With a career spanning several decades, Susan Sarandon has established herself as a prominent figure in Hollywood. As of 2025, her net worth stands at approximately $60 million. Throughout her career, she has amassed numerous accolades, including an Academy Award and a Screen Actors Guild Award. Sarandon is also a savvy entrepreneur, co-founding SPiN, a global chain of table tennis clubs and bars.
Rise to Fame in the 1970s and 1980s
Susan Sarandon’s acting career began in the 1970s when she initially took on diverse roles. However, it was her part in the cult classic The Rocky Horror Picture Show (1975) that truly brought her widespread recognition. Her performance showcased her versatility and a bold willingness to embrace unconventional roles. As the 1980s progressed, Sarandon’s filmography expanded with notable performances in films like Atlantic City (1980), which earned her her first Academy Award nomination, further establishing her as a rising star in Hollywood.
The 1990s were a golden era for Sarandon, as she landed several iconic roles that solidified her position as one of the leading actresses of her time. One of her most celebrated performances came in Thelma & Louise (1991), a film that has since become a symbol of female empowerment. The role not only fascinated audiences but also cemented her reputation as a dynamic performer. In 1995, Sarandon won the Academy Award for Best Actress for her role as a nun in Dead Man Walking, a powerful portrayal of a woman who confronts a convicted murderer on death row.
A Commitment to Social and Political Causes
In addition to her acting prowess, Sarandon is well known for her outspoken political views and activism. Throughout her career, she has used her platform to advocate for social justice, civil rights, and the abolition of the death penalty in the United States. Her activism often extends beyond her personal life, influencing her choice of roles. Many of the characters she portrays align with her values, frequently depicting strong, independent women fighting for justice and equality.
Sarandon’s career is marked by her ability to seamlessly transition between a wide array of genres, including drama, comedy, and action. Her work alongside some of Hollywood’s most esteemed directors and actors has garnered her multiple awards and nominations. Even as her career progressed into the 2000s and 2010s, Sarandon continued to take on bold, complex roles in both film and television, proving that she was never afraid to experiment with new challenges.
Early Life and Education
Born Susan Abigail Tomalin on October 4, 1946, in New York City, Sarandon was raised in a Roman Catholic family in New Jersey. She was one of nine siblings, which shaped her early experiences. Sarandon attended Catholic schools and later pursued drama studies at The Catholic University of America, where she earned a Bachelor of Arts in Drama. It was also during her college years that she met her first husband, Chris Sarandon, from whom she later adopted the stage name “Susan Sarandon.” Despite their divorce, she retained the surname as part of her professional identity.
Breaking Into Film
Sarandon’s first major film role came in 1970, when she appeared in Joe, playing a teenager entangled in drugs and chaos. In the early 1970s, she also appeared in several soap operas, including A World Apart and Search for Tomorrow. Her big break came in 1975 when she starred in The Rocky Horror Picture Show. This role led to further opportunities, such as The Great Waldo Pepper and Pretty Baby, propelling Sarandon into more prominent roles.
By the early 1980s, Sarandon had established herself as a formidable talent. Her performance in Atlantic City (1980) earned her an Academy Award nomination, and her role in the erotic horror film The Hunger (1983), which included a lesbian sex scene with Catherine Deneuve, raised eyebrows and solidified her reputation as a bold actress willing to take risks.
The 1990s marked a defining decade in Sarandon’s career. After her iconic role in Thelma & Louise, she was nominated for another Academy Award for her performance in Lorenzo’s Oil (1992), followed by another nomination for The Client (1994). In 1995, Sarandon finally won the Best Actress Oscar for her role in Dead Man Walking.
In addition to her successes in film, Sarandon continued to shine in both comedies and dramas. Her roles in White Palace (1990), Stepmom (1998), and Little Women (1994) further demonstrated her versatility and ability to connect with audiences across genres.
Maintaining Hollywood Presence in the 2000s
Sarandon’s star continued to rise in the 2000s with memorable roles in Igby Goes Down (2002), Bernard and Doris (2006), and Shall We Dance (2004). One standout role was in Lovely Bones (2009), a supernatural thriller directed by Peter Jackson. While the film divided critics, Sarandon’s performance received acclaim. Additionally, she starred alongside her daughter, Eva Amurri, in the 2008 film Middle of Nowhere.
Sarandon also made her mark on television during this time, guest-starring on shows such as Friends, 30 Rock, and Malcolm in the Middle. Her voice work also gained recognition, with appearances on The Simpsons and numerous documentaries that often focused on political and social issues.
Known for her outspoken political activism, Sarandon has been a vocal critic of U.S. presidents, including Hillary Clinton, and has shown her support for figures like Bernie Sanders. She is a long-time advocate for social justice, civil rights, and the abolition of the death penalty, making her a prominent figure in both the entertainment industry and social activism.
SPiN: A Business Venture
In 2009, Sarandon co-founded SPiN, an international chain of table tennis clubs, alongside Jonathan Bricklin and other co-founders. The concept quickly became a success, combining entertainment, sport, and socializing. With locations in major cities like New York, Los Angeles, and Chicago, SPiN has evolved into a popular venue for both casual players and professional events. Sarandon’s personal enthusiasm for the sport helped SPiN into a trendy hotspot, making it a unique blend of entertainment and athleticism.
Personal Relationships and Family Life
Sarandon’s personal life has been equally fascinating. She married actor Chris Sarandon in 1967, though they divorced in 1979. Following relationships with stars like David Bowie and Sean Penn, Sarandon formed a long-term partnership with filmmaker Franco Amurri, with whom she had a daughter, actress Eva Amurri. Sarandon later entered a relationship with actor Tim Robbins in 1988, with whom she spent over two decades before parting ways in 2009.
For six years, she was romantically involved with Jonathan Bricklin.
Real Estate Portfolio
Following her split from Tim Robbins, Sarandon made notable real estate purchases. She bought the six-bedroom duplex the couple had shared in Chelsea, Manhattan, for $3.2 million, and shortly after acquired a $1.75 million penthouse in Greenwich Village. Sarandon also owns a Brooklyn apartment, purchased in 2012 for $900,000.
