Personal info
Known for
Actor
Gender
Female
Birthday
16 April
Location
New York, United States
Edit pageEllen Barkin
Biography
Ellen Rona Barkin, born on April 16, 1954, in the Bronx, New York, is an acclaimed American actress known for her fierce screen presence and emotionally resonant performances. Raised in a working-class Jewish family, she attended Manhattan's High School of Performing Arts and later majored in history and drama at Hunter College. Initially aspiring to teach ancient history, Barkin's passion for acting led her to study at the Actors Studio for nearly a decade before landing her first audition.
Barkin's breakthrough came with Barry Levinson’s 1982 film Diner, where her portrayal of a sharp-tongued waitress garnered critical acclaim. She continued to captivate audiences with roles in Tender Mercies (1983), The Big Easy (1986), and Sea of Love (1989). Her performance in Switch (1991) earned her a Golden Globe nomination. In 1998, she won a Primetime Emmy Award for her role in the television film Before Women Had Wings. Barkin made a triumphant Broadway debut in 2011 with The Normal Heart, earning a Tony Award for Best Featured Actress in a Play.
Beyond acting, Barkin has ventured into production, co-founding a film production company in 2005. She has also been recognized for her candidness and resilience, often speaking out on industry challenges and personal experiences. Her diverse body of work and unwavering commitment to her craft have solidified her status as a formidable presence in American entertainment.
