Cast

Ellen Burstyn (Chris MacNeil)

Born Edna Rae Gillooly in 1932 in Detroit, Ellen Burstyn began her career as a model in Texas before becoming a showgirl in New York, where she adopted the stage name Ellen McRae. Burstyn’s breakthrough came with her Broadway debut in 1957’s “Fair Game.” She later adopted the surname “Burstyn” from her first husband, Neil. Throughout the 1960s, Burstyn appeared on various television shows while studying at the Actors Studio in New York. Her film career took off with her role in “The Last Picture Show,” earning her an Oscar nomination. Burstyn received four Best Actress Oscar nominations, winning for “Alice Doesn’t Live Here Anymore.” She also won a Tony Award for “Same Time, Next Year.” In the 1980s, Burstyn shifted back to television, earning Emmy nominations and starring in her comedy series. Additionally, Burstyn made history as the first female president of Actor’s Equity in 1985.

Max von Sydow (Father Lankester Merrin)

Born Carl Adolf von Sydow in Lund, Sweden, in 1929, he discovered his passion for acting in high school and later studied at the Royal Dramatic Theater School in Stockholm. Von Sydow’s career began on the Swedish stage, where he starred in notable productions, catching the eye of director Ingmar Bergman. Their collaboration resulted in 11 acclaimed films, including “The Seventh Seal” and “The Virgin Spring.” Despite initially declining the lead role in “Dr. No,” von Sydow gained international recognition, notably as Jesus Christ in “The Greatest Story Ever Told.” He further solidified his presence in Hollywood with roles in “Three Days of the Condor” and “Flash Gordon,” even portraying the Devil in “Needful Things.” Von Sydow’s talents extended beyond acting, as he directed “Katinka” in 1988. His performance in “Pelle the Conqueror” earned him his first Oscar nomination and contributed to the film’s win for Best Foreign Film.

Lee J. Cobb (Lieutenant William Kinderman)

Born Leo Jacob in New York City in 1911, Lee J. Cobb initially pursued a career as a violinist but shifted to acting after a wrist injury. Moving to Hollywood at 17, he struggled to succeed and later returned to New York, where he joined the Group Theatre in 1935. Over the next four decades, Cobb became a versatile actor across stage, screen, and television. He notably originated the role of Willy Loman in “Death of a Salesman” on Broadway. He portrayed Judge Henry Garth in “The Virginian” and David Barrett in “The Young Lawyers” on TV. While Cobb was the first choice for “Columbo,” his unavailability led to Peter Falk’s iconic portrayal. He received Best Supporting Actor Oscar nominations for “On the Waterfront” and “The Brothers Karamazov” before passing away on February 11, 1976.

Jack MacGowran (Burke Dennings)

Born in Ireland in 1916, Jack MacGowran rose to prominence during the Golden Age of Irish Theatre, forming a close bond with playwright Samuel Beckett. His acclaimed one-man show “MacGowran in the Work of Beckett” in 1970 earned him an Obie Award for Best Actor. Transitioning to film in 1952 with “The Gentle Gunman” and John Ford’s “The Quiet Man,” opposite John Wayne, MacGowran became known for portraying angry, unsympathetic characters. He also appeared in popular British TV series like “The Avengers” and “Danger Man.” Sadly, his career was cut short by his untimely death in 1973, just after completing work on “The Exorcist” and during a stage revival of “The Plough and the Stars.”

Jason Miller (Father Damien Karras)

Born in Long Island, NY, in 1939, Jason Miller pursued his education at Catholic University in Washington, DC, and the University of Scranton in Pennsylvania before making a significant impact in theater. His play “That Championship Season” garnered critical acclaim, winning several prestigious awards, including the Tony, New York Drama Critics Circle, and Pulitzer Prize for Best Play in 1973. Miller debuted in “The Exorcist,” earning an Oscar nomination for Best Supporting Actor, and later reprised his role in the film’s sequel. He wrote and directed the film adaptation of “That Championship Season” and penned several telefilms, including “Reward” and “A Mother’s Courage: The Mary Thomas Story.” Additionally, Miller portrayed notable literary figures in telefilms and is the father of actor Jason Patric.

Linda Blair (Regan MacNeil)

Linda Blair, born in Westport, CT, in 1959, began her career as a child model before transitioning into acting, notably appearing in the daytime drama “Hidden Faces.” While many recognize her for her iconic role as Regan in “The Exorcist,” Blair debuted in “The Sporting Club” in 1971. Her portrayal of Regan earned her widespread acclaim, including an Oscar nomination and a Golden Globe Award for Best Supporting Actress. Blair reprised her role in the film’s sequel and received further praise for telefilms like “Sarah T. — Portrait of a Teenage Alcoholic” and “Born Innocent.” Continuing her career into adulthood, she took on various film roles, including a comedic take on her “Exorcist” fame in “Repossessed” and a cameo in “Scream.” Blair also ventured into Broadway with a debut in “Grease” in 1997. Beyond her acting career, she has become known as an animal rights activist and humanitarian, supporting various charities worldwide, such as Actors & Others For Animals, PETA, and Feed The Children.

Other Cast Members

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