In an industry often defined by fleeting trends, Susan Sarandon stands as a monumental figure of endurance, intellect, and unapologetic conviction. With a career spanning over five decades, the Oscar-winning actress has transformed from a 1970s cult icon into one of Hollywood’s most formidable activists.
As of early 2026, Sarandon continues to make headlines, not just for her upcoming film and stage projects, but for her unwavering voice in global politics, proving that her “rebel heart” is as vibrant as ever.
Susan Sarandon Biography
Born Susan Abigail Tomalin on October 4, 1946, in New York City, Susan was the eldest of nine children. Raised in a strict Roman Catholic household in New Jersey, she attended the Catholic University of America to study drama. Her entry into Hollywood was almost accidental; in 1969, she accompanied her then-husband to a casting call for the film Joe and walked away with a lead role herself. This serendipitous start launched a trajectory that would eventually lead her to five Academy Award nominations and a permanent place in the cinematic pantheon.
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Career
Sarandon’s career is a masterclass in versatility:
- The Cult Classic Era: She achieved early immortality as Janet Weiss in The Rocky Horror Picture Show (1975).
- The Breakthrough: Her role in Bull Durham (1988) cemented her as a leading lady who could balance sex appeal with sharp-witted intelligence.
- The Golden Decade: The 1990s saw her peak with Thelma & Louise (1991) and her eventual Best Actress win for Dead Man Walking (1995).
- Recent and Upcoming (2025–2026): In 2025, she starred in the comedy-drama Nonnas alongside Vince Vaughn and made a highly anticipated UK stage debut in Mary Page Marlowe. In 2026, she is set to appear in several independent features, continuing her trend of choosing diverse, challenging roles.
Susan Sarandon Movies
- The Rocky Horror Picture Show (1975): The ultimate cult musical.
- Atlantic City (1980): Her first Oscar nomination.
- The Witches of Eastwick (1987): Alongside Cher and Michelle Pfeiffer.
- Bull Durham (1988): A legendary romantic sports comedy.
- Thelma & Louise (1991): An iconic feminist road movie.
- Dead Man Walking (1995): Her Oscar-winning turn as Sister Helen Prejean.
- Blue Beetle (2023): Her entry into the DC superhero universe.
- Nonnas (2025): Her most recent acclaimed comedy-drama.
Susan Sarandon Net Worth
As of January 2026, Susan Sarandon’s net worth is estimated at $60 million. Her wealth has been built through a steady stream of high-profile film roles, television projects like Feud: Bette and Joan, and savvy real estate investments. Notably, she has used much of her financial influence to support grassroots organizations and political campaigns.
Family
Susan is the proud mother of three children:
- Eva Amurri (40): An actress and lifestyle blogger, whom she shares with Italian filmmaker Franco Amurri.
- Jack Henry Robbins (36): A director and filmmaker.
- Miles Robbins (33): An actor and musician. Both sons are from her long-term relationship with Tim Robbins. Susan is also an active grandmother (or “Honey,” as her grandkids call her), frequently sharing moments with Eva’s children on social media.
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Relationships That Defined a Life
Susan Sarandon and Chris Sarandon
Susan married fellow actor Chris Sarandon in 1967 while they were still in college. Although they divorced in 1979, she chose to keep his surname as her professional name. The two remain on good terms, with Chris often speaking highly of her meteoric rise following their split.
Susan Sarandon and David Bowie
In a revelation that delighted fans decades later, Sarandon confirmed she had a passionate love affair with David Bowie while filming the 1983 vampire film The Hunger. She has described Bowie as “extraordinary” and “bright,” noting that their relationship occurred during a “really interesting” period of her life before she felt the pressure to settle down.
Susan Sarandon and Tim Robbins
For 23 years, Susan Sarandon and Tim Robbins were Hollywood’s premiere “power couple” of activism. They met on the set of Bull Durham in 1988 and stayed together until 2009. Though they never married, their partnership resulted in two sons and a shared legacy of using their platforms for social justice.
Controversies
Never one to shy away from a fight, Sarandon has often found herself at the center of intense debate:
- Political Firebrands: Her refusal to support Hillary Clinton in 2016 sparked a long-standing rift within certain Democratic circles.
- Activism in 2024–2025: In recent years, Sarandon has been a vocal advocate for a ceasefire in Gaza. In 2024, she was famously dropped by her talent agency, UTA, following comments made at a pro-Palestinian rally.
- The October 7th Statements: In early 2024, she faced significant backlash and accusations of denialism regarding reports of sexual violence during the October 7th attacks, which she later addressed by emphasizing her focus on humanitarian aid for all civilians.
Susan Sarandon Age
As of January 2026, Susan Sarandon is 79 years old. She will celebrate her 80th birthday on October 4, 2026. She remains a vocal advocate against ageism in Hollywood, frequently stating that curiosity is the secret to staying young.
Susan Sarandon Instagram
With over 1.9 million followers, Sarandon’s Instagram (@susansarandon) is less a curated celebrity gallery and more a digital bulletin board for activism. Interspersed with rare family photos and throwbacks to her “Thelma” days are posts about labor rights, environmental justice, and international peace efforts.
Conclusion
Susan Sarandon is a rarity, a movie star who refused to be silenced by the industry that made her. In 2026, she continues to prove that being an artist and being an activist are not just compatible, but necessary.
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