Determined to take on challenging roles, Burstyn set her sights on playing Chris MacNeil in the supernatural horror film The Exorcist (1973). Initially, the film studio hesitated to cast her, but when no other actors were considered for the part, Burstyn was given the iconic role. Her performance became legendary, making The Exorcist a defining moment in her career.
The making of the cult classic The Exorcist is almost a story in itself— one filled with intense challenges and unforgettable moments.
”It was a huge event in my life,” Ellen shared.
One of the most dramatic incidents occurred at around 1 hour and 13 minutes into the film. During a scene where Ellen Burstyn’s character is violently thrown away from her possessed daughter, a harness jerked her so forcefully from the bed that she fractured her coccyx. The pain was so excruciating that Burstyn screamed, and shockingly, this very footage made it into the final cut of the film.
Grueling reality behind Exorcist’s iconic scenes
But the physical toll was just one part of the grueling experience. With a production budget of $12 million, filming took place across various parts of New York City, and the conditions were grueling for everyone involved.
The cast endured ”six-day weeks, twelve-hour days for nine months,” pushing their limits at every turn. Director William Friedkin, known for his unconventional methods, even used a prop gun to elicit genuine reactions from the cast, making every moment feel raw and real.
”It was very scary. I wasn’t prepared for the kind of reaction it got. It was like being on a rollercoaster, people screaming, alla holding their breath and then expelling their breath at the same time. It astounded me,” she told UPI.
After her intense experience on The Exorcist, Ellen Burstyn took on a smaller role in the comedy-drama Harry and Tonto (1974). But it was her next major project that truly showcased her range and solidified her place as a leading actress.
Binge drinking with Alan Alda
In Martin Scorsese’s Alice Doesn’t Live Here Anymore (1974), Burstyn portrayed Alice, a widowed woman struggling to raise her son while yearning for a fresh start as a singer. The role resonated deeply with Burstyn, as she saw echoes of her own life in Alice’s desire for reinvention and self-discovery. The film became a defining moment in her career, earning her the Academy Award for Best Actress.
After Alice Doesn’t Live Here Anymore, Ellen Burstyn starred in Same Time, Next Year, a performance that earned her a Tony Award. During the production, she developed a strong connection with her co-star, Alan Alda, and it’s safe to say their relationship got off to a flying start.
Just before filming the movie version, Alan Alda and Ellen Burstyn went out and indulged in a night of binge drinking.
”I don’t remember too much of it, except at one point we went into a supermarket that was still open, though the bars had closed. There was a big wire bin of beach balls and my memory is of Alan and me running up and down the aisles playing catch. There were no other people in the store except one cashier who was about to close up for the night. He watched our hilarity warily. He had an expression that said: I’d like to throw those drunks out of here, but am I crazy or is that Alan Alda and Ellen Burstyn?”
Focusing on her looks
In recent years, Ellen Burstyn has continued to shine in a variety of television roles. She earned critical acclaim for her portrayal of the matriarch of a polygamous family in Big Love (2006–2011) and has captivated audiences with her powerful, manipulative character in The Handmaid’s Tale (2017–present).
Reflecting on her remarkable career, Burstyn revealed her conscious decision 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.”
Burstyn’s impressive range as an actress is evident in her work across genres, from the emotionally intense Requiem for a Dream to the heartfelt drama Resurrection. Her haunting performance in Requiem for a Dream earned her widespread praise, and many still find it surprising that Ellen Burstyn didn’t win an Oscar for her performance.
But Ellen can take comfort in another fact.
A rare and remarkable achievement in the entertainment world, Ellen Burstyn is one of only 17 women in history to receive the prestigious Triple Crown of Acting — an Emmy, a Tony, and an Oscar.
The abortion that still haunts her
Ellen Burstyn’s journey through love and marriage has been marked by abuse and terror. Her early years were filled with heartbreak, beginning with her first marriage at just 18 to Bill Alexander in 1950. That same year, Ellen, who was was raised Catholic, underwent a traumatic illegal abortion at five months pregnant.
The decision has haunted her throughout her life.