Susan Sarandon isn’t just an actress—she’s a force. From her breakout role in The Rocky Horror Picture Show to her Oscar-winning turn in Dead Man Walking, she’s captivated audiences with her raw talent and fearless spirit. But beyond the screen, Sarandon’s life is a tapestry of activism, love, and unapologetic authenticity. As of March 31, 2025, at 78, she remains a Hollywood legend whose story continues to evolve. This biography isn’t just a recounting of facts—it’s a journey through the highs, lows, and unexpected turns of a woman who’s never played by the rules.
Born Susan Abigail Tomalin on October 4, 1946, in Queens, New York, she grew up in a sprawling family of nine siblings. Her early years were steeped in Catholic tradition, but even then, she questioned the status quo. That rebellious streak would define her—both in her career and her personal life. Today, she’s a grandmother, an activist, and a cultural icon still making waves. Let’s dive into the life of Susan Sarandon, a woman who’s as compelling off-screen as she is on it.
Early Life: Roots of a Rebel
Susan Sarandon’s story begins in Jackson Heights, Queens, where she was the eldest of nine children born to Lenora Marie Criscione and Phillip Leslie Tomalin. Her father was a television producer and advertising executive, while her mother navigated the chaos of a large Italian-Welsh family. Growing up in Edison, New Jersey, Susan attended Catholic schools, where she first flexed her inquisitive nature. “I was asking all the wrong questions even back in third grade,” she once recalled, hinting at the curiosity that would later fuel her activism.
Her teenage years were marked by the turbulence of the 1960s. She graduated from Edison High School in 1964 and enrolled at the Catholic University of America in Washington, D.C. There, she studied drama under Father Gilbert Hartke, earning a B.A. in 1968. It was also where she met Chris Sarandon, a fellow student who’d become her first husband—and give her the surname she’d keep forever.
Susan Sarandon: Updated Personal Details
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Susan Abigail Sarandon (née Tomalin) |
| Date of Birth | October 4, 1946 |
| Age | 78 years |
| Birthplace | Jackson Heights, Queens, New York, USA |
| Height | 5 ft 7 in (170 cm) |
| Weight | Approx. 139 lbs (63 kg) |
| Hair Color | Red |
| Eye Color | Light Brown |
| Marital Status | Divorced (Chris Sarandon, 1967–1979); Single since 2009 (Tim Robbins) |
| Children | Eva Amurri (b. 1985), John “Jack” Henry Robbins (b. 1989), Miles Robbins (b. 1992) |
| Grandchildren | Marlowe Mae Martino, Major James Martino, Mateo Antoni Martino (via Eva) |
| Net Worth | Estimated $60 million (2025) |
| Education | B.A. in Drama, Catholic University of America (1968) |
| Occupation | Actress, Producer, Activist |
| Awards | Academy Award (1995), BAFTA, SAG Awards, multiple nominations |
| Current Residence | New York City, NY, USA |
| Social Media | Instagram: @susansarandon (1.8M followers); Twitter: @SusanSarandon (681K followers) |
A Star is Born: Breaking into Hollywood
Susan’s entry into acting was almost accidental. In 1969, she tagged along with Chris to an audition for Joe, a gritty film about counterculture youth. Chris didn’t land a role, but Susan did—playing Susan Compton, a teen swept into a dark underworld. It was a modest start, but it opened doors. Between 1970 and 1972, she appeared in soap operas like A World Apart and Search for Tomorrow, honing her craft on daytime TV.
Her big break came in 1975 with The Rocky Horror Picture Show. As Janet Weiss, the naive ingénue turned wild by Tim Curry’s Dr. Frank-N-Furter, Susan became a cult icon. The film’s midnight screenings still draw fans who adore her wide-eyed charm. That same year, she starred opposite Robert Redford in The Great Waldo Pepper, proving she could hold her own with Hollywood heavyweights.
The 1980s: Rising to Prominence
The ‘80s were a turning point. Susan’s role in Louis Malle’s Atlantic City (1980) earned her first Oscar nomination. Playing a casino worker with dreams bigger than her circumstances, she showcased a depth that silenced critics who’d pegged her as just a pretty face. Her romance with Malle added a personal layer to their collaboration, which continued with Pretty Baby (1978), a controversial film where she played a prostitute alongside a young Brooke Shields.
Then came The Hunger (1983). Her steamy scene with Catherine Deneuve—a lesbian vampire encounter—shocked audiences and cemented her as a daring actress unafraid of pushing boundaries. By 1988, Bull Durham paired her with Kevin Costner and Tim Robbins, sparking a real-life romance with Robbins that would shape her next two decades.
The Golden ‘90s: Oscar Glory and Beyond
The 1990s were Susan Sarandon’s golden era. She snagged four Oscar nominations in five years: Thelma & Louise (1991), Lorenzo’s Oil (1992), The Client (1994), and finally, a win for Dead Man Walking (1995). As Sister Helen Prejean, a nun counseling a death-row inmate (Sean Penn), she delivered a performance of quiet power and moral complexity. It wasn’t just a role—it reflected her own stance against capital punishment.
