
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
- 2026
Stab
Sally Hardesty (archive footage) (uncredited)
2010s
- 2017
In a Madman's World
Mrs. Hill
- 2014
Sacrament
Beulah Standifer
- 2013
1980s
- 1985
Future-Kill
Dorothy Grim
- 1981
1970s
- 1976
Helter Skelter
Linda Kasabian · 2 episodes
- 1975
- 1974
- 1971
Brewster McCloud
Tour Guide (uncredited)
Other crew 1
1970s
- 1974
Appearances5
2020s
- 2025
Nash the Slash Rises Again!
Self - Sally(archive footage)
2010s
- 2010
Video Nasties: Moral Panic, Censorship & Videotape
Self (archive footage)
2000s
- 2000
The American Nightmare
Self
1980s
- 1984
Terror in the Aisles
Self - Sally Hardesty (archive footage) (uncredited)