Susan Sarandon Reveals the Personal Reason for Retaining Ex-Husband Chris Sarandon’s Last Name

Susan Sarandon, a renowned Hollywood actress acclaimed for her roles in films such as «Thelma & Louise» and «Dead Man Walking,» recently shared the heartfelt reason she chose to retain her last name following her divorce from fellow actor Chris Sarandon. Despite their separation in 1979, the actress, now 78, spoke warmly of her relationship with Chris, whom she described as influential in her early life and career.

Sarandon was married to the «Fright Night» star from 1967 to 1979. Both were students at the Catholic University of America in Washington, D.C., when they met in the mid-1960s, eventually marrying when Susan was 22 years old. She adopted his surname professionally for her early works, including her feature film debut «Joe.»

The actress highlighted Chris’s pivotal role in her life during an interview, stating, “He was a very kind man and he kept me alive, you know, so I’m happy to have that name.” This sentiment was echoed during an emotional exchange on Chris Sarandon’s podcast «Cooking By Heart» in September 2023, where she credited him with her «foundation and survival» and acknowledged their enduring amicable relationship.

Throughout the years, despite not remarrying, Susan Sarandon has been involved in several high-profile relationships. After her marriage to Chris ended, she had a relationship with Italian director Franco Amurri, with whom she shares a daughter, Eva. She later entered a long-term partnership with actor Tim Robbins from 1988 to 2009, resulting in two sons, Miles and Jack.

Meanwhile, Chris Sarandon also moved on, marrying model Lisa Cooper in 1980 and later actress Joanna Gleason in 1994, with whom he remains married.

Susan Sarandon, who is currently promoting her new movie «The Gutter,» candidly admitted in an interview with The Sunday Times that she contemplated changing her first name, citing examples of actresses like Sigourney Weaver and Stockard Channing, who started as «Susans.» “It’s kind of nice to do a rechristening as you start to realize who you are,” she commented.

Her openness to change extends to her personal life as well, as she revealed over the summer that she remains «open to love,» stating, «On every level, absolutely. I wouldn’t say I’m looking for a guy to share my medicine cabinet, but I love an adventurer.»