ACTOR · BORN 1958
Annette Bening
- Born
- 29 May 1958, Topeka, Kansas, USA
- Known for
- American Beauty (1999), The American President (1995), The Great Outdoors (1988), 20th Century Women (2016)
21 archived facts 6 topics 1 source Last reviewed Nov 2026
Annette Bening (born 29 May 1958) is an actor best known for American Beauty, The American President and The Great Outdoors.
21 Interesting Facts About Annette Bening
Interesting Facts (4)
- #001
Bening quit smoking in 1994. However, when a film required a smoking scene, she turned to herbal cigarettes so as not to harm her health. This decision reveals the importance she places on her health and her practical approach to balancing professional requirements.
- #002
A widespread urban legend about Bening is the claim that she modeled for the female figure in the Columbia Pictures logo. Although this rumor is untrue, it spread so widely that Bening told the famous critic Roger Ebert that she believed the claim was true.
- #003
While teaching at the American Conservatory Theater in San Francisco, Bening taught students including the actor Steven Schub (lead singer of the ska band The Fenwicks) and the actress Teri Hatcher.
- #004
Bening is a former board member of 'The Actors' Gang,' a small Los Angeles theater company. The company was founded by Tim Robbins and is known for its experimental theater work. Bening's role there shows her commitment to theater and her support for independent art projects.
Behind the Scenes (1)
- #005
Bening has stated that she chose Helen Mirren, Frances McDormand, Liv Ullmann and Ingrid Bergman as her role models in her acting career. This statement is valuable for understanding her artistic vision and the names that influenced her.
Characters & Cast (4)
- #006
In 2001, Bening held talks to star in a biographical film titled 'Rainbow's End' about the life of Judy Garland. The film was to deal with the behind-the-scenes of Garland's failed early-1960s television variety program, and was to be produced by Oliver Stone and Garland's former husband Sidney Luft. However, the project never came to fruition.
- #007
Early in her career in New York, Bening auditioned for a role in the soap opera Loving (1983). She was offered a screen test, but after thinking it over she turned the opportunity down.
- #008
Bening was hired to play the romantic lead in the sitcom Just in Time (1988). However, after the first table read, the producers fired her, stating that they wanted to take the character 'in a new direction,' and Patricia Kalember was brought in to replace her. This is one of the early setbacks Bening faced in her career, and she went on to advance despite such difficulties.
- #009
Bening was offered the role of Meredith Johnson in the film Disclosure (1994), but she had to turn it down because she was pregnant. The role was later given to Demi Moore.
Easter Eggs & References (1)
- #010
Bening appeared as a guest star playing herself in an episode of The Sopranos (1999), in which she portrayed a character married to the actor John Heard. This cameo appearance shows the series' place in popular culture and Bening's willingness to step into the world of television as well. The fact that the series' producers invited Bening is also a sign of her standing in the industry.
Career & Awards (6)
- #011
Before her acting career, Bening worked for a year as a cook on a charter boat. At the same time, having gained different life experiences before turning to acting helped her add depth to her characters.
- #012
At the 63rd Academy Awards ceremony in 1991, host Billy Crystal, while introducing Bening, said she would soon play the role of Catwoman in Batman Returns (1992). However, when Bening became pregnant, the role was given to Michelle Pfeiffer. This incident caused Bening to miss an important opportunity in her career, but her choice of motherhood at that time clearly revealed her priorities.
- #013
Although she is a member of the Democratic Party, Bening publicly criticized Hillary Clinton's 2000 candidacy for the New York Senate, calling it opportunism. This statement shows Bening's political independence and her outspokenness in being able to criticize even her own party's candidates. This stance reveals that she is not only an actress but also a figure who voices opinions on social issues.
- #014
Bening was the first choice for the role of Carolyn Burnham in American Beauty (1999). This role brought her an Oscar nomination for Best Actress and is considered one of the most important performances of her career. The producers seeing her as the first choice shows the trust placed in Bening's talent and standing in the industry at the time.
- #015
Throughout her career, Bening played a real estate agent three times: in Regarding Henry (1991), American Beauty (1999) and What Planet Are You From? (2000). This recurring role shows her success at portraying such characters and directors' preference for her in this regard. Moreover, since each of these films is in a different genre, it also reveals Bening's versatility.
- #016
In 2017, Bening served as president of the jury for the 'Official Competition' section of the 74th Venice International Film Festival. This prestigious role shows her standing in the international film community and that she is experienced enough to sit on selection committees. Her role at the festival proves that she is recognized not only as an actress but also as a film person.
Life & Family (5)
- #017
Shortly after filming for Bugsy (1991) was completed, Bening learned she was pregnant by her co-star Warren Beatty. This pregnancy led to the birth of the couple's first child, their son K.E.B.B. This development is an important example of how Bening balanced her career and her private life.
- #018
Bening graduated from Patrick Henry High School in California in three years and then studied theater for two years at San Diego Mesa College. She later transferred to San Francisco State University, where she earned a drama degree.
- #019
Bening's eldest child, Kathlyn Elizabeth, came out as trans at the age of 14 and changed his name to Stephen Ira. Stephen Ira later became known as an activist, and his family's open attitude on the matter set a positive example in society.
- #020
Bening is the sister-in-law of the famous actress, producer, director and writer Shirley MacLaine. This relationship connects Bening to an important Hollywood family. MacLaine's career and achievements may have been an inspiration to her in the film world Bening is part of.
- #021
Bening's ancestry is German, English, Irish and Welsh. Her surname, 'Bening', is of German origin. This multicultural heritage may have contributed to her having a broad perspective when portraying different characters.
Related pages
- What Dreams May Come — Annette Bening comes up in the facts on that page
- Pay It Forward — Annette Bening comes up in the facts on that page
- Eva Marie Saint — Annette Bening comes up in the facts on that page
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Sources & editorial notes
Reference databases
- Wikipedia
- IMDb
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