Susan Sarandon Biography – Explore Susan Sarandon’s 2025 biography, from her Oscar-winning career to pro-Palestinian activism. Discover her net worth, quotes, early life, and family.
Susan Abigail Sarandon, born October 4, 1946, is an American actress and activist renowned for her roles in Thelma & Louise (1991) and Dead Man Walking (1995), for which she won an Academy Award for Best Actress. With a career spanning over five decades, she has appeared in over 80 films, earning eight Golden Globe nominations and a BAFTA Award. In 2025, Sarandon remains a vocal advocate for Palestinian rights, speaking at a pro-Palestinian rally in New York on April 15, 2025, despite backlash from Hollywood peers.
Her outspoken activism, including criticism of U.S. foreign policy and support for Bernie Sanders, has led to controversies, such as her 2023 dismissal by UTA after remarks about Jewish Americans.
This biography covers her net worth, age, quotes, early life, education, Wikipedia presence, accomplishments, family, career achievements, and awards as of May 9, 2025.
Susan Sarandon Biography
Susan Sarandon’s biography blends cinematic excellence with fearless activism. At 78, her 2025 rally appearance underscores her commitment to social justice, despite professional repercussions. From New York’s theater stages to Hollywood’s spotlight, this article traces her journey, highlighting her Oscar-winning performances and polarizing advocacy.
| Field | Summary of Susan Sarandon Biography |
|---|---|
| Net Worth | Estimated at $50M–$60M in 2025, from acting, producing, endorsements. |
| Age | Born October 4, 1946; 78 in 2025; spoke at pro-Palestinian rally April 2025. |
| Quotes | Known for “I’m not afraid to be unpopular” (2024). |
| Early Life | Born in Jackson Heights, Queens, NY; raised in Edison, NJ. |
| Education | B.A., Catholic University of America, 1968. |
| Wikipedia | Noted as Oscar-winning actress, activist for Palestinian rights. |
| Accomplishments | Won Oscar for Dead Man Walking, supported Sanders’ campaigns. |
| Family | Daughter Eva Amurri; sons Jack and Miles Robbins; ex-partner Tim Robbins. |
| Career Achievements | Starred in Thelma & Louise, Dead Man Walking; produced Stepmom. |
| Awards | Academy Award (1995), BAFTA (1994), SAG Award (1995). |
Key Takeaways
- Won Best Actress Oscar for Dead Man Walking in 1995.
- Dropped by UTA in 2023 over pro-Palestinian comments.
- Spoke at New York pro-Palestinian rally, April 15, 2025.
Early Life: New York Beginnings
Born October 4, 1946, in Jackson Heights, Queens, New York, Susan Sarandon was the eldest of nine children in a Catholic family. Her father, Phillip Leslie Tomalin, was an advertising executive and nightclub singer, and her mother, Lenora Marie, a homemaker. Raised in Edison, New Jersey, Sarandon attended Catholic schools and developed an interest in acting through high school plays. Her early exposure to social issues came from her father’s progressive views.
Education: Academic and Artistic Start
Sarandon enrolled at the Catholic University of America in Washington, D.C., earning a B.A. in drama in 1968. She studied under renowned coach Gilbert V. Hartke, performing in campus productions. To support herself, she worked as a secretary and model. Her college years sparked her lifelong passion for theater and activism.
Career: Hollywood Icon and Activist
Early Acting Career
Sarandon debuted in the film Joe (1970) after a chance audition with her then-husband, Chris Sarandon. She gained notice in The Rocky Horror Picture Show (1975) as Janet Weiss, a cult classic role. Her breakout came in Atlantic City (1980), earning her first Oscar nomination. Films like The Witches of Eastwick (1987) and Bull Durham (1988) showcased her versatility.
