Faye Dunaway, given name Dorothy Faye Dunaway, is an acclaimed American actress. Born on January 14, 1941, Dunaway's prestigious career began in the 1960s with her debut on Broadway. Garnering attention in 1967 for her role in 'The Happening', her fame skyrocketed with her portrayal of Bonnie Parker in 'Bonnie and Clyde', resulting in her first Academy Award nomination. Her notable performance in films such as The Thomas Crown Affair, Chinatown, and Network, the latter of which she won an Academy Award for Best Actress, has cemented her place in Hollywood history. As her career evolved, she moved from lead roles to more character-driven roles, often in independent films. Some of her notable later work includes portraying Joan Crawford in the 1981 biopic 'Mommie Dearest' and opera singer Maria Callas in 'Master Class' for which she was awarded the Sarah Siddons Award. Dunaway rarely gives interviews and keeps her personal life private. She married Peter Wolf in 1974, they divorced in 1979, Dunaway then married Terry O'Neill from 1982 until 1987. She has one child.

Born in Bascom, Florida, to Grace April Smith, a housewife, and John MacDowell Dunaway Jr., a career non-commissioned officer in the United States Army, she traveled extensively through Europe and the United States during her childhood. She took ballet, tap, piano and singing lessons, and later graduated from Boston University with a degree in theatre. She is of Ulster Scottish, Irish, and German descent. Dunaway's determination and commitment to her craft, along with her classic beauty and intense performances, have made her a respected figure in Hollywood, despite gaining a reputation for being difficult to work with during her career.