When Edna Rae Gillooly was roaming the halls as a cheerleader at Cass Technical High School, she probably had no idea that she'd one day be one of the most acclaimed actresses of her generation. But that's just what happened after changing her name to Ellen Burstyn. In 1974, she received an Academy Award for Best Actress for her work in "Alice Doesn't Live Here Anymore." All told, Burstyn has received six, count 'em six, Oscar nominations including roles in "The Exorcist" (1973) and most recently "Requiem For A Dream" (2000). As of 2002, she had made 44 movies in a career that is still going strong. Although, maybe not a household name like some other CT grads and despite rumors that she dropped out before graduating, Ellen Burstyn is one of the most accomplished former students in Cass Tech history.

BURSTYN LINKS

Bio #1

Oscar

Credits

Bio #2