
At 92, Ellen Burstyn is a true Hollywood legend — graceful, talented, and still looking phenomenal.
Her career is spotless, seemingly free of scandals or gossip. But behind her success lie some very dark chapters: years of terror with a schizophrenic husband, an illegal abortion, and death threats.
How did Ellen survive? Keep reading to find out.
Transformation from shy introvert
Ellen Burstyn’s life is as extraordinary as her career. Over more than four decades, she has dazzled audiences on stage, film, and television. But she has also endured a cruel mother, an absent father, relentless abuse, and an abortion at 18 that left her unable to have children.
Despite her success and acclaim, Ellen Burstyn long remained one of America’s least publicized stars. In her early career, she was remarkably reserved, often blushing during interviews like a self-conscious schoolgirl. Her eyes would flit nervously around the room, and her hands would flutter with unease.
But Ellen’s transformation from a shy introvert to a poised and confident extrovert was nothing short of inspiring. Simply put, she grew tired of her shyness — it didn’t align with her professional ambitions.
