Ellen Burstyn has recently shared her fond memories of working alongside the legendary Maya Angelou during the filming of the 1995 movie *How to Make an American Quilt*. In a candid interview on *Live With Kelly and Mark*, the veteran actress reflected on the profound impact Angelou had on her during the production, highlighting the emotional depth of their interactions.
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Burstyn, now aged 93, recalled the enchanting moments spent in Angelou’s trailer during breaks from filming. The set, as Burstyn described, became a sanctuary where the celebrated poet entertained her with recitals of her own poetry and songs. “She used to recite poems — what she had written — her poems, but also her songs,” Burstyn said, adding with a hint of nostalgia, “And she sang to me, too. And she always made me cry.”
These heartfelt exchanges, according to Burstyn, had practical repercussions. After listening to Angelou, she often found herself needing a touch-up before returning to set. “I had to bring Q-tips to avoid ruining my makeup after emotional moments,” Burstyn quipped. However, this became a point of contention on set, leading to complaints from the film’s producer. “He said, ‘You can’t be going to makeup after lunch,’” Burstyn recalled, laughing as she reminisced about the producer’s frustration and subsequent instructions to avoid Angelou’s trailer.
Yet, the allure of Angelou’s presence proved too captivating for Burstyn to resist. In response to the producer’s directive, the actress devised a playful solution. “So, I went to Maya’s trailer with Q-tips, and I laid down [with the Q-tips in the corner of my eyes], and I’d say, ‘Okay, hit me,’” she recalled, revealing her determination to continue deepening their bond despite the challenges.
The film itself, *How to Make an American Quilt*, revolves around a young graduate student, played by Winona Ryder, who grapples with her thoughts on love and commitment while staying with her grandmother and great-aunt. Burstyn portrays one of the strong elder figures in the quilting circle, while Angelou plays Anna, a discerning and wise member of the group. The film explores themes of love, heartbreak, and the wisdom passed down through generations, making the quilt metaphorically rich in its storytelling.
Angelou, who passed away in 2014 at the age of 86, left an indelible mark not only on literature but also on those who had the privilege of knowing her personally. Burstyn’s heartfelt tribute underscores the lasting influence of Angelou’s artistry and the warmth of her spirit.
This reminiscence comes at a time when Burstyn is also launching her own literary project. The actress recently released a new collection of poetry titled *Poetry Says It Better: Poems to Help You Wake Up*. This venture reflects her own creative journey and suggests that, like Angelou, Burstyn is keen to share her insights and emotions through verse.
Their shared love for poetry and storytelling highlights a beautiful connection forged during the film’s production—a connection that continues to resonate with Burstyn to this day. As she navigates her own artistic path, Burstyn’s reflections serve as a touching testament to a friendship built on mutual respect and profound artistic appreciation.
In a world where personal recollections can often fade, Burstyn’s anecdotes about Angelou remind us of the power of creative relationships to inspire and uplift. The bond they formed on set of *How to Make an American Quilt* showcases the importance of sharing one’s artistry, a theme that continues to echo in Burstyn’s own work as she reflects on her journey and the collective experiences that shape her identity as an artist.