Susan Strasberg American actress Date of Birth: 22.05.1938 Country: USA

1. Biography of Susan Strasberg
2. Early Life
3. Stage Success
4. Film Career
5. Writing Career
6. Television Career
7. Later Life and Death

Biography of Susan Strasberg

Susan Elizabeth Strasberg was an American actress born on May 22, 1938, in New York City. She was the daughter of director and acting teacher Lee Strasberg and former actress Paula Strasberg. Susan's brother, John, is also an acting instructor.

Early Life

Susan Strasberg was born into a Jewish family. She had a daughter named Jennifer Robin, who was born on March 14, 1966, in Los Angeles. Jennifer was the result of Susan's short-lived marriage to actor Christopher Jones, known for his portrayal of Jesse James in the television series "The Legend of Jesse James." Susan herself was praised for her acting skills when she played the role of Millie Owens in Joshua Logan's drama "Picnic."

Stage Success

At the age of 18, Susan received critical acclaim for her role in the Broadway production of "The Diary of Anne Frank." She was nominated for a Tony Award for her performance. Her reputation on stage grew even further when Julie Harris, a recipient of the National Medal of Arts, gave Susan a necklace that actress Helen Hayes had used in her portrayal of Victoria Regina. Julie Harris also expressed her approval of Susan's performance in John Van Druten's play "I Am a Camera."

Film Career

Susan Strasberg appeared in the historical drama "Kapo" by Gillo Pontecorvo, which depicted the Holocaust in Italy. The film was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Foreign Language Film in 1960. She lived in Italy for several years and was known there as La Strasberg.

Writing Career

Susan Strasberg wrote two bestselling books in her lifetime. In her autobiography, "Bittersweet," she shared details of her turbulent relationships with actors Richard Burton and Christopher Jones, as well as her daughter's battle with a heart defect. In another book, "Marilyn and Me: sisters, rivals, friends," she recounted her relationship with her "surrogate sister," Marilyn Monroe, who was a part of the Strasberg family for many years.

Television Career

Susan Strasberg appeared in numerous television series, including "Dr. Kildare," "Amos Burke, Secret Agent," "Rogues," and "Marcus Welby, M.D." She played Hallie Benda in "The Young Lawyers," Dorothy Hearn Davis in "Murder, She Wrote," and Kate in the horror series "Tales from the Darkside." Her later film roles included the Italian film "Il giardino dei ciliegi" and the American thriller "Prime Suspect" alongside Don Blakely.

Later Life and Death

Susan Strasberg passed away on January 21, 1999, at the age of 60, in New York City after a long battle with breast cancer.