One of television's most enduring stars, Susan Sullivan, was spotted enjoying a casual outing in Los Angeles this weekend, presenting a far cry from her glamorous soap opera heyday. The 83-year-old actress, whose career spans over six decades, is best known for her iconic role as Maggie Gioberti on the primetime drama Falcon Crest.
From Bunny Ears to Broadway Dreams
Long before she graced television screens, a young Susan Sullivan worked as a 'Bunny' waitress at the exclusive New York City Playboy Club in the 1960s. The job was a means to an end, a way to fund her college education. She once explained her rationale succinctly, noting she preferred showing her legs for $60 a night rather than the $20 she earned as a regular waitress. Ever the aspiring actress, she would reportedly recite Shakespeare to patrons to prove she was more than just the costume.
A Soap Opera and Primetime Powerhouse
Sullivan's talent quickly propelled her beyond the club. She conquered the world of daytime drama with a memorable turn as Lenore Curtin Delaney on Another World. However, it was her move to primetime that cemented her status as a household name. For nine seasons, from 1981 to 1990, she starred as the resilient Maggie Gioberti Channing on CBS's hit series Falcon Crest. She later charmed a new generation in the late '90s playing Kitty Montgomery, the aristocratic mother on the ABC sitcom Dharma & Greg, a role that earned her a Golden Globe nomination.
Health Battle and Lasting Legacy
In October 2023, Sullivan bravely revealed she had undergone successful surgery for lung cancer, sharing the news with fans on social media. Her career, however, is defined by its remarkable longevity and variety. It includes an Emmy-nominated lead role in the medical drama Julie Farr, M.D., a stint on the sitcom It's a Living, and a memorable part in the film My Best Friend's Wedding. More recently, she played Martha Rodgers on the popular series Castle.
Spotted over the weekend in jeans and a cosy sweater, her grey bob styled simply, Susan Sullivan remains a figure of grace and resilience. From Playboy Bunny to soap icon, her journey is a testament to survival, talent, and an undeniable star quality that has captivated audiences for generations.
