Susan Strasberg, American actress (b. 1938)

Susan Elizabeth Strasberg: An American Actress of Stage, Screen, and Literature

Susan Elizabeth Strasberg (born May 22, 1938, in New York City – died January 21, 1999, in New York City) was a prominent American actress, celebrated for her versatility across stage, film, and television. The daughter of legendary acting teacher Lee Strasberg, co-founder of the Group Theatre and the Actors Studio, and actress Paula Strasberg, Susan was practically born into the world of method acting, a lineage that profoundly shaped her early career and access to the industry's inner circle.

A Meteoric Rise: The Next Hepburn-Type Ingenue

From an early age, Strasberg was hailed as a rising star, often *imagined to be the next Hepburn-type ingenue* – a comparison alluding to the sophisticated yet vulnerable screen presence epitomized by Audrey Hepburn. This immense promise was solidified in 1955 when, at just 17 years old, she captivated audiences and critics alike with her profoundly moving portrayal of the titular character in the original Broadway production of *The Diary of Anne Frank*. For this indelible performance, she received a coveted Tony Award nomination for Best Featured Actress in a Play at the remarkable age of 18, marking her as one of the youngest nominees in the award's history.

Her burgeoning celebrity status was further underscored by her appearance on the covers of prestigious magazines like *LIFE* and *Newsweek* in 1955, making her a recognizable face nationwide and signaling a bright future. Her screen debut soon followed, with a significant role in the acclaimed film *Picnic* (1955), where she starred alongside seasoned actors like William Holden and Kim Novak. She also garnered critical attention for her role in the Italian film *Kapò* (1960), earning her a BAFTA Award nomination for Best Foreign Actress.

Personal Connections and Literary Contributions

Beyond her acting career, Strasberg's life was intricately intertwined with some of Hollywood's most iconic figures. She shared a particularly close and complex friendship with screen legend Marilyn Monroe, who was also a prominent student of her father, Lee Strasberg. Their bond, often described as sisterly, profoundly impacted Susan, particularly during Monroe's final years. Similarly, she maintained a significant friendship with renowned British actor Richard Burton, adding another layer to her extensive connections within the entertainment elite.

These unique relationships formed the core of her two best-selling autobiographical books, which offered candid insights into her life and the lives of those around her:

These memoirs established Strasberg not only as an actress but also as a compelling writer, providing invaluable firsthand accounts of a pivotal era in Hollywood history and the human stories behind the celebrity facade.

Later Career: A Shift in Focus

By the 1970s and especially into the 1980s, Strasberg's acting career took a distinct turn. While she continued to work steadily, her roles largely shifted from the dramatic ingénues of her youth to appearances in a variety of B-movies, particularly within the burgeoning genres of slasher and horror films. This period saw her in titles such as *Bloody Birthday* (1981), *The Incubus* (1982), and *Sweet Sixteen* (1983), roles that starkly contrasted with her earlier acclaimed dramatic work and showcased her adaptability. Concurrently, she became a familiar face on television, guest-starring in numerous popular series of the era, demonstrating her enduring versatility even in smaller capacities.

Frequently Asked Questions About Susan Strasberg

Who was Susan Elizabeth Strasberg?
Susan Elizabeth Strasberg was an American actress of considerable talent, active across stage, film, and television from the 1950s until her passing in 1999. She was notably the daughter of renowned acting teacher Lee Strasberg, co-founder of the Actors Studio.
What was Susan Strasberg's most famous early role?
Her most famous early role was playing the titular character in the original 1955 Broadway production of *The Diary of Anne Frank*, for which she earned a Tony Award nomination at age 18.
Did Susan Strasberg write any books?
Yes, Susan Strasberg was a best-selling author of two memoirs: *Bittersweet* (1980) and *Marilyn and Me: Sisters, Rivals, Friends* (1992). Both books provided intimate details of her life and her relationships with famous figures.
What was Susan Strasberg's connection to Marilyn Monroe and Richard Burton?
Susan Strasberg maintained close friendships with both Marilyn Monroe and Richard Burton. Her friendship with Monroe was particularly significant, forming the subject of her second memoir, *Marilyn and Me*.
What type of films did Susan Strasberg primarily appear in during her later career?
By the 1970s and 1980s, her film career shifted, and she frequently appeared in slasher and horror films, alongside numerous guest roles on television series.