What Has ‘Carrie’ Star Nancy Allen Been Up To Since She Stopped Acting?

Nancy Allen was destined for a career in the arts. Growing up in the vibrant cultural atmosphere of New York, she was immersed in the performing arts from a young age. This early exposure laid a solid foundation for her future in the industry. She began her career in dancing but soon transitioned to acting, where she discovered her true passion. Allen’s breakthrough role came in 1976 when she was cast as Chris Hargensen in Brian De Palma’s horror classic Carrie.

Her portrayal of the vindictive high school bully earned her critical acclaim and marked the beginning of a fruitful collaboration with De Palma, who would go on to direct her in several more films. Despite her highly successful career, the 74-year-old has since taken a break from acting and has shifted her focus to other highly rewarding ventures, exploring new avenues and passions that continue to fulfill her creative spirit.

Nancy Allen’s career and collaboration with ex-husband, Brian De Palma

Following her success in Carrie, Allen became a prominent figure in the thriller and suspense genre through her collaborations with De Palma, whom she later married in 1979 and divorced in 1984. She starred in Dressed to Kill, where her performance as a high-priced call girl garnered critical acclaim. This was followed by Blow Out, where she starred opposite John Travolta. Her role in the 1981 film was particularly praised and remains one of her most memorable performances.

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Her career continued to flourish with her role as Officer Anne Lewis in the RoboCop series in 1987, 1990, and 1993, respectively. This role solidified her status as a versatile actress capable of performing in both dramatic and action-oriented films.

Nancy Allen stepped off the limelight to focus on a charity dedicated to fighting cancer

In the 1990s, Allen began to retreat from the limelight, appearing in fewer films and focusing on other interests. She became deeply involved in cancer support activities, inspired by her close friend and I Wanna Hold Your Hand co-star Wendie Jo Sperber, who battled the disease. Sperber’s struggle with cancer motivated Allen to take action, and in 2001, they co-founded the WeSpark Cancer Support Center, a charity dedicated to providing support to individuals battling cancer.

Despite Sperber’s passing in 2005,  the Golden Globe nominee remained committed to their shared mission. She continued to serve on the charity’s board of directors, working tirelessly to raise awareness and garner support for cancer patients and their families.