Ellen Barkin Quotes

A collection of quotes by Ellen Barkin.

Ellen Barkin is an American actress known for her versatile performances in film, television, and theater. She was born on April 16, 1954, in The Bronx, New York City. Barkin attended Hunter College and later studied acting at the renowned Actors Studio in New York City.

Barkin made her film debut with a small role in the 1982 movie "Diner," which earned her critical acclaim. She gained further recognition for her role as Beth Schreiber in "Tender Mercies" (1983), for which she received an Academy Award nomination. Throughout her career, Barkin has starred in a wide range of films, including "The Big Easy" (1986), "Sea of Love" (1989), and Oliver Stone's "The Fan" (1996).

In addition to her film work, Barkin has made notable appearances on television. She starred in the critically acclaimed HBO drama series "Oz" (1997-2003) and received an Emmy nomination for her portrayal of Dr. Gina Toll in the miniseries "Before Women Had Wings" (1997).

Barkin has also demonstrated her talent on stage, appearing in various Broadway productions, including "The Normal Heart" (2011) and "The Nance" (2013), for which she received a Tony Award nomination.

Known for her strong and intense performances, Ellen Barkin has established herself as a highly respected actress in the entertainment industry. She continues to captivate audiences with her skilled portrayal of complex and compelling characters.

But one of the hardest things for me to do was to access ang

But one of the hardest things for me to do was to access anger. I could do it on stage. But when I did it on film it was hard for me. That probably has to do with the intimacy of film. And my own personal issues with expressing anger. So I had to learn how to do that.

When they make a woman's picture, they treat it like a 'woma

When they make a woman's picture, they treat it like a 'woman's picture.' In the '40s, they didn't treat Joan Crawford movies like that, but as the big movies of their year. I'm upset that there's no 'Terminator' with a woman in Arnold Schwarzenegger's role. Because that would make just as much money.

I'm Method trained. How is this character like me? What does

I'm Method trained. How is this character like me? What does she think of her mother? What does her mother think of her? It's like construction, and then, yes, you hope you're talented and that the universe aligns and captures the kind of laborer's work you've done and whatever else sprinkles down on you, and it's all caught on film or onstage.

When a 12-year-old, a 13-year-old, so desperately wants a ba

When a 12-year-old, a 13-year-old, so desperately wants a baby what she's looking for is the kind of unconditional love a child gives a mother and a mother gives a child.

It is clear I was never the Pretty Girl. I had my two front

It is clear I was never the Pretty Girl. I had my two front teeth knocked out when I was 10 and didn't fix them until I was 19. I have a crooked smile and a nose that looks like it's been broken 12 times but never has been. My nose was always red, so people called me Rudolph. My whole face is off-center.

Gabriel Byrne is an extraordinary human being. We have two e

Gabriel Byrne is an extraordinary human being. We have two extraordinary kids and we work at it. We were always friends. He stuck by me through very hard times, and I hope he'd say the same about me.

Acting is a matter of giving away secrets.

Acting is a matter of giving away secrets.

People tend to remember my performances, not me.

People tend to remember my performances, not me.

The way Hollywood portrays mothers - you're either all good

The way Hollywood portrays mothers - you're either all good and saint-like, or you're all bad. And I think the real honesty of motherhood is not given a voice in movies. I miss that as an audience member.

The one function that TV news performs very well is that whe

The one function that TV news performs very well is that when there is no news we give it to you with the same emphasis as if there were.

Men who love their mothers treat women wonderfully. And they

Men who love their mothers treat women wonderfully. And they have enormous respect for women.

Skinniness is not your friend when you're over 40. I'd like

Skinniness is not your friend when you're over 40. I'd like to gain a good 10 pounds, but I did always have a fat, round face that plagued me when I was young. When I started to make movies, I couldn't look at myself.

With all of the divisiveness that is going on in the country

With all of the divisiveness that is going on in the country we live in, so much of it is based around just fear of the other. And anyone who does not look like me, walk like me, talk like me, have sex like me, they're the other and I'm afraid of them. And hopefully we will learn that it's just not scary. There's nothing to be afraid of.