Susan Sarandon is one of the most recognizable American actresses of her generation. With a career spanning more than five decades, she has appeared in acclaimed dramas, comedies, musicals, and television productions. She is especially known for films such as The Rocky Horror Picture Show, Atlantic City, Bull Durham, Thelma & Louise, The Client, and Dead Man Walking.
Her performance as Sister Helen Prejean in Dead Man Walking earned her the Academy Award for Best Actress in 1996.
Who Is Susan Sarandon?
Susan Sarandon is an American actress who began her professional acting career in the late 1960s and made her film debut in Joe in 1970. She later became widely recognized for choosing roles across different genres and for giving strong performances in both film and television.
Over the years, Sarandon has built a diverse filmography that includes romantic films, dramas, comedies, musicals, and independent productions. Her work has also earned her multiple major award nominations.
Susan Sarandon Quick Facts
| Category | Details |
| Full Name | Susan Abigail Sarandon |
| Date of Birth | October 4, 1946 |
| Birthplace | New York City, New York, USA |
| Profession | Actress |
| Education | The Catholic University of America |
| Film Debut | Joe (1970) |
| Academy Award | Best Actress for Dead Man Walking |
| Children | Three |
| Best Known For | Thelma & Louise, Bull Durham, Dead Man Walking, The Rocky Horror Picture Show |
Her date and place of birth, education, early career, and major film credits are documented by Biography.com.
Susan Sarandon Age
Susan Sarandon was born on October 4, 1946. As of September 2026, she is 79 years old.
She has maintained a remarkably long career in entertainment, continuing to appear in films and television productions decades after her early breakthrough.
Susan Sarandon Early Life
Susan Sarandon was born in New York City. She grew up in a large family and later attended The Catholic University of America in Washington, D.C., where she studied drama.
She graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree in drama in 1968. After college, she pursued acting and soon began appearing in film and television projects.
Her early experiences in theater and acting helped establish the foundation for the career that followed.
Susan Sarandon Acting Career
Sarandon’s professional film career began with Joe in 1970. During the early part of her career, she took on a variety of roles while developing her reputation as a serious performer.
One of her major early breakthroughs came with The Rocky Horror Picture Show in 1975. The musical eventually developed a large cult following and became one of the most recognizable films associated with her early career.
Susan Sarandon in The Rocky Horror Picture Show
In The Rocky Horror Picture Show, Sarandon played Janet Weiss, one of the film’s central characters.
The movie was released in 1975 and became particularly famous for its midnight screenings and dedicated fan following. Sarandon’s appearance in the film remains one of the most memorable parts of her early career.
Susan Sarandon and Atlantic City
Sarandon received her first Academy Award nomination for her performance in Atlantic City.
The 1980 film paired her with legendary actor Burt Lancaster and marked an important step in her development as a critically recognized actress. Her performance established her as an actor capable of handling complex dramatic roles.
Susan Sarandon in The Witches of Eastwick
In 1987, Sarandon appeared in The Witches of Eastwick alongside Jack Nicholson, Cher, and Michelle Pfeiffer.
The fantasy comedy gave her an opportunity to explore a lighter and more humorous style of performance. The film became another notable entry in her growing filmography.
Susan Sarandon in Bull Durham
One of Sarandon’s best-known movies from the 1980s is Bull Durham, released in 1988.
She played Annie Savoy, a baseball fan who becomes involved with characters played by Kevin Costner and Tim Robbins. The movie combined sports, romance, and comedy and became one of Sarandon’s signature roles.
Her work in the movie also connected her professionally with Tim Robbins, who later became her longtime partner.
Susan Sarandon in Thelma & Louise
In 1991, Sarandon starred in Thelma & Louise alongside Geena Davis.
Sarandon played Louise Sawyer, a woman whose road trip with her friend Thelma develops into a dramatic journey. The film became a major cultural reference point and earned Sarandon another Academy Award nomination for Best Actress.
The movie remains one of the most frequently discussed films from Sarandon’s career.
Susan Sarandon in Lorenzo’s Oil
Sarandon continued her award-winning run with Lorenzo’s Oil in 1992.
She played Michaela Odone, a mother searching for a treatment for her son’s serious illness. Her performance earned her another Academy Award nomination for Best Actress.
