This 91-Year-Old Actress Achieved the Rare Triple Crown of Acting and Survived Years of Terror from Her Schizophrenic Husband

Her rise to fame was anything but conventional. Starting as a showgirl and model, she worked her way into television and films. She became a household name in the 1970s with groundbreaking roles that showcased her beauty, talent, and dedication to her craft.

But while her star rose, her personal life was unraveling. Married to Neil Burstyn, she endured years of fear and anguish as his mental illness spiraled into violence. Her story is one of survival and resilience, a stark contrast to the glamour of her public image.

From a Humble Start to Hollywood Royalty

This actress’ journey to stardom began with modest beginnings. In the 1950s, she worked as a model and nightclub dancer before making her Broadway debut. Her transition to television and film during the 1960s marked the start of a flourishing career.

By 1971, she had gained widespread recognition for a leading role that earned her critical acclaim and prestigious award nominations. Her work in films like “The Exorcist” and “Alice Doesn’t Live Here Anymore” solidified her reputation as one of the most talented performers of her generation.

Her role in the latter won her an Academy Award, but she was unable to attend the 1975 ceremony to accept the honor in person. Later, she became one of just 17 women to achieve the Triple Crown of Acting, winning an Emmy, a Tony, and an Oscar—a rare feat in the industry.

Reflecting on her career, she revealed her deliberate choice to focus on honing her craft rather than relying on her beauty. “It occurred to me, I could have a career based on my looks,” she said. “But if I did, it would be a very short career, and I’d better not rely on that.”

Her professional achievements were hard-earned, but her success on screen starkly contrasted with the turmoil unfolding in her personal life.

The Nightmare Behind Closed Doors

In 1960, after two failed marriages, the actress fell in love with actor Neil Burstyn. Neil was charming, talented, and eccentric—qualities that initially drew her to him. However, as their relationship deepened, Neil began showing signs of severe mental illness, eventually being diagnosed with schizophrenia and psychosis.

He left her just before her career began to soar in the 1970s. During that decade, she became one of the most celebrated actresses in Hollywood, earning five Academy Award nominations and one win. Yet, despite their separation, Neil was unwilling to let her go.

“He wanted to come back,” she later recounted. “By then I had discovered how pleasant life was without a crazy husband, and I didn’t want him to come back. So he stalked me for 10 years.” One of the most harrowing incidents occurred when he broke into her home and assaulted her.

When she reported the incident to the police, she was met with indifference. The police believed that since Neil was her husband, his actions were justified and could not be considered a crime. Neil’s mental state continued to deteriorate, and he continued stalking her even at work.

His presence haunted her during her Broadway performances in “Same Time, Next Year,” where he once called her name from the audience, leaving both her and her co-star, Charles Grodin, terrified. She described the constant fear she lived under, believing at times that Neil might kill her.

Their tumultuous connection finally ended in 1978 when Neil took his own life. Although they had been apart for years by then, his death brought a complex mix of emotions. “It seemed like somehow my success had caused his insanity,” she reflected, though she recognized it wasn’t her fault.

These years of torment left scars, but they also became a turning point in her life, pushing her toward self-discovery and healing. Determined to reclaim her life, she embraced solitude, using it as a space to reflect and rebuild her sense of self.

Finding Healing Through Solitude

Determined to reclaim her life, the actress embraced solitude, using it as a space to reflect and rebuild her sense of self. For more than two decades, she avoided new relationships, focusing instead on therapy, meditation, and self-exploration.

She described this period as transformative, helping her cultivate inner strength and self-reliance. “You have to be able to say, ‘It’s all right. I can be powerful and be a woman and be loved all at once,'” she stated.

Her healing was also influenced by a spiritual journey that took her to unconventional places. During a three-day “street retreat” with a Buddhist monk, she slept on the streets of New York City, ate in soup kitchens, and begged for money.

This eye-opening experience helped her see humanity through a new lens. “You have to fall back on your resources and you have to experience what life is like without all of the props,” she shared. The retreat left her with lessons about compassion that shaped her outlook for years to come.

Eventually, as she grew more grounded, she allowed herself to embrace love and companionship again. With years of self-work behind her, she entered a loving relationship where she could finally give and receive fully.

Through these years of self-discovery, she found a new strength and wisdom that extended not only to her personal life but also to her creative work.

A Legacy Built on Talent and Determination

Even as she approaches 92, the actress’ career exemplifies versatility and tenacity. Her ability to connect with viewers has extended beyond the screen to real life. In one memorable instance, a young man credited her role in “The Last Picture Show” with saving his life.

He wrote to tell her that he had planned to end his life but changed his mind after seeing her character persevere through hardship.

Even in her 90s, she continues to break barriers in Hollywood. In recent interviews, she has expressed gratitude for her continued success. “I’m busier than I can ever remember being at any point in my career,” she remarked. “What’s all this stuff about ageism in Hollywood? How did I get left out of it?”

With her characteristic wit, she joked that her continued opportunities might stem from outliving her peers, saying, “Everybody else who could play those parts has already died, so I’m the only actress still standing who can play the great-grandmother.”

Her creative endeavors are not confined to acting. She continues to challenge herself artistically, whether by writing a book of her favorite poems or mentoring the next generation of theater professionals. Her granddaughter Emily, who works as a stage manager, is a proud beneficiary of her influence and passion for the arts.

This remarkable woman, whose journey embodies resilience and triumph, is none other than Ellen Burstyn. Her fans continue to celebrate her, both for her talent and beauty. One admirer commented on X, “I think she’s just as beautiful today as she was when she was younger. She has such a lovely smile.”

Another added, “What a remarkable, talented, elegant woman. She seems decades younger. Radiant and graceful from the inside out.” One noted, “Ellen Burstyn, 91, looking as gorgeous as ever at the 81st Annual Venice Film Festival.”

On Facebook, fans wrote, “Great actress” and “Such a good actress. So versatile.” These words of praise echo across platforms, showcasing the affection and respect she has earned over her decades-long career.