Would you just strap some toe shoes on and dance 'Swan Lake?' No. Would you just put a violin in your hand and - ? No. I felt that way about acting, and I was taught to feel that way. I didn't come to it on my own.

In 2007 Barkin sued Perelman for $3. In 2005 Barkin set up a film production company with her brother George along with her husband at the time and billionaire investor Ronald Perelman. She is an outspoken Twitter user.

As of 2012[update] Ellen Barkin stars as Jane Forrest (Nana) in the NBC sitcom The New Normal. Ellen Rona Barkin (born April 16 1954) is an American actress known for her roles in the films The Big Easy Sea of Love and Switch.