Ellen Barkin facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Ellen Barkin
Ellen Barkin at the Ocean's Thirteen premiere in 2007
Born	Ellen Rona Barkin (1954-04-16) April 16, 1954 (age 71) The Bronx, New York, U.S.
Alma mater	Hunter College
Occupation	Actress
Years active	1978–present
Spouse(s)	Gabriel Byrne ​ ​ (m. 1988; div. 1999)​ Ronald Perelman ​ ​ (m. 2000; div. 2006)​
Children	2

Ellen Rona Barkin (born April 16, 1954) is an American actress. She is known for her many roles in movies and TV shows.

Ellen Barkin became famous with her role in the 1982 film Diner. After that, she starred in many other popular movies. These included Tender Mercies (1983) and Eddie and the Cruisers (1983). She also appeared in The Adventures of Buckaroo Banzai Across the 8th Dimension (1984).

Later, she starred in The Big Easy (1986). She also appeared in Johnny Handsome and Sea of Love (both 1989).

In 1991, Ellen Barkin was nominated for a Golden Globe Award for her role in the movie Switch. She won an Primetime Emmy Award in 1998 for her work in the TV film Before Women Had Wings. In 2011, she won a Tony Award for her first role on Broadway theatre in The Normal Heart.

From 2016 to 2019, she played a main character, Janine "Smurf" Cody, in the TV series Animal Kingdom. She also had a main role in the TV show The New Normal from 2012 to 2013.

Early Life and Education

Ellen Barkin was born in The Bronx, New York. Her mother, Evelyn, worked as a hospital administrator. Her father, Sol, was a chemical salesman. Her family was Jewish and had moved from Siberia and the Russian-Polish border.

Ellen grew up in Flushing, New York. She went to Parsons Junior High School. She then graduated from the High School of Performing Arts in Manhattan.

After high school, she attended Hunter College. She studied both history and drama. At one point, she thought about becoming an ancient history teacher. She continued to study acting at New York City's Actors Studio. This is a famous place where many actors learn their craft. She studied acting for 10 years before getting her first audition.

Acting Career Highlights

Ellen Barkin and Kate Bosworth at the Deauville American Film Festival in 2011

Ellen Barkin's big break came in the 1982 film Diner. She received good reviews for her performance in this comedy-drama. She was also cast in the 1983 drama film Tender Mercies. The director, Bruce Beresford, was very impressed with her audition.

Robert Duvall, who starred in Tender Mercies, praised Ellen. He said she brought a real and believable feeling to her role. She also appeared in the 1983 rock and roll film Eddie and the Cruisers.

Ellen Barkin later starred in several successful films. These included the thrillers The Big Easy (1987) with Dennis Quaid. She also starred in Sea of Love (1989) with Al Pacino.

In 1997, she starred in the made-for-television film Before Women Had Wings. For this role, she won an Emmy Award. She also lent her voice to the start of each Theme Time Radio Hour show. This radio show was hosted by Bob Dylan.

In 2005, Ellen Barkin started a film production company. She created it with her brother, George, and her husband at the time, Ronald Perelman.

In 2011, Ellen Barkin made her debut on Broadway theatre. She played Dr. Brookner in the play The Normal Heart. She won a Tony Award for Best Featured Actress in a Play for this role. She also received praise for her performance in the movie Another Happy Day.

From 2016 to 2019, Ellen Barkin played Janine "Smurf" Cody. This was a main role in the TNT drama series Animal Kingdom. Her character was the leader of a crime family. The series was based on an Australian film from 2010.

Personal Life

Ellen Barkin in 2018

Ellen Barkin has two children. Her son, Jack Daniel, was born in 1989. Her daughter, Romy Marion, was born in 1992. Their father is actor Gabriel Byrne. Ellen and Gabriel separated in 1993 and divorced in 1999. However, they remained good friends. Gabriel Byrne even attended Ellen's wedding in 2000.

Her second marriage was to businessman Ronald Perelman. This marriage ended in divorce in 2006.

In 1998, Ellen Barkin had a relationship with actor Johnny Depp. They had worked together on the film Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas. From 2008 to 2011, she dated filmmaker Sam Levinson.

In 2006, a collection of her jewelry was sold at Christie's in New York. The sale brought in over $20 million.

Ellen Barkin has a brother named George. He used to be the editor-in-chief for National Lampoon and High Times magazines.

Film Roles

Television Roles

See also

In Spanish: Ellen Barkin para niños