Marilyn Burns
Biography
Marilyn Burns, born Mary Lynn Ann Burns on July 5, 1949, in Erie, Pennsylvania, was an American actress. Raised in Houston, Texas, she attended the University of Texas at Austin, where she graduated with a Bachelor degree in Drama. Burns established herself as an early final girl and scream queen, recognized primarily for her role as survivor Sally Hardesty in Tobe Hooper influential horror film The Texas Chain Saw Massacre in 1974. In this film, she played a teenager who travels with her brother and some friends to investigate reports of grave vandalism at their grandfather cemetery and encounters an insane, murderous family, including the chainsaw-wielding Leatherface. Her follow-up appearance was in Eaten Alive in 1976. Marilyn Burns passed away on August 5, 2014, at the age of sixty-five.
Career overview
Marilyn Burns was born Mary Lynn Ann Burns on July 5, 1949, in Erie, Pennsylvania, and was raised in Houston, Texas. She attended the University of Texas at Austin, where she graduated with a bachelor degree in drama. Burns became known as an early final girl and scream queen, recognized primarily for her acting work in the horror genre.
Her most prominent role was portraying the survivor Sally Hardesty in Tobe Hooper, influential horror film The Texas Chain Saw Massacre in 1974. In the film, she played a teenager who travels with her brother and friends to a cemetery where her grandfather was buried to investigate reports of grave vandalism, subsequently encountering an insane, murderous family that included the chainsaw-wielding Leatherface.
Following her breakout role, Burns appeared in Eaten Alive in 1976 as a vacationer. Her acting career included twenty known credits, and she is also known for her appearances in other films within the franchise, including Texasky masakr motorovou pilou 3D. Marilyn Burns passed away on August 5, 2014, at the age of sixty-five.
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Frequent co-stars
Career timeline
Full Filmography
21 titles- Nash the Slash Rises Again! (2025) as Self - Sally(archive footage)
- In a Madman's World (2017) as Mrs. Hill
- Sacrament (2014) as Beulah Standifer
- Texas Chainsaw 3D (2013) as Verna Carson
- Butcher Boys (2013) as Ruth
- Video Nasties: Moral Panic, Censorship & Videotape (2010) as Self (archive footage)
- American Psycho (2000) as Sally Hardesty (archive footage) (uncredited)
- The American Nightmare (2000) as Self
- Texas Chain Saw Massacre: The Shocking Truth (2000) as Self
- The Return of the Texas Chainsaw Massacre (1995) as Patient on Gurney
- Future-Kill (1985) as Dorothy Grim
- Terror in the Aisles (1984) as Self - Sally Hardesty (archive footage) (uncredited)
- Kiss Daddy Goodbye (1981) as Nora Dennis
- Eaten Alive (1976) as Faye
- Helter Skelter (1976) as Linda Kasabian
- Helter Skelter (1976) as Linda Kasabian
- The Great Waldo Pepper (1975) as Spectator (uncredited)
- The Texas Chain Saw Massacre (1974) as Sally
- Lovin' Molly (1974) as Sarah / Molly (uncredited)
- Lovin' Molly (1974) Stand In
- Brewster McCloud (1971) as Tour Guide (uncredited)
Frequently Asked Questions
What movies or TV shows is Marilyn Burns best known for?
Marilyn Burns is widely recognized for notable roles and projects including Texas Chainsaw 3D (2013), American Psycho (2000), The Return of the Texas Chainsaw Massacre (1995), Medics (2012).
When and where was Marilyn Burns born?
Marilyn Burns was born on July 5, 1949 in Erie, Pennsylvania, USA. They passed away on August 5, 2014.
How many credits does Marilyn Burns have?
Marilyn Burns has accumulated over 21 film and television credits across a career spanning from 1971 to 2025.
What is Marilyn Burns's background in cinema and television?
Marilyn Burns, born Mary Lynn Ann Burns on July 5, 1949, in Erie, Pennsylvania, was an American actress. Raised in Houston, Texas, she attended the University of Texas at Austin, where she graduated with a Bachelor degree in Drama. Burns established herself as an early final girl and scream queen, recognized primarily ...