Susan Sarandon Opens Up About Hollywood Exile Following Gaza Advocacy
In a deeply emotional press conference at Barcelona's Goya Awards, veteran actress Susan Sarandon has publicly addressed her effective exile from the Hollywood mainstream, attributing it directly to her outspoken comments and activism regarding the Gaza conflict. The 79-year-old Oscar winner, famed for roles in Thelma and Louise and Dead Man Walking, stated that her dismissal by the United Talent Agency (UTA) in 2023 has made it "impossible" for her to secure television work or major film roles.
Agency Firing and Professional Blacklisting
Sarandon explained that UTA terminated her representation specifically because of her participation in pro-Palestinian marches and her calls for a ceasefire in Gaza. "I was fired by my agency, specifically for marching and speaking out about Gaza, for asking for a ceasefire, and it became impossible for me to even be on television," she revealed, her voice trembling with emotion. "I don't know lately if it's changed, but I couldn't do any major film, anything connected with Hollywood."
The actress described how this professional ostracism has reshaped her career, forcing her to focus exclusively on small-scale independent projects. "Right now I kind of specialise in tiny, independent films with directors who have never directed before, and films that are in Europe or in Italy," Sarandon noted. She shared that an Italian director who recently hired her was explicitly advised against doing so, highlighting the ongoing industry pressure against her.
Praise for Spanish Support and Emotional Reflection
During the Barcelona event, where she received a career achievement award, Sarandon expressed profound gratitude for Spain's political stance on Palestine. "To see Spain and the President's support for Gaza, and to have actors like Javier Bardem come forward with such a strong voice, is so important to us in the United States," she said, visibly moved. "I can't tell you, when you turn on the TV and you see how strong Spain is, and how clear that you are morally about these issues, it makes you feel less alone, and it makes you feel that there is hope, because you just don't hear that on TV in the US."
Controversial Comments and Subsequent Apology
The controversy that precipitated her Hollywood exile stems from a November 2023 pro-Palestinian rally where Sarandon made remarks that sparked significant backlash. She stated at the event: "There are a lot of people afraid of being Jewish at this time, and are getting a taste of what it feels like to be a Muslim in this country, so often subjected to violence."
These comments were widely criticized as insensitive to Jewish historical persecution. Sarandon later issued a public apology, acknowledging that her words "[imply] that until recently Jews have been strangers to persecution, when the opposite is true." Despite this apology, the professional consequences have persisted.
Continuing Work in Independent Cinema
Since parting ways with UTA, Sarandon has maintained her artistic output through alternative channels. She recently completed a film in Italy and performed in a play at London's prestigious Old Vic theatre for several months. "I just did a film in Italy, and I did a play at the Old Vic for a number of months," she confirmed in Barcelona. However, she emphasized that these opportunities are limited compared to her previous access to mainstream Hollywood productions, stating this is "the main reason I haven't been working as much."
The actress's candid revelations at the Goya Awards press conference provide a stark illustration of how political activism can impact entertainment careers, particularly regarding the highly charged Israel-Palestine conflict. Her emotional testimony underscores the personal and professional toll of speaking out on divisive international issues while highlighting the supportive role played by European allies like Spain.
