Image credits: Wikimedia Commons
Nancy Allen
June 24, 1950
The Bronx, New York, US
76 Years Old
Cancer
Who Is Nancy Allen?
Nancy Anne Allen is an American actress known for her compelling portrayals of resilient women across diverse genres. She often brought a distinctive blend of vulnerability and strength to her character work.
Her breakout arrived with Brian De Palma's 1976 horror film Carrie, where her antagonist Chris Hargensen became instantly memorable; she later trained in martial arts for RoboCop.
Early Life and Education
Born in the Bronx, New York, Nancy Anne Allen was the youngest of three children to police lieutenant Eugene Allen and Florence Allen. Her parents enrolled a shy Nancy in dance classes at age four.
She developed an interest in modern dance at the High School of Performing Arts, a path she pursued before shifting her focus toward a career in acting.
Notable Relationships
A string of high-profile romances has marked Nancy Anne Allen's life, including her marriage to director Brian De Palma, whom she wed in 1979 after collaborating on several films.
After their 1984 divorce, Allen married comedian Craig Shoemaker in 1992 and Randy Bailey in 1998; she has no public children and remains single.
Career Highlights
Nancy Anne Allen’s impactful presence in science fiction and thrillers is underscored by her role as Officer Anne Lewis in Paul Verhoeven's RoboCop (1987). She reprised this iconic character in two successful sequels, solidifying her action heroine status.
Beyond acting, Allen stepped into a leadership role as executive director of the weSPARK Cancer Support Center in Los Angeles. This work reflects her deep commitment to patient advocacy.
Earlier in her career, Allen earned a Golden Globe nomination for New Star of the Year for her performance in Brian De Palma’s Dressed to Kill (1980), also receiving three Saturn Award nominations.
Signature Quote
“I'm the vessel to tell someone else's story.”