Susan Sarandon has held a prominent position in Hollywood for more than half a century.
Her illustrious career boasts an Oscar, a BAFTA, a SAG Award, and five Golden Globe nominations, all earned through her captivating performances in iconic films like Thelma & Louise.
However, beneath the spotlight lies a lesser-known fact—Susan Sarandon stands as the eldest among nine siblings.
In this article, we delve into the narrative of Susan Sarandon and her eight brothers and sisters, a close-knit Catholic family hailing from New Jersey.
Who are Susan Sarandon’s Parents?
Born on October 4, 1946, in Queens, New York, Susan Sarandon’s original name was Susan Abigail Tomalin.
Her parents, Phillip Leslie Tomalin and Lenora Marie Criscione played pivotal roles in shaping her life.
Her father, an advertising executive and television producer at Ogilvy & Mather, stood as a defining presence.
On the other hand, her mother, a singer and homemaker, showcased her talents on local stages and in churches.
This couple’s journey commenced at a USO dance during World War II, leading to their marriage in 1945.
While devout Catholics, Susan’s parents imparted their faith to their nine offspring.
Catholic schools and regular church attendance characterized their upbringing.
However, Susan eventually disclosed that her parents’ marriage encountered difficulties, culminating in a divorce during her college years.
She candidly portrayed her father as both eccentric and beloved yet challenging, someone unacquainted with the art of nurturing a family due to his own lack of familial experiences.
Conversely, her mother’s background was marked by foster homes under Catholic charities, leaving her devoid of parental guidance.
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Susan Sarandon Siblings
Counted among Susan Sarandon’s siblings are eight individuals: four brothers and four sisters.
They include:
Phillip L. Tomalin Jr. (born June 7, 1952)
A member of film crews, he contributed to movies like Stargate, Nothing to Lose, Crash, and Thelma & Louise.
Tim Tomalin
A musician and songwriter, he lent his talents to bands like The Bongos and The Individuals.
O’Brian Tomalin
As a film producer and director, he worked on projects like Bull Durham and The Hudsucker Proxy.
Terry Tomalin (1957-2016)
An outdoor writer and editor for the Tampa Bay Times, he passed away from a heart attack at the age of 58.
Amanda Tomalin
An actress and producer, her appearances encompass The Big Wedding and Mothers and Daughters.
Missy Tomalin
Double-hatting as an actress and singer, she graced movies such as The Hunger and The Witches of Eastwick.
Bonnie Lyon
With roles as an actress and writer, her filmography includes titles like The Buddy System and The January Man.
Meredith Tomalin
Noteworthy for her acting and production roles, she appeared in works like Joe Gould’s Secret and Igby Goes Down.
Impacts of Susan Sarandon’s Siblings on Her Career
Growing up amidst a bustling household of eight siblings primed Susan Sarandon for her eventual entry into the entertainment industry.
Her position as the eldest child endowed her with substantial responsibilities, casting her in the role of a quasi-mother figure to her younger kin.
The dynamic of a household marked by constant activity and a scarcity of privacy equipped her with the tools to confront the challenges intrinsic to the showbiz realm.
Several of Susan’s siblings also found their way into the film industry, either in front of the camera or behind the scenes.
Collaborative ventures emerged, with Susan joining forces on projects such as:
- Thelma & Louise (alongside Phillip Jr.).
- Bull Durham (partnering with O’Brian).
- The Big Wedding (joining hands with Amanda).
- Mothers and Daughters (involving Amanda and Missy).
- The Last of Robin Hood (featuring Meredith).
A supportive spirit enveloped Susan’s actions, as she graced their premieres, events, and fundraisers, championing her siblings’ aspirations.
Conclusion
The narrative of Susan Sarandon transcends her acclaimed acting career, extending to her role as a caring and encouraging sister among her eight siblings.
Raised within a vibrant Catholic family marked by both trials and triumphs, Susan’s journey remains interwoven with the stories of her brothers and sisters.
Through life’s ups and downs, her connection with her siblings remained unwavering, a driving force in her personal and professional life.
Her own journey has kindled the aspirations of her kin, inspiring them to explore their dreams within the realm of film.
The legacy of Susan Sarandon is one where her siblings stand as integral chapters, shaping her story and contributing to her enduring impact.
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Table of Facts about Susan Sarandon
| Fact | Description |
|---|---|
| Title | Susan Sarandon’s Siblings: Unveiling the Tale of the Nine Tomalin Children |
| Susan Sarandon | Renowned Hollywood actress with a career spanning over five decades, winner of an Oscar, BAFTA, SAG Award, and multiple Golden Globe nominations. |
| Number of Siblings | Eight siblings in total, comprising four brothers and four sisters. |
| Family Background | Grew up in a large Catholic family in New Jersey. |
| Parents | Phillip Leslie Tomalin (father) – Television producer and advertising executive. |
| Lenora Marie Criscione (mother) – Homemaker and singer, performed in local clubs and churches. | |
| Parents’ Relationship | Met at a USO dance during World War II and married in 1945. |
| Childhood and Upbringing | Raised in a devout Catholic household, attended Catholic schools, and regularly attended mass. |
| Parental Influence | Parents’ devout faith and Catholic upbringing had a significant impact on the children’s lives. |
| Family Challenges | Parents’ troubled marriage led to divorce during Susan’s college years. |
| Susan’s Role | As the eldest, Susan took on considerable responsibilities and acted as a second mother to her siblings. |
| Siblings’ Professions | Phillip L. Tomalin Jr. – Film crew member; worked on movies like Stargate, Nothing to Lose, and more. |
| Tim Tomalin – Musician and songwriter; performed with bands like The Bongos and The Individuals. | |
| O’Brian Tomalin – Film producer and director; worked on movies such as Bull Durham and The Hudsucker Proxy. | |
| Terry Tomalin (1957-2016) – Outdoor writer and editor for the Tampa Bay Times. | |
| Amanda Tomalin – Actress and producer; appeared in movies like The Big Wedding and Mothers and Daughters. | |
| Missy Tomalin – Actress and singer; appeared in movies such as The Hunger and The Witches of Eastwick. | |
| Bonnie Lyon – Actress and writer; appeared in movies like The Buddy System and The January Man. | |
| Meredith Tomalin – Actress and producer; appeared in movies like Joe Gould’s Secret and Igby Goes Down. |
