Annette Bening

Annette Bening
May 29, 1958
Topeka, Kansas, USA

While this talented Twin often plays a ruthless, scheming woman, at home she is all about peace and harmony.

'Acting is not about being famous, it's about exploring the human soul.'

Annette Carol Bening was born in Topeka, Kansas, to Arnett and Shirley Bening. She has two brothers and a sister. In 1965, the Benings moved to San Diego, where Annette studied drama at Patrick Henry High School. She attended San Diego Mesa College and later graduated from San Francisco State University with a degree in drama. She then signed up with the American Conservatory Theatre in San Francisco. From there, her work in theatre took her to New York City where a role in the off-Broadway production of Coastal Disturbances garnered her a Tony award nomination.

In 1988, her film debut was in The Great Outdoors with Dan Akroyd, followed in 1989 by a turn in Milos Forman's Les Liaisons Dangereuses. In 1990 she played Evelyn Ames in Postcards from the Edge with Carrie Fisher, Meryl Streep and Shirley MacLaine. That same year she landed the part of Myra Langtry in The Grifters with Angelica Huston and John Cusack. Her performance earned her an Academy Award nomination and the attention of Warren Beatty, who starred her in his 1991 film Bugsy, opposite himself. The two were married the following year and have four children, Kathlyn, Benjamin, Isabel and Ella.

In 1994, Annette appeared in Love Affair opposite hubby Warren. The next year she played Queen Elizabeth in Richard III and Sydney Ellen Wade in The American President. 1999 saw her as Kevin Spacey's 'bitch on wheels' wife in American Beauty. She won the BAFTA award for best actress and received an Oscar nod for this performance. In 2005, she scored another Oscar nomination for her role in musical comedy Being Julia. The following year, she played Deirdre Burroughs in Running with Scissors and was honored with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. 2008 will see her as long-time White House journalist, Helen Thomas in Dirty Tricks and also in the film adaptation of Oscar Wilde's A Woman of No Importance.

Sun in Gemini reveals that Annette is blessed with everlasting youthfulness. Intelligent, playful and always eager for new experiences, she is a quick study. She has many interests and her curiosity constantly thrusts her into interesting situations. She has a flair for writing and speaking. She also has a lighthearted sense of humor, never taking anything too seriously. She delights in using her creativity and verbal skills to inspire people. She is fair-minded and usually offers a fresh perspective. Her faults are a lack of persistence and a tendency to overlook deep emotional issues. Sun in the 10th house means her career and public image are very important to her. She has a strong desire to make her mark on the world. With Sun sextile Uranus, she is an original. She glows with excitement about the things she is interested in, and conveys this to others. However, she gets bored rather quickly and isn't above breaking a few rules.

Moon in Libra tells us her desire for harmonious relationships and surroundings is so strong that she will avoid personal confrontations. She is an idealist who would like to paint the world in pastel colors, and live in peace and harmony. She is a considerate and thoughtful friend, and has a talent for making others feel appreciated. Inwardly she is often torn with indecision and is much more at odds with herself than others would guess from her smooth, even disposition.

Moon in the 2nd house suggests her belongings give her a sense of security and continuity with the past. Antiques or things of sentimental value are especially dear to her. Moon opposite Venus reveals a rather childish dependency on loved ones which can make her very uncomfortable with conflict. Creating a loving family is a challenge that can be enormously satisfying for her. Moon quincunx Mars indicates she can be territorial and if she perceives a threat to her family or home, she can become aggressive. She has a desire to lead or compete and enjoys demanding physical work. Although she is impetuous and easily provoked, she also has a good-natured, live-and-let-live attitude and a sense of humor. While hotheaded at times, she is usually a good sport.

Moon conjunct Jupiter makes her tolerant and forgiving, always ready to overlook mistakes and give others a second chance. With Moon sextile Saturn, she is dedicated to the people she cares about and conscientious about meeting her responsibilities. Family solidarity and cohesiveness are very important to her and so are the traditions and memories that keep the bonds strong.

Virgo rising gives her a modest, quiet side. Rather humble in her own assessment of herself, she once said, 'Oh, honey, I'm from Oklahoma! This is who I am -- middle-class all the way!' She seeks perfection, with a tendency to be overly self-critical. She has an eye for detail and can get upset when something is not done just so. She has refined sensitivities and is very discriminating and particular in her choice of foods, clothes, friends and artwork. Order in her environment is very important to her. She steps into situations rather cautiously. On the other hand, she rarely falls flat on her face and what she does, she does very well. Says Annette, 'I am somewhat guarded in my public life. Being interviewed or being photographed or just in public attention I have a certain reserve. But when I'm working I feel like I'm very open. At least I like to believe that nothing is held back when I'm in front of a camera. That's my job.'