Ellen Burstyn Says a Producer Barred Her from Maya Angelou's Trailer on “How to Make an American Quilt ”Set
Ellen Burstyn Says a Producer Barred Her from Maya Angelou's Trailer on “How to Make an American Quilt ”Set
Virginia ChamleeWed, April 29, 2026 at 8:28 PM UTC
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Ellen Burstyn, Dr. Maya AngelouCredit: Dia Dipasupil/WireImage; Ken Charnock/Getty -
Ellen Burstyn is recalling visiting Maya Angelou’s trailer on the set of How to Make an American Quilt
Burstyn joked she had to bring Q-tips to avoid ruining her makeup after emotional moments
The film follows a young woman, played by Winona Ryder, learning about love and heartbreak through a quilting circle
Ellen Burstyn is remembering what it was like working with Maya Angelou on the set of the 1995 film, How to Make an American Quilt.
In a Tuesday, April 28, interview on Live With Kelly and Mark, the 93-year-old actress recounted making the film, saying that in between breaks on set, she would visit the late poet's trailer for poetry readings.
Burstyn recalled that during breaks on set, she would often retreat to Angelou’s trailer, where the legendary poet would share her work.
“She used to recite poems — what she had written — her poems, but also her songs,” Burstyn said. “She sang to me, too. And she always made me cry. So then I had to go back in to makeup after, and get touched up.”
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Maya Angelou, Winona Ryder and Ellen Burstyn in a scene from the film 'How to Make an American Quilt', 1995Credit: Universal Pictures/Getty
“And finally, there was a complaint from the producer, who said, ‘You can’t be going to makeup after lunch.’ He said, ‘Don’t go there anymore,’ ” Burstyn added.
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But staying away from Angelou wasn’t exactly an option.
“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,’ ” Burstyn said with a laugh.
How to Make an American Quilt follows a young graduate student, played by Winona Ryder, who retreats to the home of her grandmother and great-aunt as she contemplates marriage.
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Burstyn plays one of the elder women in the quilting circle while Angelou portrays Anna, a wise and observant member of the group. Angelou died in 2014 at age 86.
Burstyn’s recollection of Angelou comes as the actress recently released her own new book of poetry, titled Poetry Says It Better: Poems to Help You Wake Up.
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