10 fun and interesting Faye Dunaway facts

1. Faye Dunaway's Bold Launch: Lincoln Center Training Program

Faye Dunaway made a bold decision to forgo her Fulbright Scholarship to London's Royal Academy of Dramatic Arts in favor of joining the Lincoln Center Repertory Theater's training program in New York. This was a major turning point in her career, as the program provided her with the opportunity to hone her craft and gain invaluable experience in the theater world. She was able to work with some of the most renowned actors and directors of the time, and the experience she gained there helped to launch her career in the entertainment industry.

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2. A Career in the Theatre

In 1961, Faye Dunaway joined the American National Theatre and Academy, launching her career in the theatre. Over the next three years, she acted in four Broadway plays, including 'A Man for All Seasons', 'The Changeling', 'After the Fall', and 'The Country Wife'. Her performances in these plays earned her critical acclaim and established her as a talented actress.

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3. A Star on the Rise

Faye Dunaway made her debut on the small screen in 1965, appearing in the television drama series 'Seaway'. This marked the start of a long and successful career for the actress, who has since gone on to star in a number of iconic films, including 'Bonnie and Clyde', 'Chinatown', and 'Network', for which she won an Academy Award for Best Actress.

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4. A Star Who Refused to Be Ordinary

In 1965, Faye Dunaway refused to accept an ordinary role in the popular soap opera "Guiding Light" as she was determined to be taken seriously as an actress. She wanted to be recognized for her talent and skill, rather than just another face in the crowd. Her decision paid off, as she went on to become one of the most acclaimed and respected actresses of her generation, winning an Academy Award for her performance in the 1976 film "Network".

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5. Faye Dunaway's Career Soared in 1967

Faye Dunaway's career skyrocketed in 1967 when she starred as Bonnie Parker in the iconic film "Bonnie and Clyde". Her performance was so captivating that it earned her an Academy Award nomination, launching her into the spotlight and propelling her to stardom.

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6. Faye Dunaway Turned Down Role in 'Julia'

Faye Dunaway was offered a role in the 1977 film, “Julia”, but she declined the opportunity. As a result, Jane Fonda was cast in the role and went on to receive an Academy Award nomination for Best Actress. Unfortunately, Faye Dunaway missed out on the chance to be part of a critically acclaimed movie and the chance to be nominated for an Oscar.

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7. 5 actresses to win both an Academy Award and a Razzie Award

Faye Dunaway is one of only five actresses to have achieved the rare feat of winning both a Best Actress Academy Award and a Worst Actress Razzie Award. Joining her in this exclusive club are Sandra Bullock, Halle Berry, and Liza Minelli. Dunaway won her Best Actress Oscar for her iconic performance as Bonnie Parker in 1967's Bonnie and Clyde, and her Worst Actress Razzie for her role in the 1981 film Mommie Dearest.

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8. Faye Dunaway's downfall begins with Mommie Dearest

Faye Dunaway's performance as Joan Crawford in the 1981 film Mommie Dearest was widely praised by fans, yet it marked the beginning of her downfall. Despite her outstanding portrayal of the iconic actress, the film was a critical and commercial failure, leading to a decline in Dunaway's career. She was nominated for a Golden Raspberry Award for Worst Actress, and the film's negative reception caused her to be typecast in similar roles.

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9. Lasting Legacy of The Thomas Crown Affair

Faye Dunaway is the only actress from the original 1968 cast of the classic heist movie, The Thomas Crown Affair, to appear in the 1999 remake of the same name. Her iconic performance as the femme fatale, Vicki Anderson, in the original film earned her an Academy Award nomination for Best Actress, and her reprisal of the role in the 1999 version was met with critical acclaim. Dunaway's performance in both films has cemented her place in cinematic history.

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10. Faye Dunaway's Port Bascom Production Company

Faye Dunaway, the Academy Award-winning actress, has her own production company, Port Bascom, named after her hometown of Bascom, Florida. The small production company is a testament to her roots, and is a reminder of her humble beginnings. Dunaway has used her production company to create a variety of projects, ranging from feature films to television series.