Faye Dunaway Reflects on Career, Faith, and Mental Health Struggles

NEW YORK, N.Y. – Hollywood icon Faye Dunaway, celebrated for her legendary roles in films like “Chinatown” and “Network,” has opened up about her storied career, her Catholic faith, and her lifelong battle with mental health challenges. As she marks her 84th birthday, Dunaway reflects on how her faith and medical treatment have helped her navigate the highs and lows of her life.

Dunaway, born Dorothy Faye Dunaway in Bascom, Florida, rose to fame in the 1960s and 1970s with critically acclaimed performances. She won an Academy Award for Best Actress for her role as Diana Christensen in “Network” (1977), a character she described as “tragic” and “lacking a soul.” Her portrayal of Evelyn Cross-Mulwray in “Chinatown” (1974) remains one of her most iconic roles, cementing her status as a Hollywood legend.

Despite her professional success, Dunaway has faced personal struggles, including a bipolar disorder diagnosis. “It’s a very real thing,” she said in the HBO Max documentary “Faye” (2024). “It’s manic-depressive … an imbalance, a biological imbalance. You can be up high, you can be manic, you can be very depressed.”

Dunaway credits her Catholic faith, which she embraced in 1996, as a source of strength. “I go to Mass. I try to go every day,” she told Kathie Lee Gifford in a 2017 interview. “I get inspired. I feel better about everything. And I pray a lot.” Her prayers often focus on her son, Liam Dunaway O’Neil, whom she describes as her greatest source of comfort and support.

Liam has played a pivotal role in helping his mother manage her mental health. After witnessing her endure “really hard, hard times,” he encouraged her to seek treatment at a clinic in Boston. “She came out like a whole new person,” Liam said. Dunaway acknowledged the importance of medical intervention, stating, “I worked with a group of doctors who analyzed my behavior. They prescribed medications so I am quieter.”

Dunaway’s journey has been marked by resilience and reinvention. After moving back to New York from West Hollywood, she has focused on confronting her challenges and finding peace. “I don’t mean to make an excuse about it,” she said. “I’m still responsible for my actions. But this is what I came to understand was the reason for them. It’s something you need to be aware of and try to do the right thing to take care of.”

As she celebrates another year, Dunaway’s legacy as an actress and her courage in facing personal struggles continue to inspire. Her story is a testament to the power of faith, family, and perseverance.