Sean Young Biography

American actress Sean Young made a name for herself with films such as Blade Runner, Dune, and No Way Out. Personal problems, however, began dominating her headlines, and she became more known for a volatile personality than her acting ability.

Mary Sean Young was born November 20, 1959 in Louisville, Kentucky. Her parents were Lee Guthrie and Donald Young, a writer and producer respectively. She obtained her initial education from Cleveland Heights High School followed by Interlochen Arts Academy.

Outside of her traditional education, Young also attended the School of American Ballet. To that end, she had a lucrative career as a dancer and model before she ever stepped in front of the camera to act.

Young did eventually turn her sights to acting, however, and she made her onscreen debut in 1980. She appeared as Ariadne Charlton in Jane Austen in Manhattan, wherein she shared the screen with Anne Baxter.

But it was her 1982 role as Rachael in Ridley Scott’s Blade Runner that made her a star. Taking part in the cult classic, Young appeared beside Harrison Ford, Daryl Hannah, and Joanna Cassidy.

Staying within the sci-fi genre, her next major appearance was in David Lynch’s 1984 adventure Dune. This time around, Young’s co-leads included Brad Dourif, Kyle MacLachlan, Virginia Madsen, and others.

In 1985, she landed the sizable role of Susan Matthews Loomis in Baby: Secret of the Lost Legend. While the exposure was boost to Young’s career, the film received tepid reviews from critics and viewers.

Continuing to increase her exposure, another starring role came Young’s way in No Way Out. The 1987 political thriller also featured Kevin Costner and Gene Hackman.

Around this time, however, Young’s personal life began interfering with her professional aspirations. Animosity grew between her and James Woods when they were on the set of The Boost. Woods sued Young for harassment, claiming she left a mutilated doll at his home. On the other end, Young claimed Woods’ suit was retaliation for spurning his advances. Both sides remained adamant, but the issue was eventually settled out of court.

Young was also set to appear in Batman from Tim Burton, but an injury caused the role to default to Kim Basinger.

Reeling from the lawsuit and losing a hugely commercial role, Young received another blow when she was fired from the 1990 film Dick Tracy. Once again, Young claimed the firing was a result of turning down Warren Beatty’s sexual advances, but Beatty has repeatedly denied these allegations.

Retreating to Sedona, Arizona, Young’s Hollywood career began to slow.

After her hiatus, she had a well-received comeback in the 1994 comedy Ace Ventura: Pet Detective opposite Jim Carrey and Courteney Cox.

Notable roles since include Sugar & Spice with Marla Sokoloff, Mena Suvari, and James Marsden as well as The Garden.

In her personal life, Young married Bob Lujan on November 24, 1990. They had two children before divorcing in April of 2002. She has also been linked to Frank Howson.

Making headlines recently, Young checked herself into rehab to deal with her ongoing alcohol problem.