Neil Burstyn

Neil Burstyn (; July 17, 1939 – November 9, 1978), known as Neil Nephew, was an American actor, writer and story editor.

His works as an actor include ''Panic in Year Zero!'' (1962), '' The Rebel Rousers'' (1970) and ''Alex in Wonderland'' (1970). He also worked as a story editor, writing two episodes of ''The Monkees'' in late 1967 and in early 1968.

Early life

Nephew was born as Neil Bernstein in New York City.

Career

As an actor, Nephew appeared in the film ''Panic in Year Zero!'' in the role of Andy. As a writer, he wrote two episodes of ''The Monkees'': "The Monkees' Christmas Show" (Air date: December 25, 1967) and "The Monstrous Monkee Mash" (Air date: January 22, 1968). In 1970, he appeared in the film ''The Rebel Rousers'' and in the film ''Alex in Wonderland'' with his then wife Ellen Burstyn.

Personal life

Nephew married actress Ellen Burstyn, then known professionally as Ellen McRae, in 1964. In her autobiography, Burstyn states that her husband began to use Burstyn, his grandfather's name, when at that time they were legally Mr. and Mrs. Bernstein. When she received a call from a film producer asking her what name should be used in the credits of ''Alex in Wonderland'', she decided to change her name from Ellen McRae to Ellen Burstyn.Lessons in Becoming Myself, Ellen Burstyn
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In her autobiography, Burstyn tells that Neil was schizophrenic; he had episodes of violence and eventually left her. He attempted to reconcile, but she ultimately divorced him in 1972.Ellen Burstyn – Burstyn Feared Death as Abusive Husband Stalked Her"
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Nephew died by suicide in 1978 by jumping from the window of his ninth-floor Manhattan apartment as his schizophrenia began to reach its climax.

Filmography

References

External links

*
* – as Neil J. Burstyn

{{DEFAULTSORT:Nephew, Neil
1939 births
1978 deaths
20th-century American male actors
Male actors from New York City
American male film actors
People with schizophrenia
Suicides by jumping in New York City
1978 suicides