests and demonstrations, solidifying her reputation as a fearless and dedicated activist.

In addition to her activism, Sarandon is also a dedicated philanthropist, supporting organizations such as UNICEF, Amnesty International, and the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU).

Legacy and Impact

Susan Sarandon's remarkable career, both on and off screen, has left an indelible mark on the entertainment industry and beyond. Her unwavering commitment to her craft, combined with her passion for social justice, has inspired countless individuals and cemented her status as a true Hollywood legend.

With a career spanning over 50 years, Sarandon continues to captivate audiences with her dynamic performances and inspire generations with her tireless advocacy for social and political change.