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Eileen Brennan, born Verla Eileen Regina Brennen on September 3, 1932, was an esteemed American actress renowned for her roles in The Last Picture Show, Private Benjamin, Murder by Death, The Cheap Detective, and The Sting. Her film debut was in the satire Divorce American Style in 1967, followed by The Last Picture Show in 1971, which earned her a BAFTA Award nomination for Best Supporting Actress. Brennan gained further critical acclaim for her role as Captain Doreen Lewis in Private Benjamin, earning an Oscar nomination for Best Supporting Actress. She reprised the role in the television adaptation, for which she won both a Golden Globe and a Primetime Emmy Award.
Born in Los Angeles, California, Brennan graduated from Georgetown University and the American Academy of Dramatic Arts. Her acting career began in university, making her name in stage productions. She made a transition to film in 1967 and became one of the most recognizable supporting actresses. Brennan worked with several directors, garnering nominations and wins from various award-giving bodies. From 1968 to 1974, Brennan was married to British poet David John Lampson, and they had two sons. In 1982, Brennan underwent a major car accident and had to take a two-year-long break from work. She subsequently battled a painkiller addiction, breast cancer, and other life challenges. Brennan passed away on July 28, 2013.
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Given Name: Verla Eileen Regina Brennen
Born: Los Angeles, California, U.S.
Citizenship: American
Birthday: September 3, 1932
Occupations: Actress
Years Active: 1960-2011
Children: 2
Spouses: David John Lampson
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Explore the awards, honors, and nominations Eileen Brennan has earned across their acting career. From prestigious wins to critical acclaim, see how their talent has been recognized by the film industry and major award bodies.
The 53rd Academy Awards 1981
48th Academy Awards 1976
26th British Academy Film Awards 1973
The Last Picture Show
White Palace
Private Benjamin
Clue
Murder by Death
Stella
Daisy Miller
Hustle
Comic Book Villains
The Hollow
The Art of ‘The Sting’
When the Circus Came to Town
Pandemonium
Lily for President?
Picture This: The Times of Peter Bogdanovich in Archer City, Texas
Working
The Funny Farm
The Fourth Wise Man
The History of White People in America: Volume II
The History of White People in America
Babes in Toyland
Blood Vows: The Story of a Mafia Wife
The New Adventures of Pippi Longstocking
Incident at Crestridge
Sticky Fingers
Who Done It: The Clue Documentary
In Search of Dr. Seuss
Murder So Sweet
At Long Last Love
Playmates
The Great Smokey Roadblock
My Old Man
The Night That Panicked America
Reckless
FM
The Cheap Detective
The Blue Knight
Nunzio’s Second Cousin
When She Was Bad…
Recycle Rex
The Death of Richie
Changing Habits
Rented Lips
Precious Victims
Black Beauty
The Last Great Ride
Scarecrow
Divorce American Style
If These Walls Could Talk
My Name Is Kate
Toothless
I Don’t Buy Kisses Anymore
Freaky Friday
Boys Life 2
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