For many of us, the name Susan Sarandon immediately evokes feelings of fondness. Across her incredible half a century long career, the legendary actress has time and time again captivated audiences around the world. But there’s more to Sarandon than her knack for versatility in the characters she plays, such as Louise in the trailblazing film, Thelma and Louise to Sister Helen Prejean in Dead Man Walking.

Sarandon is also known for frequently speaking out for women everywhere struggling with endometriosis, a disease she herself suffered from for a very long time and which complicated her chances of becoming pregnant. But it is perhaps more than anything in her own private life, as a mother, that she is the most dedicated of all. Due in part to her physical ailment, Sarandon did not become a mother until reaching age 39 – but then proceeded to have two additional children. The actress has long stood out for her decision to keep trying to have children despite her age. Indeed, with every new child born, she made headlines due to her ‘unusual’ choice of launching her ‘mommy career’ ‘so late’ in life.

A Thriving Career
Born Susan Abigail Tomalin in 1946, Sarandon adopted her first husbands’s name Chris Sarandon as her stage name. Today aged 75, she has devoted a large part of her life to her career as an actress, but is also a familiar face when it comes to fighting for important causes.

Sarandon’s film career began with her starring in the 1970 dramatic feature film, Joe. She then dabbled in soap opera roles, in particular as Patrice Kahlman in A World Apart. Five years later in 1975 and aged only 29-years-old, she reached fame after appearing in the Rocky Horror Picture Show.