Marilyn Burns was an American actress who is best known for her roles in The Texas Chain Saw Massacre, Eaten Alive, and Helter Skelter. Born Mary Lynn Ann Burns on May 7, 1949, in Erie, Pennsylvania, she grew up in Houston, Texas, and earned a Bachelor’s degree in Drama from the University of Texas at Austin.
Personal and Family Life
Marilyn Burns was born to Mary Lynn Ann Burns and was raised in a supportive family environment. She became prominent in the horror film genre, primarily recognized for her role as Sally Hardesty in The Texas Chain Saw Massacre, which earned her the title of “scream queen.” In her later years, she preferred a quieter life, staying out of the spotlight while continuing to engage with theatre projects in Houston, Texas.
Death and Legacy
Marilyn Burns passed away at the age of 65 on August 5, 2014, from an apparent heart attack at her home in Houston, Texas. Her family found her unresponsive, marking a tragic end to the life of a well-known figure in horror cinema. Burns left behind a legacy marked by her significant contributions to the horror genre, continuing to influence aspiring actors and filmmakers.
Filmography
| Title | Release Date | Character |
|---|---|---|
| Eaten Alive | 1976-12-25 | Faye |
| The Texas Chain Saw Massacre | 1974-10-11 | Sally Hardesty |
| The Return of the Texas Chainsaw Massacre | 1995-09-22 | Patient on Gurney |
| Helter Skelter | 1976-04-01 | Linda Kasabian |
| Future-Kill | 1985-05-03 | Dorothy Grim |
| Texas Chainsaw 3D | 2013-01-03 | Verna Carson |
| Butcher Boys | 2013-09-06 | Ruth |
| Texas Chain Saw Massacre: The Shocking Truth | 2000-09-21 | Herself |
| Sacrament | 2014-06-07 | Beulah Standifer |
| Kiss Daddy Goodbye | 1981-01-01 | Nora Dennis |
| Brewster McCloud | 1970-12-05 | Tour Guide (uncredited) |
| Terror in the Aisles | 1984-10-26 | Sally (archive footage) (uncredited) |
| Lovin’ Molly | 1974-04-14 | Sarah / Molly (uncredited) |
| The Great Waldo Pepper | 1975-03-13 | Spectator (uncredited) |
| The American Nightmare | 2000-09-11 | Self |
| In a Madman’s World | 2017-03-10 | Mrs. Hill |
| Escape from El Diablo | 1983-01-01 | Carmen |