Eileen Brennan Biography

Fast Facts

• Was nominated in 1985 for the "Best Actress in a Theatrical or Dramatic Special" award at teh CableACE Awards
• Studied acting at the Academy of Dramatic Arts in New York City
• Despite overcoming breast cancer later in her career, she succumbed to bladder cancer in 2013 at the age of 80
• Quote: "Everyone hits bottom their own way․ Mine came through my accident, which led to my pill addiction, which led to my birth․ I say birth rather than rebirth because I feel born new․ I reestablished a spiritual connection that is lost when you are taking any kind of drug․ Strangely enough I wouldn't have missed my accident․ It just knocks me out to say that, but I mean it․"
• Is widely recognized for her deep, smoky speaking voice
• Often collaborates with actress Cloris Leachman in various films
• While living in New York, she shared an apartment with fellow actress Rue McClanahan
• Broke her leg after falling into the orchestra pit during a stage production of "Annie․"