Susan Strasberg
Full Name and Common Aliases
Susan Strasberg was born Susan Elizabeth Schwartz on January 9, 1932. She is often credited as Susan Strasberg in her professional endeavors.
Birth and Death Dates
Susan Strasberg passed away on May 3, 1999.
Nationality and Profession(s)
Susan Strasberg held American nationality and was a stage actress, director, and author.
Early Life and Background
Born into an artistic family, Susan Strasberg's early life was marked by exposure to the performing arts. Her father, Samuel Schwartz, was a drama coach at various institutions including the Actors Studio in New York City. This proximity to theater led to Strasberg being exposed to actors like Stella Adler and Lee Strasberg (later of 'Method Acting' fame), who had significant impacts on her career trajectory.
Growing up amidst such talent likely played a role in shaping Strasberg's ambitions, even if the exact extent of their influence is difficult to quantify. Early exposure to theater would remain a constant throughout her life and career.
Major Accomplishments
Susan Strasberg achieved several notable milestones throughout her career:
- Broadway Success: She made her Broadway debut in 1947 at just 15 years old, appearing alongside her mother, Clara Morris, in the play 'The Seventh Veil.'
- Film Career: After transitioning to film, she appeared in several movies, including 'All About Eve' (1950) and 'Suddenly Last Summer' (1959).
- Directorial Work: Strasberg ventured into directing, helming productions such as 'The Balcony' in 1963.
- Author: She penned her memoir, 'Bittersweet Memories,' which offered insights into her life within the theater world.
Notable Works or Actions
Among Susan Strasberg's notable works and actions:
Her performances on stage and screen often garnered attention for their depth. In 'All About Eve,' she played the role of Phoebe Geller, showcasing her ability to navigate complex characters with nuance.
In 'Suddenly Last Summer,' she portrayed Catherine Holly, a part that required intense emotional expression.
Impact and Legacy
Susan Strasberg left an enduring impact on the theater community through her work and personal experiences:
Her performances in classic films continue to be celebrated for their depth and complexity.
As a director, she brought a unique perspective to productions, often drawing from her own life experiences within the theater world.
Why They Are Widely Quoted or Remembered
Susan Strasberg's legacy extends beyond her performances. Her memoir offers a glimpse into the lives of those working in theater during its golden era, providing insight into the challenges and triumphs faced by artists of that time. The personal stories and reflections shared in 'Bittersweet Memories' contribute to why she remains widely quoted and remembered today.
Quotes by Susan Strasberg
I meditate, I do yoga and I have a lot of friends who are healers.....And if none of that works, I go by a chocolate bar and a bottle of cognac.
I was willing to pay any price including subservience to secure this love, hoping that with each piece of myself I gave up he would be so pleased that he, too, would be transformed.
I don't know what's wrong with me. When I was a girl they had this aviary in one of my foster homes and I'd go in when no one was looking and put out watermelon rinds to feed the flies. There were all these flies that would have starved if I hadn't, and I'm not even wild about flies. They say it makes you a gentler person if you don't eat meat. But wasn't Hitler a vegetarian?
I loved their home. Everything smelled older, worn but safe; the food aroma had baked itself into the furniture.
It become totally untenable to me that after acting for 25 years - I've played Juliet, Cleopatra and Anne Frank - there I was, sitting in Hollywood, just waiting for somebody to want me.
There's no such thing as The Method. The term 'method-acting' is so much nonsense. There are many methods, many techniques.
