Cinema legend Ellen Burstyn might be 88, but the Oscar winner is busier than ever. The actress chats to the Weekly from New York about growing up with an abusive mother, coping with the loneliness of Covid lockdown, and starring in her new movie Queen Bees, where she plays a senior citizen coping with everything from cliques to romance in a retirement village.
Did it make a nice change to read the script for Queen Bees about sassy older women still having interests in life?
Yes! It’s rare to have an upbeat romantic comedy about women in their 70s and 80s. I read so many scripts after I turned 50 that was all about putting grandmas in the nursing home. I enjoyed shooting with the other women in Queen Bees so much, like the scene where we decide to smoke marijuana. It wasn’t real, of course, but we had a lot of fun playing it. It brought back some of my wilder times.
Tell us about reprising your role in the new Exorcist trilogy.
That came out of the blue. The film is not a remake of the original. Instead, it’s a continuation of the 1973 horror classic. I’m getting more work now than I’ve ever had in my life.
And there’s obviously no desire to retire?
Denne historien er fra August 23, 2021-utgaven av New Zealand Woman's Weekly.
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Denne historien er fra August 23, 2021-utgaven av New Zealand Woman's Weekly.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent? Logg på
Sweet SUCCESS
Delicious twists on traditional favourites
Calzone CRAVING
Anything you can put on top of a pizza can go inside these air fryer Italian turnovers
Kai & kindness - ‘OUR RECIPE FOR A GOOD LIFE'
The foodie and her brother have dished up a cookbook full of comfort
Kia Ora Dame! 'I HAD A BIGGER PURPOSE'
It could have taken a toll on her, but Naida's phone greeting started a legacy
Dame Hinewehi's healing haka - 'IT'S GOING TO CHANGE LIVES'
Beating a world record is personal for the music therapy founder
Unbreakable Mamie - 'I'M READY TO FAMOUS!' BE
The TV star and model is excited about what the future holds
Below Deck detective - CAPTAIN LEE'S SEA CHANGE
The superyacht hero's family tragedy has led him to navigate scary waters
Swings & roundabouts - OWEN'S BIG KID PROJECT
Playtime's a whole lot more fun thanks to the radio host
Haunted by tragedy - KATE'S SHOCK LOSS
The star is still dealing with the death of her dad when she was aged four
Top-secret royal plan - BRINGING HARRY HOME
Disillusioned with life in the US, the prince is reaching out to friends in the UK