The Reality Show Curse: 5 Shocking Truths About Susan Sarandon And Jonathan Bricklin’s 31-Year Age Gap Romance
The relationship between Oscar-winning actress Susan Sarandon and entrepreneur Jonathan Bricklin was one of Hollywood’s most talked-about romances, not just for their six-year duration but for the striking 31-year age gap that fueled endless media speculation. Their "May-December romance" began after Sarandon’s high-profile split from long-time partner Tim Robbins and quickly became a cultural flashpoint, challenging traditional notions of celebrity love and age dynamics. Now, nearly a decade after their 2015 breakup, which was dramatically chronicled on a reality television show, the full story of their unique partnership—and the surprising reasons it ended—provides a fascinating look into the pressures of public life and the reality TV curse.
As of late 2025, both Sarandon and Bricklin have moved on, though their connection remains a key chapter in their respective biographies. Sarandon continues her prolific acting career and political activism, while Bricklin has transitioned from the world of ping-pong nightlife to becoming an author and a figure in the pickleball scene. This deep dive explores the full timeline, the biographical details of the two figures, and the lasting impact of their relationship, proving that sometimes, the biggest challenge to a high-profile love isn't the age difference, but the camera.
Complete Biography & Profile: Susan Sarandon and Jonathan Bricklin
The relationship between the established Hollywood icon and the New York nightlife entrepreneur was a collision of two vastly different worlds. Their profiles reveal the contrasting paths that led them to their unexpected partnership.
- Full Name: Susan Abigail Tomalin (Sarandon is her former married name).
- Born: October 4, 1946, in New York City, U.S.
- Age (2025): 79 years old.
- Career: Academy Award-winning actress, producer, and activist. Known for roles in Thelma & Louise, Dead Man Walking, and The Rocky Horror Picture Show.
- Previous High-Profile Partner: Tim Robbins (1988–2009).
- Current Status (2025): Active in film and television; reportedly single but open to finding love.
- Full Name: Jonathan Bricklin.
- Born: May 13, 1977, in the U.S.
- Age (2025): 48 years old.
- Career: Entrepreneur, screenwriter, author, and columnist. Co-founder of the international ping-pong social club chain, SPiN.
- Notable Work: Author of *The Illusion of Will, Self, and Time*. He is also known as a "pickleball impresario."
- Parentage: Son of automotive entrepreneur Malcolm Bricklin.
- Current Status (2025): Focused on his writing and entrepreneurial ventures, including work in the growing sport of pickleball.
The 31-year age difference was the defining characteristic of their romance, with Sarandon being 63 and Bricklin 32 when they first met, and 68 and 37, respectively, when they officially split in 2015.
The Unexpected Origin of the Relationship: Ping-Pong, Partnership, and Philosophy
Their initial meeting was far from a traditional Hollywood story. Sarandon and Bricklin first connected in 2009 shortly after her separation from Tim Robbins, a relationship that had lasted 21 years.
The SPiN New York Connection
The foundation of their partnership was the sport of ping-pong. Bricklin was one of the co-founders of SPiN New York, an upscale ping-pong social club and lounge. Sarandon became a major investor and partner in the venture, which quickly expanded internationally.
- A Shared Passion: Their initial bond was a shared enthusiasm for table tennis, which evolved into a business partnership.
- More Than Just a Club: SPiN was not just a venue; it was a cultural hub that blended sport, art, and nightlife, reflecting both Sarandon’s celebrity appeal and Bricklin’s entrepreneurial vision.
- The "Boy Toy" Label: Despite Sarandon’s insistence that the age gap was irrelevant, the media quickly branded Bricklin as her "boy toy." He publicly expressed his dislike for the term, noting that he was a successful entrepreneur and author in his own right, not merely an appendage to a famous actress.
Sarandon's View on the Age Gap
Sarandon consistently downplayed the significance of the age difference, arguing that what truly mattered was the shared intellectual and spiritual connection. She noted that her previous relationship with Tim Robbins, despite a smaller age gap, was often more challenging because of their differing political views and career paths. Sarandon's perspective was that a successful relationship is based on shared interests and a dynamic connection, not chronological age.
The Reality Show Curse: How 'Connected' Ended Their Romance
In a move that surprised many, the couple agreed to star in the AOL Originals reality series *Connected* in 2015. The show documented the lives of six New Yorkers, including Sarandon and Bricklin, using self-shot footage to provide an intimate, raw look at their daily lives and relationship challenges. This decision, intended to offer an honest portrayal, proved to be the ultimate undoing of their six-year romance.
The Stress of Self-Documentation
The central theme of the show, for Sarandon and Bricklin, quickly became the tension between their private life and the constant demand for public exposure.
- The Final Straw: Reports indicated that the intense pressure of filming, especially the requirement for constant, unedited self-documentation, was the direct catalyst for their split.
- Bricklin's Perspective: Bricklin himself confirmed that the reality series put an immense strain on their bond. He stated that the stress of the process forced them to take "time apart to really refresh," which ultimately led to the permanent separation.
- The Paradox of Transparency: The couple, who had fiercely guarded their privacy against media scrutiny for years, ironically found their relationship crumble under the weight of their own self-imposed transparency for the reality show.
The breakup was announced just as the series was set to debut, providing a dramatic, real-life ending to the show before its final episodes aired. This served as a cautionary tale about the "reality show curse" for even the most established celebrity couples.
Life After the Split: Susan Sarandon and Jonathan Bricklin in 2025
Since their separation in 2015, both Sarandon and Bricklin have charted new courses for their personal and professional lives, demonstrating resilience and a commitment to their individual passions.
Susan Sarandon: Career and the Search for Connection
Sarandon, now in her late 70s, remains a powerhouse in the entertainment industry and a vocal political figure.
- Continued Activism: She has maintained her strong presence in social and political movements, often using her platform to advocate for various causes.
- Dating and Love: Despite the end of her relationship with Bricklin and her previous long-term partnerships, Sarandon has openly discussed her belief in love and connection. She has stated that she is not actively looking for a new partner but remains open to a relationship, emphasizing that the next person must be "adventurous" and have "a passion for something."
Jonathan Bricklin: From Ping-Pong to Pickleball and Philosophy
Bricklin has significantly diversified his career, moving beyond the nightlife scene where he first gained notoriety.
- Literary Focus: He is the author of the non-fiction book *The Illusion of Will, Self, and Time: William James's Reluctant Guide to Enlightenment*, which delves into transpersonal psychology and philosophy.
- Pickleball Impresario: In a modern entrepreneurial pivot, Bricklin has become involved in the rapidly growing sport of pickleball, earning the moniker "pickleball impresario," further cementing his status as a unique figure in the world of niche sports and entertainment.
- Reflection on the Past: Bricklin has spoken about the challenge of being in Sarandon’s shadow during their relationship, but his post-split career has focused on establishing his own intellectual and business identity.
While the Sarandon-Bricklin romance was initially defined by the sensational age gap, its true legacy lies in the public lesson it provided: that the most challenging aspect of a modern, high-profile relationship may not be the years that separate the partners, but the invasive nature of reality television and the relentless gaze of the public eye. Their story remains a compelling case study on the intersection of celebrity, business, and the fragile nature of privacy.
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