I'm Method trained. How is this character like me? What does she think of her mother? What does her mother think of her? It's like construction, and then, yes, you hope you're talented and that the universe aligns and captures the kind of laborer's work you've done and whatever else sprinkles down on you, and it's all caught on film or onstage.

In 2007 Barkin sued Perelman for $3. In 2005 Barkin set up a film production company with her brother George along with her husband at the time and billionaire investor Ronald Perelman. She is an outspoken Twitter user.

As of 2012[update] Ellen Barkin stars as Jane Forrest (Nana) in the NBC sitcom The New Normal. Ellen Rona Barkin (born April 16 1954) is an American actress known for her roles in the films The Big Easy Sea of Love and Switch.