The American actor Chris Sarandon has been acting for over six decades, and it seems retirement is not on the horizon for him. Throughout his journey in the entertainment industry, he has not only found success but also found love with actress Joan Gleason, despite two failed marriages.
At the age of 82, Chris’ whereabouts have become a topic of speculation due to his inactivity in the industry. It cannot be denied that he captured the hearts of many with his Leon in the film “Dog Day Afternoon,” and it’s only natural that people are curious to know what he has been up to lately.
Chris Sarandon Currently Resides in Connecticut and He is Still Acting
Chris has been away from the spotlight for a while; however, that doesn’t mean he’s dead or in bad condition. From our findings, he currently resides in Connecticut and is still pursuing a career in the entertainment industry. Nonetheless, in recent years, his presence in the industry has greatly declined, as his last appearance dates back to his 2020 appearance in “Sofa Shakespeare.”
He also made an appearance at the Sacred Heart Community Theatre in May 2023 alongside his ex-wife and actress Susan Sarandon. The pair previously performed in a number of plays during their early years in the industry.
With a career that has spanned several decades, Chris has made a notable impact on both film and television series. He also accumulated an impressive list of acting credits, showcasing his talent and versatility.
A Look at His Career in the Industry
As hinted, Chris’ acting career dates back to the mid-60s, with performances in theatrical productions after joining a number of theater groups. He made his professional debut in the 1965 play “The Rose Tattoo.”
In 1968, he relocated to New York, where he auditioned for on-screen roles and quickly found success, landing the role of Dr. Tom Halverson in the soap opera “The Guiding Light,” which aired from 1969 to 1973. The following year, he appeared in the TV series “The Wide World of Mystery” as George and also featured in the television movie “Thursday Game.”
Fortunately, he achieved his career breakthrough in 1975 with his role as Leon Shermer in the critically acclaimed film “Dog Day Afternoon,” which earned him three award nominations, namely the Academy Award in the category for Best Actor in a Supporting Role, the Golden Globe Award nomination in the category for Best Acting Debut in a Motion Picture—Male, and the New York Film Critics Circle Award nomination for Best Supporting Actor.
Following this, he made several appearances in films and television series such as “Lip Stick,” “The Sentinel,” “The Day Christ Died,” “The Tale of Two Cities,” “The Osterman Weekend,” and “Fright Night.” As of this writing, he has over 100 acting credits to his name, and some recent appearances include “Safe,” “Big Stone Gap,” “I Smile Back,” “Orange Is The New Black,” and “Sofa Shakespeare.”
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Chris Sarandon Has Been Married to His Third Wife, Joanna Gleason Since 1994
Chris Sarandon is currently married to his third wife, Joanna Gleason. The pair crossed paths while working together on the musical “Nick and Nora” and soon became close. They later started dating and finally exchanged vows in 1994. Their wedding ceremony was witnessed by a number of close friends and family members. Since then, the pair have enjoyed a harmonious marriage while pursuing careers in the entertainment industry.
Before Chris’ marriage to Joanna, he was previously married twice. He was first married to Susan Tomalin in 1967, whom many know as the renowned actress Susan Sarandon. They met during their time as students at the Catholic University of America. However, they divorced in 1979 without having any children. Chris moved on with the fashion model Lisa Ann Copper, who became his wife in 1980. They were together for 8 years, which saw the birth of three children: Stephanie, Alexis, and Michael, before divorcing in 1980, a year after their last child was born.
Joanna Gleason, on the other hand, has also had her share of marriage. Her first husband was Paul Gleason, an acting coach, with whom she has a child named Aaron Gleason. However, they divorced in 1982, and she chose to keep the surname. She later married Michael Bennehum in 1984, but their marriage did not last. It ended in a divorce in 1990.
His Wife Joanna is a Native of Toronto, Canada, and also Pursues a Career in the Entertainment Industry
Joanna Gleason, whose birth name is Joanne Hall, was born on June 2, 1950, in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. She was raised in a family deeply rooted in the world of entertainment, alongside two younger siblings. Her father, Monty Hall, was a well-known television personality, famous for hosting the popular game show “Let’s Make a Deal.” Growing up in such an environment, it was no surprise that she developed a passion for acting at an early age.
Gleason’s journey in the performing arts began with her education at the prestigious Beverly Hills Playhouse in California. There, she honed her acting passions under the guidance of renowned acting coach Milton Katselas. She later enrolled at UCLA before moving to Occidental College.
Like her husband, she began her career with several theater performances before making her Broadway debut in the musical “I Love My Wife” in 1977. Her performance garnered critical acclaim, earning her a Theatre World Award, which marked the beginning of a successful stage career that would see her grace the Broadway stage in numerous productions over the years.
In addition to her success on Broadway, Joanna Gleason has also made significant appearances in the world of television and film. She has appeared in various television series, including “Let’s Make a Deal,” “Hello Larry,” “Crimes and Misdemeanors,” “Boogie Nights,” and “Temporarily Yours.” Her ability to seamlessly transition between comedic and dramatic roles has made her a sought-after talent in the industry.
