Susan Sarandon Celebrates 80th Birthday Amidst Controversy

American actress Susan Sarandon turned 80 on October 4th. With a career spanning over five decades, she has appeared in more than 100 films and television projects, establishing herself as a prominent figure in Hollywood. Born Susan Abigail Tomalin in New York on October 4, 1946, Sarandon made her film debut in 1970's "Joe." She gained widespread recognition for her role as Janet in "The Rocky Horror Picture Show" and later starred in notable films such as "Atlantic City," "The Witches of Eastwick," "Bull Durham," "Thelma & Louise," "Lorenzo's Oil," "The Client," "Stepmom," and "The Lovely Bones."

Sarandon has been nominated for five Academy Awards, winning Best Actress in 1996 for her portrayal of Sister Helen Prejean in "Dead Man Walking." Her other Oscar nominations include roles in "Atlantic City," "Thelma & Louise," "Lorenzo's Oil," and "The Client." She was married to Chris Sarandon, retaining his surname after their divorce.

She has three children: daughter Eva Amurri from director Franco Amurri, and two sons, Jack Henry and Miles, from her long-term relationship with actor Tim Robbins.

In recent years, Sarandon has been actively involved in anti-Israel and pro-Palestinian demonstrations. Following her participation in pro-Palestinian rallies in 2023, the UTA agency ended its professional relationship with her. In September 2026, at the Venice Film Festival, Sarandon stated that her stance on Israel and the Palestinians has led to her losing roles with major studios. On September 24th, she was detained in New York during a protest against Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu outside the UN building.