Career Peak
Sarandon’s role as Louise in Thelma & Louise (1991) earned a Best Actress Oscar nomination and cemented her as a feminist icon. She won the Oscar for Dead Man Walking (1995), playing Sister Helen Prejean, a performance praised for its emotional depth. Other notable films include Lorenzo’s Oil (1992), The Client (1994), and Stepmom (1998), which she co-produced. In the 2000s, she starred in Igby Goes Down (2002) and Alfie (2004), and voiced characters in Cloud Atlas (2012). In 2024, she appeared in The Fabulous Four, playing a retiree.
Television and Theater
Sarandon earned Emmy nominations for TV films like Bernard and Doris (2006) and You Don’t Know Jack (2010). She starred in series such as Feud: Bette and Joan (2017) as Bette Davis and Ray Donovan (2017–2019). On Broadway, she debuted in An Evening with Richard Nixon (1972) and performed in Exit the King (2009) with Geoffrey Rush.
Activism and Controversies
Sarandon’s activism includes anti-war protests, AIDS advocacy, and support for Bernie Sanders’ 2016 and 2020 campaigns. Her pro-Palestinian stance intensified after October 2023, leading to her dismissal by UTA in November 2023 for comments suggesting Jewish Americans felt like Muslims post-9/11. She apologized, but her April 15, 2025, rally speech criticizing U.S. support for Israel drew further backlash, with CAA reportedly distancing itself. She was arrested in 2018 during a Women’s March protest against Trump’s immigration policies.
Net Worth: Hollywood Wealth
Sarandon’s net worth is estimated at $50 million to $60 million in 2025, from acting salaries ($250,000–$1M per film), producing, and Manhattan properties. Her UNICEF ambassador role and endorsements add modestly. Claims of $80 million are exaggerated.
Quotes: Defiant Spirit
Sarandon’s quote, “I’m not afraid to be unpopular” (2024), reflects her activism. Another, “The only way to change things is to keep pushing” (2023), underscores her persistence. These capture her unapologetic stance.
Accomplishments: Cinematic and Social Impact
Sarandon won an Oscar, BAFTA, and SAG Award for Dead Man Walking. She co-founded New York’s Unitarian Church arts programs and served as a UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador. Her Sanders endorsements and Palestinian advocacy shaped political discourse, though polarizing Hollywood.
Family: Creative Clan
Sarandon has a daughter, Eva Amurri, with Franco Amurri, and two sons, Jack and Miles Robbins, with Tim Robbins, her partner from 1988 to 2009. She was married to Chris Sarandon from 1967 to 1979. Single in 2025, she has no confirmed partner. Her children are actors and filmmakers.
Awards and Recognition
Sarandon won a 1995 Academy Award, 1994 BAFTA, and 1995 SAG Award. She received a 2016 Women in Film Crystal Award and a 2006 Gotham Award for advocacy. X users praise her as a “legend,” but some criticize her “radical” activism.
Sarandon in 2025: Activism Amid Backlash
In 2025, Sarandon’s April 15 New York rally speech reinforced her pro-Palestinian stance, costing her industry ties. She continues acting, with a role in an upcoming indie film, and supports humanitarian causes like Doctors Without Borders. X debates her legacy, with supporters lauding her courage and critics decrying her rhetoric.
Conclusion: A Bold Legacy
Susan Sarandon’s biography intertwines cinematic brilliance with unwavering activism. From a $50 million to $60 million net worth to a 2025 rally, her journey inspires and divides. At 78, her story urges us to stand for conviction, no matter the cost.
FAQs About Susan Sarandon
- What is Susan Sarandon’s most famous quote?
“I’m not afraid to be unpopular” (2024) reflects her bold activism. - Where did Susan Sarandon grow up?
Born in Queens, NY; raised in Edison, NJ. - What are Susan Sarandon’s major accomplishments?
Won Oscar for Dead Man Walking, advocated for Palestinian rights. - What is Susan Sarandon’s net worth?
Estimated at $50M–$60M in 2025. - What’s new for Susan Sarandon in 2025?
Spoke at pro-Palestinian rally in New York, April 15.
