Ellen Burstyn (born Edna Rae Gillooly; December 7, 1932) is an American actress. Her career began in theatre during the late 1950s, and over the next decade included several films and television series.Burstyn's performance in the acclaimed 1971 ensemble drama The Last Picture Show brought her first Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress nomination, after which she moved from supporting to leading film and stage roles.