Nancy Allen

Biography

Nancy Allen, born on June 24, 1950, in New York City, is an American actress known for her captivating performances in various films directed by the legendary Brian De Palma during the 1970s and 1980s. Despite starting her career with aspirations of becoming a dancer, Allen transitioned to acting in her early twenties and made her mark in the entertainment industry.

Her breakthrough role came in Brian De Palma's adaptation of Stephen King's "Carrie" in 1976, where she portrayed the memorable character Chris Hargensen. This role set the stage for Allen's successful career in Hollywood. Following this, she starred in the comedy "I Wanna Hold Your Hand" directed by Robert Zemeckis and had a supporting role in Steven Spielberg's "1941."

In 1979, Allen tied the knot with Brian De Palma, marking a significant personal milestone in her life. Her portrayal of a prostitute who becomes entangled in a murder mystery in De Palma's "Dressed to Kill" garnered her critical acclaim and a Golden Globe nomination for New Star of the Year. Subsequently, she showcased her talent in the neo-noir film "Blow Out" in 1981, solidifying her status as a versatile actress.

Despite her divorce from De Palma in 1984, Allen continued to shine on the silver screen, appearing in a range of genres from science fiction in "Strange Invaders" and "The Philadelphia Experiment" to the television film "The Gladiator" directed by Abel Ferrara. However, it was her role as Officer Anne Lewis in "RoboCop" directed by Paul Verhoeven in 1987 that propelled her to mainstream success.

In addition to her iconic role in "RoboCop," Allen's filmography includes diverse projects such as "Poltergeist III," "Limit Up," and "Les patriotes." Her versatility as an actress allowed her to seamlessly transition between genres, showcasing her talent and range on screen. Despite stepping back from acting in 2008, Allen found a new purpose in supporting cancer patients after the passing of her close friend, Wendie Jo Sperber, from breast cancer.

In 2010, Allen took on the role of executive director at the weSPARK Cancer Support Center in Los Angeles, a position that allowed her to make a meaningful impact in the lives of those battling cancer. Her dedication to this cause exemplifies her compassion and commitment beyond the realm of acting. Nancy Allen's legacy extends far beyond her on-screen performances, solidifying her as a talented actress with a heart of gold.