Thelma & Louise, though, remains her cultural touchstone. Alongside Geena Davis, she played Louise, a woman breaking free from a patriarchal world. The film’s iconic ending—driving off a cliff—became a feminist anthem. Off-screen, her life with Robbins blossomed; they welcomed sons Jack (1989) and Miles (1992), joining daughter Eva from her earlier relationship with Franco Amurri.
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Affairs and Relationships: A Love Life in the Spotlight
Susan’s romantic history is as colorful as her career. She married Chris Sarandon in 1967, a union that lasted until 1979. “I kept his name because it was already on my SAG card,” she once quipped. In the mid-‘80s, she dated Franco Amurri, an Italian director she met on Tempest (1982). Their daughter, Eva, arrived in 1985, and though the relationship fizzled, they remained amicable.
Her affair with Louis Malle during Pretty Baby was brief but intense. In 2017, she revealed a fling with British actor Philip Sayer, who was gay, adding a twist to her eclectic love story. Then came Tim Robbins. Meeting on Bull Durham, they became Hollywood’s liberal power couple, sharing a 21-year partnership without ever marrying. “We didn’t need a paper to be devoted,” she said. Their 2009 split stunned fans, but rumors of younger suitors—like Jonathan Bricklin, whom she dated from 2010 to 2015—kept tabloids buzzing.
Activism: A Voice for the Voiceless
Susan’s activism is no side gig—it’s her soul. From Vietnam War protests in high school to arrests during 1999’s Amadou Diallo rallies, she’s never shied away from a cause. Appointed a UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador in 1999, she’s traveled to Africa and India, advocating for women’s rights and hunger relief. In 2006, she received the Action Against Hunger Humanitarian Award.
Her opposition to the Iraq War, support for Ralph Nader over Hillary Clinton in 2016, and vocal stance on Palestine have sparked backlash. In 2023, her comments at a pro-Palestinian rally—“Jews are getting a taste of what it feels like to be Muslim in this country”—led United Talent Agency to drop her. She apologized, admitting her phrasing was a “terrible mistake,” but the fallout lingered.
Controversies and Rumors: Walking the Line
Susan’s outspokenness has courted controversy. Her 2016 Green Party vote drew ire from Democrats who blamed her for Clinton’s loss. “I couldn’t vote for someone I didn’t trust,” she defended. In 2024, she claimed Hollywood blacklisted her post-UTA, telling The Sunday Times, “My projects were pulled.” Insiders dispute this, citing her steady work—like The Fabulous Four (2024)—but the perception persists.
Rumors of wild affairs with David Bowie (circa The Hunger) and younger men post-Robbins add spice to her narrative. Her arrest at a 2018 Trump policy protest further fueled her rebel image. Yet, she shrugs off the noise: “I’d rather be in trouble for speaking out than silent and complicit.”
Later Career: Aging Gracefully, Defiantly
Susan hasn’t slowed down. The 2000s brought roles in Igby Goes Down (2002), Enchanted (2007), and The Lovely Bones (2009). Her portrayal of Bette Davis in Feud (2017) earned Emmy nods, while Monarch (2022) saw her tackle country music drama. In 2025, she’s slated for Snow White, a project tinged with controversy over its modern tweaks.
She’s choosy now, favoring roles with substance. “I pick projects I can talk about for days,” she says. At 78, her red hair and sharp wit remain intact, a testament to a career built on authenticity rather than Hollywood polish.
Personal Life Today: Family and Legacy
Susan’s a proud mom and grandma. Eva, now an actress and lifestyle blogger, married Ian Hock in 2024, with Susan stunning in a floral suit. Jack and Miles, both creatives, carry her activist torch—Jack even joined her on picket lines. Her three grandchildren via Eva—Marlowe, Major, and Mateo—bring her joy in New York City, where she resides.
Her net worth hovers at $60 million, a mix of film earnings and savvy investments like SPiN, the ping-pong lounge chain she co-founded with Bricklin. She’s single, content, and still wearing her Simpsons-themed jacket from 1995—a quirky nod to her enduring cool.
FAQs About Susan Sarandon
1. Why was Susan Sarandon dropped by her agency?
In November 2023, UTA severed ties after her pro-Palestinian rally speech sparked backlash. She apologized for implying Jews hadn’t faced persecution, but the damage was done.
2. Is Susan Sarandon still acting in 2025?
Yes! She’s attached to Snow White and recently starred in The Fabulous Four (2024), proving she’s still in demand despite controversies.
3. How many children does Susan Sarandon have?
Three: Eva Amurri (b. 1985) with Franco Amurri, and Jack (b. 1989) and Miles (b. 1992) with Tim Robbins.
4. What’s Susan Sarandon’s net worth?
Estimated at $60 million in 2025, from acting, producing, and ventures like SPiN.
5. Has Susan Sarandon ever been married?
Yes, to Chris Sarandon (1967–1979). She never remarried, even during her long partnership with Robbins.
Final Thoughts: The Unstoppable Susan Sarandon
Susan Sarandon’s life is a masterclass in living boldly. She’s danced with fame, flirted with controversy, and fought for what she believes in—all while delivering performances that linger in our hearts. At 78, she’s not just a survivor of Hollywood’s churn; she’s a trailblazer who’s redefined what it means to age, love, and speak out. Her story isn’t over—each chapter, from Queens to the red carpet, proves she’s a woman who’ll never fade quietly into the night.