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Marilyn Burns

Marilyn Burns

Actor · 1949–2014 · Erie, Pennsylvania, USA

IMDb

Biography

Marilyn Burns (born Mary Lynn Ann Burns; May 7, 1949 – August 5, 2014) was an American actress. Burns is known for portraying survivor Sally Hardesty in Tobe Hooper's influential horror film The Texas Chain Saw Massacre (1974). Burns was raised in Houston, Texas and after graduating with a drama degree at the University of Texas, Austin, she made her first film appearance in Robert Altman's comedy film Brewster McCloud (1970). After a brief cameo The Return of the Texas Chainsaw Massacre (1995), Burns took a 17-year break from acting in feature films till she returned in Butcher Boys (2012), directed by Kim Henkel who co-wrote The Texas Chain Saw Massacre.

Acted in 15

2020s

  1. 2026

    Stab

    Sally Hardesty (archive footage) (uncredited)

2010s

  1. 2017

    In a Madman's World

    Mrs. Hill

  2. 2014

    Sacrament

    Beulah Standifer

  3. 2013

1980s

  1. 1985

    Future-Kill

    Dorothy Grim

  2. 1981

1970s

  1. 1976
  2. Helter Skelter

    Linda Kasabian · 2 episodes

  3. 1975
  4. 1974
  5. 1971

    Brewster McCloud

    Tour Guide (uncredited)

Other crew 1

Appearances5

2020s

  1. 2025

    Nash the Slash Rises Again!

    Self - Sally(archive footage)

2010s

  1. 2010

    Video Nasties: Moral Panic, Censorship & Videotape

    Self (archive footage)

2000s

  1. 2000
  2. The American Nightmare

    Self

1980s

  1. 1984

    Terror in the Aisles

    Self - Sally Hardesty (archive footage) (uncredited)