Susan Sarandon in The Client
In 1994, Sarandon appeared in The Client, a legal thriller based on John Grisham’s novel.
She played attorney Reggie Love, who becomes involved in protecting a young boy caught in a dangerous legal situation. The role earned Sarandon another Academy Award nomination for Best Actress.
Susan Sarandon and Dead Man Walking
Dead Man Walking became one of the defining films of Sarandon’s career.
Released in 1995, the movie was directed by Tim Robbins and featured Sarandon as Sister Helen Prejean. Her performance earned her the Academy Award for Best Actress at the 68th Academy Awards in 1996.
The Academy records show that Dead Man Walking received four Oscar nominations, including nominations for Sarandon’s performance, Sean Penn’s performance, Tim Robbins’ direction, and the original song.
Susan Sarandon’s Academy Award
Susan Sarandon won her first Academy Award for Best Actress for Dead Man Walking.
At the 1996 ceremony, she was recognized alongside the other acting winners Nicolas Cage, Mira Sorvino, and Kevin Spacey. The Academy describes all four as first-time Academy Award acting winners that year.
Before winning, Sarandon had received nominations for:
- Atlantic City
- Thelma & Louise
- Lorenzo’s Oil
- The Client
- Dead Man Walking — Winner
Susan Sarandon’s Other Popular Movies
Throughout her career, Sarandon has appeared in many well-known films. Some notable titles include:
- The Rocky Horror Picture Show
- Atlantic City
- The Witches of Eastwick
- Bull Durham
- Thelma & Louise
- Lorenzo’s Oil
- The Client
- Dead Man Walking
- Stepmom
- The Lovely Bones
- Cloud Atlas
- Tammy
- The Meddler
- The Fabulous Four
- The Six Triple Eight
- Nonnas
Her filmography also includes numerous television projects and stage performances.
Susan Sarandon on Television
Sarandon has also had an extensive television career.
One of her notable television roles came in the series Feud, where she portrayed actress Bette Davis opposite Jessica Lange as Joan Crawford. The series explored the professional rivalry between the two Hollywood stars. Sarandon received Emmy and Golden Globe nominations for her performance.
She has also appeared in television projects including The Big C and other series and made-for-television productions.
Susan Sarandon’s Education
Susan Sarandon attended The Catholic University of America in Washington, D.C., where she studied drama. She graduated in 1968 with a Bachelor of Arts degree. Her education helped her develop an early interest in theater and acting.
Before becoming a major Hollywood actress, Sarandon gained experience through theater and early television work. Her formal training provided an important foundation for the acting career that followed.
Susan Sarandon’s First Acting Role
Susan Sarandon made her film debut in the 1970 drama Joe. She played Susan Compton in the film, marking the beginning of a professional screen career that would eventually span more than five decades.
After Joe, she continued taking roles in movies and television while building her reputation as a versatile performer.
Susan Sarandon’s Breakthrough Role
One of Sarandon’s earliest major breakthroughs came with The Rocky Horror Picture Show in 1975. She played Janet Weiss in the musical comedy, which later developed a major cult following.
The movie helped introduce Sarandon to a much wider audience and became one of the most recognizable titles in her filmography.
Susan Sarandon’s Most Famous Characters
Over her long career, Sarandon has played many memorable characters. Some of her most recognized roles include Janet Weiss in The Rocky Horror Picture Show, Annie Savoy in Bull Durham, Louise Sawyer in Thelma & Louise, Reggie Love in The Client, and Sister Helen Prejean in Dead Man Walking.
Her role as Bette Davis in the television series Feud: Bette and Joan also introduced her work to a newer television audience.
Susan Sarandon’s Best Movies
Some of Susan Sarandon’s most notable movies include:
- The Rocky Horror Picture Show
- Atlantic City
- The Witches of Eastwick
- Bull Durham
- Thelma & Louise
- Lorenzo’s Oil
- The Client
- Dead Man Walking
- Stepmom
- The Lovely Bones
- Cloud Atlas
- The Meddler
- The Fabulous Four
- Nonnas
These films cover several genres, including drama, comedy, romance, musical, fantasy, and crime.
Susan Sarandon’s Award-Winning Performances
Sarandon has received recognition from some of the biggest awards organizations in the entertainment industry.
She received five Academy Award nominations for Atlantic City, Thelma & Louise, Lorenzo’s Oil, The Client, and Dead Man Walking. She won the Oscar for Best Actress for Dead Man Walking.
