Sarandon, Susan (1946–)
Sarandon, Susan (1946–)
American actress and activist. Born Susan Abigail Tomalin, Oct 4, 1946, in Jackson Heights, Queens, NY; dau. of Philip Leslie Tomalin (big band singer, advertising executive) and Lenora Marie (Criscione) Tomalin; Catholic University, BA, 1968; m. Chris Sarandon (actor), 1967 (div. 1979); lived with Tim Robbins (actor); children: (with Franco Amurri) Eva Amurri; (with Tim Robbins) Jack Henry Robbins and Miles Guthrie Robbins.
Outspoken social and political activist, began acting career on soap operas, such as "As the World Turns"; appeared in off-beat, low-budget musical film, The Rocky Horror Picture Show (1975), which eventually attracted a cult following; had 1st substantial film role in Louis Malle's Pretty Baby (1978), then starred in Atlantic City (1980), for which she earned an Oscar nomination; co-starred with Geena Davis in Thelma and Louise (1991), earning a 2nd Oscar nod; nominated for Lorenzo's Oil (1992) and The Client (1994), finally won Oscar for Best Actress (1995), for Dead Man Walking; other films include The Hunger (1983), The Witches of Eastwick (1987), Bull Durham (1988), A Dry White Season (1989), Stepmom (1998), Cradle Will Rock (1999), Igby Goes Down (2002), The Banger Sisters (2002), Alfie (2004) and Elizabethtown (2005).
See also Betty Jo Tucker, Susan Sarandon: A True Maverick (Hats Off, 2004).