Ellen Burstyn: December 7, 1932

Although she originally had aspirations of dominating the theater, Ellen Burstyn dove for opportunities in film including The Last Picture Show, Resurrection, The Exorcist, and Requiem For A Dream.  Her Oscar-winning performance in Alice Doesn’t Live Here Anymore was unlike any of its time.  This high school dropout had big dreams for herself, first going into modeling and dancing, finally making it to the big stage.

Though now 86, and though her personal life was rockier than she would have liked, she manages to embody grace and beauty that is typical of women much younger than she.  Through divorces, a schizophrenic husband, and marital abuse, she has risen above adversity and continues to shine her star quality for all to see.