Why do we love Susan? A fiercely independent and passionate actress, Sarandon has set herself apart from much of typical Hollywood with her outspoken nature and her stunning talent. Introduced to acting by her eventual husband, Chris Sarandon (whom she divorced in 1979), she appeared in a string of unsuccessful films and soap operas. Her first brush with stardom came through her role in the cult classic The Rocky Horror Picture Show. However, it wasn't until after her 40th birthday that Sarandon really began to shine, crafting a string of smart, strong, sexy women in such films as Bull Durham and The Witches of Eastwick. She became an icon in the feminist buddy-road movie Thelma & Louise, an Oscar winner in Dead Man Walking, and proved that she has always been a DOL by establishing a lasting relationship with her 12-years younger costar of Bull Durham, Tim Robbins. Though she is known for her activism and artistic integrity, she is also renowned for her humor, style, and accessibility. Biography: Born - October 4, 1946 Jackson Heights, NY Achievements: Winner of the 1995 Oscar for Best Actress for Dead Man Walking. Nominated for five Academy Awards for Best Actress. Winner of the 1995 Screen Actor's Guild Award for Best Actress for Dead Man Walking. Nominated for six Golden Globe Awards for Best Actress. Named Woman of the Year by the Hasty Pudding Society of Harvard University in 1996. Named Best Actress of 1991 by the National Board of Review for Thelma & Louise and by the London Film Critics' Circle for Thelma & Louise and White Palace. Winner of the BAFTA Orange Award (British Oscar) for Best Actress of 1993 for The Client. Winner of the Genie (Canadian Oscar) for Best Actress in 1981 for Atlantic City. Appointed UNICEF Special Representative in the late 1990s. Devotes herself to causes supporting the rights of women and children around the world, as well as for assistance for all people in the world living with HIV/AIDS. In her own words -- On life: "Sexuality is something that develops and becomes stronger and stronger the older you get... If you can continue to say yes to life and to maintain a certain generosity of spirit, you become more and more of who you are."   March 6   •   March 8 Home