Ellen Burstyn is an illustrious actress with a career spanning over six decades and earning awards such as Academy Award and Tony Award. Her cinematic journey has been marked by a kaleidoscope of roles, each etching its unique mark in the annals of entertainment, thereby solidifying her reputation as an exceptionally versatile actress.
Burstyn made a triumphant return to the Law & Order franchise, showcasing that her talent knows no bounds. What makes her achievements more remarkable is that she is still pursuing her passion for acting at the age of 90. Recently, the actress explored the pervasive issue of ageism that has plagued the entertainment industry over the years.
Ellen Burstyn says ageism in Hollywood has not affected her a bit
In a recent conversation with her Law and Order: Organized Crime’ co-star Christopher Meloni, Burstyn delved into the intriguing question of whether ageism in Hollywood is truly a myth. The actress stated that the concept does not hold true for her as she has continued to get even more roles now that she is advanced in age, which is quite surprising for her given the industry’s perception of old age.
RELATED: Ellen Burstyn Turned Down Lots Of Money To Do ‘Exorcist’ Sequel
“This is so bizarre. I turn 91 in December and I’m busier than I can ever remember being at any point in my career,” she admitted. “And I don’t understand it at all. I mean, what’s all this stuff about ageism in Hollywood? How did I get left out of it?”
Ellen Burstyn gives humorous reasons behind her longstanding career
While answering Meloni’s question about her perspective on the reasons behind her enduring and long-spanning career, Burstyn responded with a touch of humor.
She jokingly attributed her ongoing success to what she humorously referred to as the demise of most of her contemporaries who could have competed for the roles she had recently been getting. “I don’t know, except possibly that everybody else who could play those parts has already died,” Burstyn confessed, “so I’m the only actress still standing who can play the great-grandmother or something.”