Susan Blakely

Biography

Susan Blakely is an accomplished American actress, recognized primarily for her supporting roles in film and television. Born on September 7, 1948, she gained significant fame for her leading performance in the 1976 miniseries "Rich Man, Poor Man," a role that earned her a Golden Globe Award for Best Actress in a Television Series Drama. Blakely's film career includes notable appearances in classics such as "The Towering Inferno," "Report to the Commissioner," "Capone," "The Concorde ... Airport '79," and "Over the Top."

Blakely relocated to Hollywood in the early 1970s, where she began her career with supporting roles in films like "Savages," "The Way We Were," and "The Lords of Flatbush." Her breakout came in 1974 with her role as Patty Simmons in "The Towering Inferno." Following this success, she starred alongside Michael Moriarty in "Report to the Commissioner" and opposite Ben Gazzara in "Capone."

Her portrayal in "Rich Man, Poor Man" not only garnered critical acclaim but also led to an Emmy nomination for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Miniseries or a Movie. She received a subsequent Emmy nomination for reprising her role in "Rich Man, Poor Man Book II." Throughout the 1980s and 1990s, Blakely appeared in numerous television movies, including a portrayal of Frances Farmer in "Will There Really Be a Morning?" and Eva Braun in "The Bunker." More recently, she has guest-starred in popular series like "This Is Us" and "NCIS."