Best Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role 1975
Ellen Burstyn Alice Doesn’t Live Here Anymore 1975
SEX WORKER ROLE
Sally in The King of Marvin Gardens 1972
Tommie in The Madam’s Family 2004
First Characters Is A Prostitute. The Second Character Is A Madam
Ellen Burstyn in The King of Marvin Gardens 1972 and The Madam’s Family 2004
Ellen Burstyn is outspoken about the lack of substantial roles for women. But that hasn’t stopped Ellen from playing her share of hooker roles.
As Sally in “The King of Marvin Gardens,” she plays a con artist and prostitute. The character is fearful of aging out of sex work. She is determined to pass her knowledge off to the next generation, her stepdaughter, by teaching her to be a sex worker and con artist like herself.
Watch clip of the film “The King of Marvin Gardens”
In “The Madam’s Family,” Ellen is the head madam who runs a New Orleans brothel. Based on a true story, this TV movie features three generations of women running a sex trade business. When the FBI busts the women, they rebel against the system.
Watch clip of the documentary “The Canal Street Madam” and the real-life players
To read more about other Oscar-winning actresses playing characters working in the sex trade industry, please continue perusing Oscar Hookers