Her work has also received recognition from the Golden Globes, Emmy Awards, and other major entertainment organizations.
Susan Sarandon’s Golden Globe Nominations
Sarandon has received multiple Golden Globe nominations during her career. Her nominations have recognized both her film performances and television work.
Her role as Bette Davis in Feud: Bette and Joan was among her later television performances that received major awards attention.
Susan Sarandon’s Emmy Nominations
Susan Sarandon has received six Primetime Emmy nominations, according to the Television Academy.
Her nominations include recognition for Feud: Bette and Joan, You Don’t Know Jack, Bernard and Doris, Malcolm in the Middle, and Friends.
Her Emmy recognition demonstrates that her career has extended well beyond feature films.
Susan Sarandon’s Work in Independent Films
Sarandon has frequently worked in projects outside conventional Hollywood blockbusters. Her filmography includes independent productions and character-driven dramas where the story and performances are central to the project.
This willingness to work across different types of productions has allowed her to build a particularly diverse filmography.
Susan Sarandon’s Most Successful Movies
Sarandon has appeared in several commercially and culturally successful movies, including The Rocky Horror Picture Show, Thelma & Louise, Bull Durham, The Witches of Eastwick, and Stepmom.
Some of these films became particularly influential over time, while others remain popular because of their memorable characters and performances.
Susan Sarandon’s Role in The Lovely Bones
In The Lovely Bones, Sarandon played Grandma Lynn. The 2009 film was directed by Peter Jackson and was based on Alice Sebold’s bestselling novel.
The role gave Sarandon another opportunity to work within a dramatic ensemble cast and demonstrated her ability to take on supporting roles later in her career.
Susan Sarandon in Stepmom
Sarandon appeared in the 1998 drama Stepmom, sharing the screen with Julia Roberts and Ed Harris.
The film focused on family relationships, parenting, and the challenges faced by a blended family. Sarandon’s performance added an emotional dimension to the story.
Susan Sarandon in Enchanted
Sarandon appeared in Disney’s Enchanted, a fantasy musical comedy that combined animated fairy-tale elements with live-action storytelling.
Her involvement in the movie showed another side of her career, as she moved between serious dramas and lighter family-oriented entertainment.
Susan Sarandon in Tammy
In 2014, Sarandon appeared in the comedy Tammy alongside Melissa McCarthy.
The movie gave Sarandon an opportunity to explore comedy and a more unconventional character. It was another example of the variety of genres represented in her career.
Susan Sarandon in The Meddler
Sarandon starred in The Meddler in 2015 alongside Rose Byrne and J.K. Simmons.
She played Marnie Minervini, a widowed mother trying to become involved in her daughter’s life. The film focused on family, relationships, loneliness, and starting over.
Susan Sarandon in Nonnas
Sarandon appeared in the 2025 film Nonnas, continuing her work in contemporary movies. The film features an ensemble cast and centers on a restaurant inspired by Italian grandmothers.
Her appearance in the movie is part of Sarandon’s continued screen career after more than five decades in the entertainment industry.
Susan Sarandon’s Voice Acting Career
In addition to traditional on-screen roles, Sarandon has also worked as a voice actor and narrator.
Her voice work has included documentaries and animated or voice-based projects. Her distinctive voice has also made her a recognizable narrator for projects dealing with culture, entertainment, and social topics.
Susan Sarandon’s Theater Career
Sarandon’s career is not limited to film and television. She has also worked on stage.
In 2009, she returned to Broadway in Exit the King, appearing alongside Geoffrey Rush. She played Queen Marguerite in the production.
Her theater work reflects the stage experience that formed part of her early acting background.
Susan Sarandon’s Work With UNICEF
Susan Sarandon became a UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador in 1999.
Through this role, she participated in humanitarian activities and used her public profile to raise awareness about issues affecting children and communities around the world.
Susan Sarandon’s Humanitarian Work
Alongside her acting career, Sarandon has participated in various humanitarian and social causes.
Her public work has included support for human-rights initiatives and humanitarian organizations. She has also participated in events designed to bring attention to social issues.
Susan Sarandon’s Personal Life
Susan Sarandon was married to actor Chris Sarandon from 1967 until their divorce in 1979.
