Ellen Burstyn

Louis Virtel is joined by New York Times pop culture reporter, Kyle Buchanan, to recap the highlights of Coachella weekend 2 particularly performances by Slayyyter, Madonna's guest appearance with Sabrina Carpenter and Karol G. They also discuss the divisive new film "Mother Mary" starring Anne Hathaway and Michaela Coel before Louis welcomes the fabulous Ellen Burstyn for a conversation about acting, poetry and what she's watching now that excites her.

This past year marked the 75th Anniversary of the Actors Studio, the nonprofit organization that has shared “truth in acting” with decades of film, television and theater professionals, including some of the biggest names in the business. This episode is the first in a series of conversations with some of those responsible for the studio’s success. Alec currently serves as Co-President of the Actors Studio and had the opportunity to speak with two leaders within the institution: Co-President Ellen Burstyn, who joined the studio in 1967, is known for her roles in “Alice Doesn’t Live Here Anymore,”“The Exorcist,” and “Requiem for A Dream” – and also has the distinction of winning the “Triple Crown of Acting:” an Oscar, a Tony and two Emmy Awards. Alec then speaks with Co-Associate Artistic Director Estelle Parsons, who has been with the studio since 1962. Parsons earned an Academy Award for ”Bonnie and Clyde,” the second film she ever made, and has earned five Tony nominations and two Obies in her illustrious career. The two remarkable women share their stories of finding their way to the Actors Studio and the impact it had on their careers – and their craft. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Are you keeping up with the latest additions to the CINEMA CHAIN GANG podcast? On this episode, chain 4 ends with a 2016 suburban spy comedy—does it have the goods or does the tough run continue for Nick and Andrew? Take a listen! // THIS WEEK: Keeping Up with the Joneses (2016), dir. Greg Mottola // CHAIN #4: Ellen Burstyn → Nostalgia → Jon Hamm → Keeping Up with the Joneses → Zach Galifianakis // Follow Andrew: Twitter | Letterboxd | Cinema Frenzy // Follow Nick: Twitter | Instagram | Letterboxd // Email Us: CinemaChainGang@gmail.com

"From the outset of our episode with Ellen Burstyn you will hear her beloved puppy make their presence known and would continue to "chime in" a couple of times for the duration. In many respects this was more welcome than not, if only because it is in the very nature of the podcast form itself to be at least partially intimate and homey. In a podcast you get to experience a person discuss their accomplishments but they will do so often in settings that are more relaxed or casual than would be the case in a traditional t.v. talk show or radio spot. I like to think that is one of the beautiful features of the podcast as a form Ellen Burstyn might be one of the most famous guests we have ever had on our show. That fact alone, however, might not be nearly as remarkable as the further fact that in her case the fame is completely deserved. In her case fame and recognition form a one-to-one perfect match with merit. Burstyn, of course, is one of the greatest actors and, as I explain probably a little too profusely in the episode, I have had the greatest fortune to watch her performances over many decades, in some cases in live theatre. I can't or won't be able to do a summary of Ellen Burstyn in the space here except to say that, in keeping with the in depth nature of the podcast I had the opportunity to ask her about some of my personal favorite performances that have meant a lot to me over the years. Of course another host might have done a more comprehensive or less personal episode - one that focuses less on certain movies and plays or on some other facets of an extraordinary biography. I like to think that our ability to have taken the time to go into individual projects might be more rewarding than to hastily gloss over such projects. As I admitted at the outset of this interview, I was very nervous. But hopefully over the course of the hour you can listen to someone who is a master at the art of acting and hear her articulation of her ongoing life and career with all of the excitement and enjoyment I had in being so blessed and fortunate to have Ms. Burstyn as a guest." Ms. Burstyn's Biography Ellen Burstyn's sixty year acting career encompasses film, stage and television. In 1975, she became the third woman in history to win both a Tony Award and an Academy Award in the same year for her work in Same Time, Next Year on Broadway and in the film Alice Doesn't Live H as a guest.for which she also received a Golden Globe nomination and a British Academy Award for Best Actress. She became a “triple crown winner” when she received her first Emmy for a guest appearance on Law & Order: SVU (2009). She won her second Emmy for her role in Political Animals (2013). Additionally, she has received six Emmy nominations and five Academy Award nominations, including her nomination for Best Actress in The Exorcist (1973). Her most recent films include Pieces of a Woman (2021) and Queen Bees (2021). Her past work includes The Last Picture Show (1971), Resurrection (1981) and Requiem for a Dream (2000). She most recently starred in 33 Variations in Melbourne . Ellen is currently co-president of the Actors Studio alongside Al Pacino and Alec Baldwin. In 2006, she became a national best-selling author with the publication of her memoir, Lessons in Becoming Myself. Links to Ms. Busrstyn's stunning body of work : https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0000995/