Ellen Barkin
Viewed, 3685x, Last Updated 2007-05-20
ELLEN BARKIN has been one of the industry's most respected actresses for more than 25 years, with a wide range of roles in projects encompassing major motion pictures and acclaimed independent films, as well as television and theatre. She recently received rave reviews for her work in the independent feature "Palindromes," directed by Todd Solondz, and also starred in Spike Lee's comedy "She Hate Me." In addition, Barkin won an Emmy Award for her performance in the Oprah Winfrey-produced telefilm "Before Women Had Wings." Her portrayal of an alcoholic, abusive mother in that project also brought her a Golden Globe Award nomination for Best Actress in a Miniseries or Motion Picture Made for Television.

Before starting her acting career, the Bronx native attended the prestigious High School of the Performing Arts in New York and studied drama and history at Hunter College. She continued to hone her acting skills in workshops at the renowned Actors Studio. Barkin made her professional acting debut in 1980, appearing in a theatrical production of "Irish Coffee." In 1982, she starred in the original off-Broadway production of "Extremities," with Susan Sarandon and James Russo.
That same year, Barkin broke onto the big screen as the female lead in Barry Levinson's acclaimed comedic drama "Diner," playing the vulnerable, neglected wife of an obsessive husband. Her early film work also includes starring roles in Bruce Beresford's "Tender Mercies," with Robert Duvall; Sidney Lumet's "Daniel"; "Eddie and the Cruisers"; "Harry & Son," directed by and also starring Paul Newman; and Jim Jarmusch's "Down by Law."

Barkin continued to captivate both critics and audiences when she starred as a sultry attorney in Jim McBride's crime drama "The Big Easy," with Dennis Quaid. She then delivered another memorable performance opposite Al Pacino in Harold Becker's hit romantic thriller "Sea of Love," starring as the seductive prime suspect in a string of murders who becomes involved with the lead detective on the case.

Barkin went on to earn a Golden Globe nomination for Best Actress in a Motion Picture - Comedy or Musical for her performance as a man trapped in a woman's body in Blake Edwards' "Switch." She also starred opposite Robert De Niro and Leonardo DiCaprio in Michael Caton-Jones' drama "This Boy's Life," based on the autobiographical book by Tobias Wolff. Barkin portrayed Caroline, a mother who is trying to provide a stable life for her young son but whose marriage instead traps them in a life of dysfunction and abuse.

Her other notable film credits include "Someone Like You," with Ashley Judd and Hugh Jackman; "Drop Dead Gorgeous," with Kirsten Dunst; Tony Scott's "The Fan," with Robert De Niro; "Wild Bill," alongside Jeff Bridges; "Bad Company," with Laurence Fishburne; Bob Rafelson's "Man Trouble," opposite Jack Nicholson; Mike Newell's "Into the West"; and "Desert Bloom," opposite Jon Voight.

Filmography: Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas, Oceans Thirteen (2006), Palindromes, She Hate Me, Someone Like You...,

Latest Ellen Barkin News, Opinion & Discussion:

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Director Steven Soderbergh says that he hadn’t even completed work on "Ocean’s Twelve” when he began thinking about ideas for "Ocean’s...

Oceans Thirteen : Revenge is Sweet
Director Steven Soderbergh says that he hadn’t even completed work on "Ocean’s Twelve” when he began thinking about ideas for "Ocean’s... New Oceans 13 Photo's
Oceans 13 is getting ready to explode into theatres July 13th. In the new sequel to Ocean’s Eleven and Ocean’s Twelve, the cast is reunited wi... New Oceans 13 Photo
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I cant say I have a whole lot of interest but you can now watch the trailer for Oceans 13 on AOL. Producer Jerry Weintraub and director Steven ... Al Pacino Becomes One of Ocean's 13
That's right. First, there was "The Godfather," "Dog Day Afternoon," and "Scarface," and now, Al Pacino has officially signed on for "Ocean's Thirteen... Angelina Jolie in Oceans 13
Today is quite a day for interesting film news. Now according to rumors and emails from readers Angeline Jolie will be starring in Oceans 13. Its ... Mariah Carey to join Ocean's 13 cast?
The rumor is up in the air that Glitter star, Mariah Carey will be signed on to play a love interest in the third entry of the Steven Soderbergh c... Oceans 13 Starts Filming July 21st 2006
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