Marilyn Burns facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Marilyn Burns
Burns in 2012
Born	Mary Lynn Ann Burns (1949-05-07)May 7, 1949 Erie, Pennsylvania, U.S.
Died	August 5, 2014(2014-08-05) (aged 65) Houston, Texas, U.S.
Alma mater	University of Texas at Austin
Occupation	Actress
Years active	1970–2014
Signature

Marilyn Burns (born Mary Lynn Ann Burns; May 7, 1949 – August 5, 2014) was an American actress. She was best known for her role as Sally Hardesty in the horror movie The Texas Chain Saw Massacre (1974). This role made her famous as a "scream queen," which is an actress known for roles in horror films where they often scream a lot. She also helped define the "final girl" idea, where one female character is the last one left to face the villain.

Marilyn Burns appeared in the same movie series again. She had a small role in Texas Chainsaw Massacre: The Next Generation (1995). Later, she played Verna Carson in Texas Chainsaw 3D (2013). This was her last appearance in the Texas Chainsaw Massacre film series. In 2009, she was honored in the Horror Hall of Fame at the Phoenix Film Festival.

While she was in college, Burns first appeared in a movie called Brewster McCloud (1970). She also played Linda Kasabian in the TV mini-series Helter Skelter (1976). After that, she acted sometimes in other films. These included Eaten Alive (1977) and Future-Kill (1985). Her last movies were Butcher Boys (2012), Sacrament (2014), and In a Madman's World (2017), which came out after she passed away.

Marilyn Burns was found at her home on August 5, 2014. She was 65 years old. The reason for her passing was not shared.

Early Life and Education

Marilyn Burns was born in Erie, Pennsylvania. She grew up in Houston, Texas, and lived there for most of her life. When she was in seventh grade, she acted in a musical. It was a play called A Midsummer Night's Dream.

She went to the University of Texas at Austin. She studied drama there and earned her degree in 1971.

Acting Career Highlights

In 1970, Burns had her first movie role. It was in the comedy film Brewster McCloud. She was also cast in Lovin' Molly (1974). However, another actress, Susan Sarandon, took her place. Burns stayed on the set to help as a stand-in for Sarandon and Blythe Danner. She also helped find some extra actors for the movie The Great Waldo Pepper (1975).

In 1974, Burns starred in the independent horror film The Texas Chain Saw Massacre. She played Sally Hardesty. In the story, Sally travels with her brother and friends to a cemetery. They want to check on her grandfather's grave. Then, they meet a very scary family, including a character named Leatherface who uses a chainsaw.

Burns had met the director, Tobe Hooper, before. When they were looking for actors, she tried out for the movie. She got the main role. The film was made with a small budget. Burns did many of her own stunts. She and other actors got some injuries while filming. One report said she was "poked, prodded, bound, dragged through rooms, jerked around, chased through underbrush." She was also "jabbed with a stick" and "pounded on the head."

The Texas Chain Saw Massacre became very popular. It earned a lot of money and was one of the highest-grossing films of 1974. It was the most successful independent movie until Halloween came out in 1978. Critics praised Burns' acting. One reviewer said she deserved a special award for her "believable acting." Another publication ranked her performance as one of the "10 Greatest Female Performances in Horror Film History." They said her acting was so real that it left the audience "shaken and deeply disturbed." Her role made her a famous "scream queen" and a well-known figure in popular culture.

In 1976, Burns acted in a TV mini-series called Helter Skelter. This show was about the real-life trial of Charles Manson. Burns played Linda Kasabian, a member of Manson's group. She was given special protection in exchange for telling what she knew in court. Burns said it was a "great experience." The mini-series was highly praised and received several awards.

After these big roles, Burns acted less often. She played Faye in the horror movie Eaten Alive (1977). She worked with director Tobe Hooper again on this film. She also appeared in Kiss Daddy Goodbye (1981) and Future-Kill (1985).

Burns had a short return as Sally Hardesty in Texas Chainsaw Massacre: The Next Generation (1995). This movie was directed by Kim Henkel. Her small appearance was meant to connect her character to a new one. She was supposed to play an older Sally in the 2003 remake of The Texas Chain Saw Massacre. However, this idea was not used. In 2009, she was honored at the Phoenix Film Festival. She was added to the horror hall of fame.

In 2012, Burns was in the movie Butcher Boys. This film was also written by Kim Henkel. Many people see it as a "spiritual sequel" to The Texas Chain Saw Massacre. In 2011, Burns was cast in the slasher film Texas Chainsaw 3D as Verna Carson. It came out on January 4, 2013. This was her last time in the Texas Chain Saw Massacre film series. Her final movie roles included Beulah Standifer in Sacrament (2014). She also played Ms. Hill in In a Madman's World, which was released in 2017 after she passed away.

Later Life and Passing

On August 5, 2014, Marilyn Burns was found at her home in Houston. She was 65 years old. Her brother, Bill, found her. The exact reason for her passing was not shared.

Filmography

Film Roles

Television Roles

Awards and Recognition

See also

In Spanish: Marilyn Burns para niños