Births on January 31

Suzanne Pleshette, American actress (d. 2008)

Suzanne Pleshette (January 31, 1937 – January 19, 2008) was a distinguished American actress whose prolific career spanned theatre, film, television, and voice acting. Renowned for her distinctive husky voice and compelling screen presence, Pleshette left an indelible mark on Hollywood, effortlessly transitioning between diverse roles and genres throughout her five-decade career.

Early Career: From Broadway Stages to Cinematic Debuts

Suzanne Pleshette's acting journey began on the prestigious stage, where she quickly established herself as a formidable talent. She made her Broadway debut in 1957 in the acclaimed play Compulsion, demonstrating her early promise. Her theatrical prowess continued to garner critical acclaim in productions such as The Cold Wind and the Warm and, notably, she took over the demanding role of Anne Sullivan opposite Patty Duke in the original Broadway run of The Miracle Worker, showcasing her remarkable range and dedication to her craft.

Pleshette transitioned to film in the late 1950s, steadily building a filmography that included both dramatic and comedic roles. She gained significant recognition for her charming portrayal of Prudence Bell in the 1962 romantic comedy Rome Adventure, which highlighted her natural charisma. A pivotal moment in her cinematic career came with Alfred Hitchcock's iconic 1963 horror-thriller The Birds, where she played Annie Hayworth, a schoolteacher who forms a bond with the protagonist. Her nuanced performance in this classic film further solidified her status as a versatile actress capable of delivering impactful dramatic turns.

Television Icon: The Enduring Legacy of Emily Hartley

While her film career was notable, Suzanne Pleshette arguably became a household name through her extensive and impactful work in television. She made numerous memorable guest appearances across various popular series throughout the 1960s and 70s, showcasing her versatility in shows like The Fugitive and Columbo. However, it was her beloved role as Emily Hartley, the sharp-witted and supportive wife of psychologist Bob Hartley, on the highly successful CBS sitcom The Bob Newhart Show that truly defined her television legacy. From 1972 to 1978, Pleshette's portrayal of Emily, characterized by her quick wit and empathetic nature, resonated deeply with audiences, earning her four consecutive Emmy Award nominations for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Comedy Series (1973, 1974, 1975, 1976). Beyond The Bob Newhart Show, she also received an Emmy nomination for her captivating performance as the infamous hotelier Leona Helmsley in the 1990 television film Leona Helmsley: The Queen of Mean, further cementing her reputation for strong, memorable roles.

A Distinctive Voice: Contributions to Animation

Later in her career, Suzanne Pleshette lent her distinctively husky voice to animated characters, endearing her to a new generation of fans. She is widely remembered for her commanding vocal performance as Zira, the primary antagonist in Disney's 1998 direct-to-video sequel The Lion King II: Simba's Pride, a role that showcased her ability to embody powerful characters vocally. Another significant voice role was her dual portrayal of the formidable witch Yubaba and her gentle twin sister Zeniba in the acclaimed English dub of Hayao Miyazaki's Oscar-winning 2001 animated masterpiece, Spirited Away (released in English in 2002), demonstrating her versatility even in voice acting.

Later Career and Lasting Impact

Suzanne Pleshette continued to captivate audiences with her performances until 2004, just four years before her passing on January 19, 2008, at the age of 70. Her enduring career was a testament to her exceptional talent, remarkable adaptability across different mediums, and the profound impact she had on the entertainment industry. She remains celebrated for her memorable characters, particularly the iconic Emily Hartley, and her distinctive voice that brought so many diverse roles to life, leaving a significant legacy in American performing arts.

Frequently Asked Questions About Suzanne Pleshette

Who was Suzanne Pleshette?

Suzanne Pleshette was an acclaimed American actress celebrated for her extensive and versatile work in theatre, film, television, and voice acting, known for her distinctive voice and compelling screen presence.

What was Suzanne Pleshette's most famous role?

Suzanne Pleshette is most widely recognized for her iconic role as Emily Hartley, the supportive and witty wife of Bob Hartley, on the popular 1970s CBS sitcom The Bob Newhart Show, for which she received multiple Emmy nominations.

Did Suzanne Pleshette work with Alfred Hitchcock?

Yes, Suzanne Pleshette starred in Alfred Hitchcock's classic 1963 horror-thriller film, The Birds, where she played the character of Annie Hayworth.

What notable voice acting roles did Suzanne Pleshette have?

Suzanne Pleshette was the commanding voice of Zira in Disney's 1998 animated sequel The Lion King II: Simba's Pride and provided the English voice for both the formidable Yubaba and the gentle Zeniba in Hayao Miyazaki's Academy Award-winning 2001 animated film Spirited Away.

How many Emmy nominations did Suzanne Pleshette receive?

Suzanne Pleshette received a total of five Emmy Award nominations. Four were consecutive nominations for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Comedy Series for her role on The Bob Newhart Show (1973-1976), and an additional nomination for her performance in the 1990 television film Leona Helmsley: The Queen of Mean.