"Sopranos" Star Suzanne Shepherd Bids Farewell at 89
Sad news from the world of acting: Suzanne Shepherd, best recognized for her roles in iconic films like "Goodfellas" and the acclaimed series "The Sopranos," has passed away at the age of 89. Confirming her death was her granddaughter Isabelle to the US edition of "The Sun," without disclosing the cause. The Shepherd family preferred to keep further details private.
Known primarily as the mother of Karen Hill in Martin Scorsese's "Goodfellas" (1990), Shepherd subsequently starred in "The Sopranos" from 2000 to 2007, assuming the central role of Mary DeAngelis, Carmela Soprano's mother. She continued her acting journey within TV productions, including "Law & Order," "Third Watch," and "Gravity," and gave one of her final performances in the 2018 comedy "The Week Of," featuring an all-star cast including Adam Sandler, Chris Rock, and Steve Buscemi.
Underlying Suzanne Shepherd's illustrious career was her dedication to theater, both as an actress and director. She additionally made a name for herself as an acting teacher, running her own studio in New York City for almost four decades.
In a heartfelt Instagram post, her "Sopranos" co-star Ray Abruzzo shared his thoughts: "It's with deep sadness I learn of the passing of Suzanne Shepherd. She had a profound impact on me like a force of nature. I was fortunate to learn from her, on and off the set."
The entertainment community has responded with an outpouring of tributes, honoring her accomplished career and the lasting impact she left on various productions.
Her versatility as an actress was on full display in her 2018 “The Week Of” role, proving that age had not diminished her talent. Suzanne Shepherd's legacy lives on through her remarkable work and indelible contributions to the entertainment world.
Sources:
- btnv.de
Enrichment Data:
- Suzanne Shepherd's stage career began with theater acting, later transitioning to direction.
- Shepherd also shared her acting knowledge with aspiring actors by offering individual coaching and conducting workshops at her own studio.
- Her academic background in acting, including studies with influential coaches like Larry Arrick, Herbert Berghoff, and Sanford Meisner, further enriched her approach to teaching and directing.
