Ellen Barkin, American actress

Ellen Rona Barkin, born on April 16, 1954, is a highly respected American actress and producer whose career spans several decades, marked by a compelling presence in film, television, and theatre. Known for her distinctive voice, intense gaze, and ability to embody complex characters, Barkin has cultivated a diverse body of work that has garnered critical acclaim and a devoted following, making her a formidable figure in the entertainment industry.

Early Career and Breakthrough in Film

Barkin’s journey to stardom began in the early 1980s, with her pivotal breakthrough role arriving in Barry Levinson’s 1982 ensemble comedy-drama, Diner. This film, set in Baltimore during the late 1950s, became a cultural touchstone and effectively launched the careers of several talented actors, including Barkin, solidifying her as a fresh face in Hollywood. Following this success, she quickly solidified her standing as a prominent leading lady. The subsequent years saw her deliver memorable performances in a string of notable films. She captivated audiences in the powerful drama Tender Mercies (1983), showcased her quirky side in the cult science-fiction adventure The Adventures of Buckaroo Banzai Across the 8th Dimension (1984), and garnered significant attention for her magnetic performance opposite Dennis Quaid in the steamy neo-noir thriller The Big Easy (1986). The close of the decade further cemented her status with starring roles in films like Johnny Handsome and the intense psychological thriller Sea of Love (both 1989), where she starred alongside Al Pacino, delivering a performance that many consider among her most iconic.

Acclaim and Continued Filmography

The 1990s continued to be a period of significant achievement for Barkin. In 1991, her compelling leading role in Blake Edwards' gender-bending comedy Switch earned her a prestigious Golden Globe nomination for Best Actress – Motion Picture Musical or Comedy, recognizing her versatility and comedic timing. Her subsequent filmography demonstrates a remarkable range, moving effortlessly between genres and character types. Notable credits from this period include the comedies Man Trouble (1992) and the powerful drama This Boy's Life (1993), where she shared the screen with Robert De Niro and a young Leonardo DiCaprio. She also appeared in the western Wild Bill (1995), the psychological thriller The Fan (1996) alongside Robert De Niro and Wesley Snipes, and made a memorable appearance in Terry Gilliam's surreal and iconic Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas (1998). As the new millennium dawned, Barkin continued to grace the big screen with roles in films such as the satirical teen comedy Drop Dead Gorgeous (1999), Crime and Punishment in Suburbia (2000), Gus Van Sant's experimental film Palindromes (2004), the romantic comedy Trust the Man (2005), and joined an all-star cast in the heist blockbuster Ocean's Thirteen (2007). Her film career extended into the 2010s with roles in dramas like Brooklyn's Finest (2009) and the fantasy-comedy The Cobbler (2014), illustrating her enduring presence in cinema.

Triumphs in Television and Theatre

Ellen Barkin’s talent is not confined to the silver screen; she has also achieved significant recognition in television and on the stage. In 1997, she earned a highly coveted Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Miniseries or a Special for her powerful performance in the television film Before Women Had Wings, showcasing her dramatic prowess to a wider audience. Over a decade later, in 2011, Barkin made a stunning Broadway debut that earned her the prestigious Tony Award for Best Featured Actress in a Play for her role in Larry Kramer's groundbreaking production, The Normal Heart. This acclaimed play, which chronicles the early days of the AIDS crisis, allowed Barkin to deliver a tour-de-force performance that resonated deeply with critics and audiences alike. Her television presence continued to be strong, notably as the matriarch Janine "Smurf" Cody, a complex and formidable character, in the acclaimed TNT drama series Animal Kingdom, from 2016 until its conclusion in 2019. Prior to that, she held a leading role as Jane Forrest in the NBC sitcom The New Normal, which aired from 2012 to 2013, further highlighting her comedic range.

Behind the Camera: Producing Ventures

Beyond her celebrated acting career, Ellen Barkin has also made her mark as a producer, contributing to the creation of compelling cinematic stories. Her producing credits demonstrate her commitment to diverse and thought-provoking projects. These include the romantic drama Letters to Juliet (2010), the independent drama Shit Year (2010), and the critically well-received ensemble film Another Happy Day (2011), showcasing her multifaceted involvement in the film industry and her influence behind the camera.

Frequently Asked Questions About Ellen Barkin

What is Ellen Barkin best known for?
Ellen Barkin is widely recognized for her breakthrough role in the 1982 film Diner, her memorable performances in critically acclaimed films like The Big Easy and Sea of Love, and her award-winning work in television and theatre, including her Emmy-winning role in Before Women Had Wings and her Tony-winning Broadway debut in The Normal Heart.
Has Ellen Barkin won any major awards?
Yes, Ellen Barkin has received significant accolades. She won a Primetime Emmy Award for her performance in the 1997 TV film Before Women Had Wings and a Tony Award for Best Featured Actress in a Play for her Broadway debut in The Normal Heart in 2011. She also earned a Golden Globe nomination for her role in the 1991 film Switch.
What are some of Ellen Barkin's notable television roles?
Ellen Barkin played leading roles in several television series and films. Most notably, she portrayed the complex matriarch Janine "Smurf" Cody in the acclaimed TNT drama series Animal Kingdom from 2016 to 2019, and Jane Forrest in the NBC sitcom The New Normal from 2012 to 2013. Her Emmy-winning performance was in the television film Before Women Had Wings.
What are some of Ellen Barkin's most famous films?
Among her extensive filmography, some of Ellen Barkin's most famous and impactful films include Diner (1982), The Big Easy (1986), Sea of Love (1989), Switch (1991), This Boy's Life (1993), Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas (1998), and the ensemble blockbuster Ocean's Thirteen (2007).
Does Ellen Barkin also work as a producer?
Yes, in addition to her celebrated acting career, Ellen Barkin is also a producer. Her producing credits include the romantic drama Letters to Juliet (2010), the independent drama Shit Year (2010), and the critically well-received ensemble film Another Happy Day (2011).