She later had a long-term relationship with filmmaker and actor Tim Robbins. The couple met while working on Bull Durham and were together for more than two decades before separating in 2009.
Susan Sarandon’s Children
Susan Sarandon has three children.
She has a daughter, Eva Amurri, with filmmaker Franco Amurri, and two sons, Jack Henry Robbins and Miles Robbins, with Tim Robbins.
Several members of her family have also been connected to the entertainment industry.
Susan Sarandon’s Daughter Eva Amurri
Eva Amurri is Sarandon’s daughter with Italian filmmaker Franco Amurri. She has worked as an actress and has also developed a career outside acting.
Her family connection to Hollywood has naturally brought public attention to her relationship with her famous mother.
Susan Sarandon’s Sons
Sarandon has two sons, Jack Henry Robbins and Miles Robbins, with Tim Robbins.
Both have pursued creative careers, continuing the family’s connection to the entertainment industry.
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Susan Sarandon’s Relationship With Tim Robbins
Susan Sarandon and Tim Robbins met while filming Bull Durham in 1988.
They became longtime partners and welcomed two children together. Their relationship lasted for approximately 23 years before they separated in 2009.
Susan Sarandon’s Career Highlights
Some major highlights from Sarandon’s career include:
- Making her film debut in Joe
- Appearing in The Rocky Horror Picture Show
- Receiving her first Oscar nomination for Atlantic City
- Starring in Bull Durham
- Playing Louise in Thelma & Louise
- Winning the Academy Award for Dead Man Walking
- Returning to Broadway in Exit the King
- Playing Bette Davis in Feud: Bette and Joan
- Continuing to appear in films and television in the 2020s
Together, these milestones show how her career has evolved across different periods of American entertainment.
Susan Sarandon’s Acting Style
Sarandon has worked in a wide range of genres and character types. Her filmography includes dramatic performances, romantic stories, comedies, musicals, thrillers, and fantasy movies.
Rather than remaining associated with only one type of role, she has repeatedly moved between mainstream entertainment and character-driven projects.
What Makes Susan Sarandon a Hollywood Icon?
Sarandon’s career combines longevity, variety, and major awards recognition. She has worked with numerous respected directors and actors while appearing in films that became important parts of popular culture.
Her Oscar-winning performance in Dead Man Walking, her role in Thelma & Louise, and her appearance in The Rocky Horror Picture Show are among the milestones that define her public career.
Susan Sarandon’s Legacy in Film
Susan Sarandon has remained an important figure in American cinema for more than five decades.
Her filmography includes both commercially successful productions and critically recognized dramas. She has also demonstrated longevity by continuing to work in film and television well into the 2020s.
Susan Sarandon’s Current Projects
Sarandon continues to appear in new screen projects. Current filmography listings include the 2026 projects The Echo Chamber and The Accompanist, while Unmerciful Good Fortune and Exit Right are listed as upcoming projects in pre-production.
Because projects can change during production, upcoming credits and release information should be checked against current industry listings.
Susan Sarandon’s 2026 International Goya Award
In 2026, the Spanish Academy announced that Susan Sarandon would receive the International Goya Award at the 40th Goya Awards ceremony in Barcelona.
The award recognizes her extensive film career and international profile. The Spanish Academy specifically highlighted films including Thelma & Louise, The Client, The Witches of Eastwick, The Rocky Horror Picture Show, Atlantic City, and Dead Man Walking.
What Is Susan Sarandon Doing Now?
Susan Sarandon remains active in entertainment. Her 2026 credits include The Echo Chamber and The Accompanist, while additional projects are listed as being in development or pre-production.
Her career continues to include acting as well as producing and other creative work.
Interesting Facts About Susan Sarandon
Here are some interesting facts about Susan Sarandon:
- She was born in New York City in 1946.
- She is the oldest of nine siblings.
- She studied drama at The Catholic University of America.
- Her film debut was Joe in 1970.
- She appeared in The Rocky Horror Picture Show in 1975.
- She received five Academy Award nominations.
- She won the Oscar for Dead Man Walking.
- She has three children.
- She played Bette Davis in Feud: Bette and Joan.
- She has worked in film, television, theater, and voice acting.
- She became a UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador in 1999.
Lesser-Known Facts About Susan Sarandon
Sarandon’s career contains several interesting details beyond her most famous movies. She began acting professionally shortly after graduating from college, and her first major film role came in Joe.
