Hartford Courant, November 27, 2006 “A Collection of Memorable Lessons” Spilling the Beans, a coffee break with Ellen Burstyn

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Academy Award-winner Ellen Burstyn will be at the Wadsworth Atheneum Museum of Art today to read selections from her memoir, "Lessons in Becoming Myself."

Her visit is a collaboration between the Atheneum and Hartford Stage, where Burstyn appeared in1999 in the production "A Long Day's Journey Into Night." The 74-year-old's reading selections will include one about her experience in the Hartford Stage production. There will also be a screening of the movie "Requiem for a Dream," in which she starred in 2000. Burstyn took a break from packing her bags for her trip to Connecticut to "Spill the Beans" with Java.

What was so memorable about your work at Hartford Stage that prompted you to include it in your book?

Michael Wilson is a wonderful director. The work I did with Michael was a vehicle in my creative development at the time. I was able to achieve certain things I wanted to do. I'm looking forward to the visit.

What has been the most surprising thing about the path your life has taken?

That I am now in my 70s but feel like I am in my 50s. I feel as vital and full of life as I always have about my work. I'm having an awfully good time and not at all thinking about retirement. I did not expect to feel like that when I thought where I'd be at this age. Early on in my life, I thought I'd be put out to pasture by 70.

Do you have any regrets?

I don't. The whole point of my book is to look past mistakes and consider lessons learned, say thank you and move on to the next lesson. Life is a series of lessons if you learn from them. If you regret things, you are denying the lesson.

What are you proudest of?

Personally, my son, Jefferson. He is in his 40s, has his own company and works on restoring homes. He is the best painter I have ever known. He talks people into expressing themselves. My house is so bright and beautiful. No two walls are the same color. Professionally, I'm proudest of the fact that I have continued to work. "Requiem for a Dream" introduced me to a whole new audience.

What are some lessons you learned about yourself?

I'm sort of adventuresome. I had this phrase in my head that when I became an adult I wanted to fling myself at life. I am curious and eager to learn. I just finished shooting a film called "Stone Angel" and finished another movie, "The Fountain."

What about the Emmy controversy and you being nominated for your 18-second performance in "Mrs. Harris?"

I don't think I have to say anymore about it. I didn't have anything to do with it. I didn't ask to be nominated.

Do you have a favorite professional performance? Any part you turned down but wish you hadn't?

A favorite was "Resurrection" because it had the most of me in it. "Requiem for a Dream" that was pretty good, too. I never regret turning down a part. That would fall under the heading of regrets. Whenever I turned something down it was for a good reason.

Who was your favorite leading man so far?

Sam Shepard. He is so sexy.