(born 1946) Beginning with her breakthrough role as Janet in the 1975 cult classic Rocky Horror Picture Show, Sarandon’s characters have had a powerful influence on both popular culture and substantive social debate. Her portrayal of a hardened, but hopeful Southern woman in the 1991 film Thelma and Louise reflected women’s awareness of both their power and vulnerability in modern society Sarandon’s Oscar-winning role as a nun in Dead Man Walking (1996) articulated new complexities in the moral debate over capital punishment. Sarandon’s unusual looks also defied traditional concepts of beauty and sex appeal. Her long-term relationship with Tim Robbins is also part of her political and public persona.