She also returned to Broadway decades after beginning her screen career, showing that her work has continued across multiple forms of acting.
Susan Sarandon on Broadway
Sarandon has worked on stage as well as in film and television.
In 2009, she returned to Broadway in Exit the King, a production of Eugène Ionesco’s play. She appeared opposite Geoffrey Rush and played Queen Marguerite.
Her stage work demonstrates the range of her career beyond Hollywood movies.
Susan Sarandon Family
Susan Sarandon has three children.
She has a daughter, Eva Amurri, from her relationship with Italian filmmaker Franco Amurri. She also has two sons, Jack Henry Robbins and Miles Robbins, with actor and filmmaker Tim Robbins.
Her children have also worked in the entertainment industry.
Susan Sarandon and Tim Robbins
Susan Sarandon and Tim Robbins met while working on Bull Durham.
The two began a long-term relationship and had two children together. They were together for more than two decades before separating in 2009.
Although they never married, their relationship was one of Hollywood’s most prominent long-term partnerships during that period.
Was Susan Sarandon Married?
Yes. Susan Sarandon was previously married to actor Chris Sarandon.
The couple married in 1967 and divorced in 1979. She later had long-term relationships, including her relationship with Tim Robbins.
Susan Sarandon Activism
Outside acting, Sarandon has been involved in humanitarian and political causes for many years.
She became a UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador in 1999 and has participated in campaigns and events connected with humanitarian and human-rights issues.
Her activism has sometimes attracted significant public attention, particularly when she has spoken publicly about political issues.
Susan Sarandon’s Recent Career
Sarandon has continued working in film and television into her later career.
Recent credits include The Fabulous Four (2024), Nonnas (2025), and The Echo Chamber (2026), according to her current IMDb credits. IMDb also lists Unmerciful Good Fortune and Exit Right among projects in development or pre-production.
Her continued work demonstrates the longevity of her acting career.
Susan Sarandon Net Worth
Susan Sarandon has earned income from a long career in movies, television, theater, and other entertainment work.
However, celebrity net-worth figures published online can vary considerably and are generally estimates rather than official financial records. For that reason, a specific figure should be treated cautiously.
Why Is Susan Sarandon Famous?
Susan Sarandon is famous for several major reasons:
- Her five-decade-plus acting career
- Her Academy Award-winning performance in Dead Man Walking
- Her role in The Rocky Horror Picture Show
- Her performance in Thelma & Louise
- Her role in Bull Durham
- Her work in Atlantic City, Lorenzo’s Oil, and The Client
- Her television performance as Bette Davis in Feud
- Her humanitarian and activist work
Frequently Asked Questions
How old is Susan Sarandon?
Susan Sarandon was born on October 4, 1946, making her 79 years old as of September 2026.
What is Susan Sarandon best known for?
She is best known for movies including The Rocky Horror Picture Show, Bull Durham, Thelma & Louise, and Dead Man Walking.
Did Susan Sarandon win an Oscar?
Yes. She won the Academy Award for Best Actress for Dead Man Walking at the 68th Academy Awards in 1996.
How many children does Susan Sarandon have?
Susan Sarandon has three children: Eva Amurri, Jack Henry Robbins, and Miles Robbins.
Was Susan Sarandon married to Tim Robbins?
No. Sarandon and Tim Robbins were longtime partners but were never married. They separated in 2009 after more than two decades together.
What was Susan Sarandon’s first movie?
Her film debut was in Joe, released in 1970.
What role did Susan Sarandon play in Thelma & Louise?
She played Louise Sawyer, one of the two central characters in the 1991 film.
What role did Susan Sarandon play in Dead Man Walking?
She portrayed Sister Helen Prejean, a role that earned her the Academy Award for Best Actress.
Conclusion
Susan Sarandon has built one of the longest and most varied careers in American entertainment. From her early film work and The Rocky Horror Picture Show to acclaimed performances in Thelma & Louise, The Client, and Dead Man Walking, she has remained a recognizable figure in film and television.
Her Academy Award win, extensive filmography, stage work, television appearances, and humanitarian activities have all contributed to her lasting public profile. Even in her later career, Sarandon has continued to appear in new productions, adding to a body of work that spans more than five decades.
