ACTOR · BORN 1958
Annette Bening
- Born
- 29 May 1958, Topeka, Kansas, USA
- Known for
- Captain Marvel (2019), American Beauty (1999), Mars Attacks! (1996), Death on the Nile (2022)
34 archived facts 5 topics 1 source Last reviewed Sep 2026
8 Facts About Annette Bening's Life and Family
- #007
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.
- #013
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. This educational path shows how seriously she approached acting and how solidly she built her academic foundations.
- #016
Bening's eldest child, Kathlyn Elizabeth, came out as trans at the age of 14 and changed his name to Stephen Ira. This shows that Bening and Warren Beatty respect and support their children's identity within the family. Stephen Ira later became known as an activist, and his family's open attitude on the matter set a positive example in society.
- #018
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.
- #019
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.
- #021
Annette Bening's first marriage was to J. Steven White, a director at the American Conservatory Theater (ACT). The couple met in 1981, married in 1984, separated in 1986 and divorced in 1991. The marriage took place early in Bening's career and paved the way for her later relationship with Warren Beatty.
- #022
After studying at San Diego Mesa College, Bening completed her drama degree at San Francisco State University. She then trained in acting at the American Conservatory Theater (ACT) in San Francisco and joined the theater's acting company. This solid training laid the foundation for her mastery in stage and screen performances.
- #024
Bening has three siblings: Jane (born 1953), Brad (born 1955) and Byron (born 1957). Although she has not shared much information about her family, the existence of these siblings may suggest that she values family ties.
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