The Life and Struggles of Hollywood Legend Ellen Burstyn

Louise Fletcher took the role of Nurse Ratched and won the Academy Award for One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest. Over time, the role also created a strange public connection between Fletcher and Burstyn, because audiences sometimes confused the two actresses.

Burstyn has said people told her she was great in One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest, while Fletcher reportedly heard praise for Burstyn’s roles. The mix-up became a small but persistent footnote in both careers. One declined role had unexpectedly linked their names for decades.