Susan Dey is an American actress best known for her roles in the television series "The Partridge Family" and "L.A. Law."
Dey was born in Pekin, Illinois, on December 10, 1952. She began her acting career at the age of 12, appearing in a number of commercials and television shows. In 1970, she landed her breakout role as Laurie Partridge in "The Partridge Family." The show was a huge success, and Dey became a teen idol. After "The Partridge Family" ended in 1974, Dey continued to act in television and film. In 1986, she joined the cast of "L.A. Law" as Grace Van Owen. "L.A. Law" was another successful series, and Dey received two Emmy Awards for her work on the show.
Dey has been married twice and has two children. She is currently retired from acting.
susan dey
Susan Dey is an American actress best known for her roles in the television series "The Partridge Family" and "L.A. Law." Here are six key aspects of her life and career:
- Early life: Born in Pekin, Illinois, on December 10, 1952.
- Breakout role: Laurie Partridge in "The Partridge Family" (1970-1974).
- Continued success: Starred in numerous television shows and films after "The Partridge Family" ended.
- "L.A. Law": Played Grace Van Owen in the hit legal drama (1986-1994).
- Awards: Emmy Awards for her work on "L.A. Law" (1988, 1991).
- Personal life: Married twice, has two children.
These key aspects highlight Susan Dey's successful career in television and film. She is best known for her roles in "The Partridge Family" and "L.A. Law," but she has also appeared in numerous other shows and films. Dey is a talented actress who has won two Emmy Awards for her work. She is also a private person who is married with two children.
1. Early life
Susan Dey's early life and birthplace had a profound impact on her personal development and subsequent career.
- Small-town upbringing: Pekin, Illinois, is a small town with a population of around 30,000 people. Growing up in a small town gave Dey a strong sense of community and values. She has often spoken about how her upbringing helped her to stay grounded and focused on her goals.
- Midwestern values: The Midwest is known for its strong work ethic and family values. Dey's parents instilled these values in her from a young age. She has said that her parents taught her the importance of hard work, perseverance, and giving back to the community.
- Early exposure to the arts: Dey's parents were both involved in the arts. Her father was a musician, and her mother was a dancer. This early exposure to the arts helped Dey to develop her own artistic talents. She began taking dance lessons at the age of three and started acting in local theater productions at the age of nine.
- Influential teachers and mentors: Throughout her early life, Dey had several influential teachers and mentors who encouraged her to pursue her dreams of becoming an actress. Her high school drama teacher, in particular, was very supportive of her talent and helped her to develop her skills.
In conclusion, Susan Dey's early life and birthplace played a significant role in shaping her personal development and career. The values she learned growing up in a small town, the strong work ethic instilled in her by her parents, and the early exposure to the arts all contributed to her success as an actress.
2. Breakout role
Susan Dey's breakout role as Laurie Partridge in the television series "The Partridge Family" (1970-1974) had a profound impact on her career and personal life. The show was a huge success, and Dey became a teen idol. Here are a few of the key connections between Dey and her breakout role:
- Career breakthrough: The role of Laurie Partridge was Dey's first major acting role, and it catapulted her to stardom. The show's success led to Dey being cast in a number of other television shows and films, and it helped her to establish herself as a talented actress.
- Teen idol status: Dey's portrayal of Laurie Partridge made her a teen idol. She was featured on the covers of magazines, and she received fan mail from all over the world. Dey's teen idol status helped her to launch a successful singing career, and it also led to her being cast in a number of other teen-oriented films and television shows.
- Personal growth: The experience of working on "The Partridge Family" helped Dey to grow as a person. She learned how to deal with the pressures of fame, and she developed a strong work ethic. Dey has said that her time on the show was a "formative experience" that helped her to become the woman she is today.
In conclusion, Susan Dey's breakout role as Laurie Partridge in "The Partridge Family" (1970-1974) had a profound impact on her career and personal life. The role helped her to achieve stardom, and it also helped her to grow as a person. Dey is grateful for the opportunity to have played Laurie Partridge, and she credits the role with helping her to become the successful actress she is today.
3. Continued success
After "The Partridge Family" ended in 1974, Susan Dey continued to act in television and film. She starred in a number of successful shows and films, including:
- Television shows: "The Love Boat," "Emerald Point N.A.S.," "L.A. Law," "Grace Under Fire," and "The Practice."
- Films: "First Love," "Looking for Mr. Goodbar," "The Way We Were," and "The End of the Affair."
Dey's continued success is a testament to her talent and versatility as an actress. She has played a wide range of roles, from to . She is also known for her ability to connect with audiences. Dey's characters are often relatable and sympathetic, which makes them easy to root for.
In addition to her acting work, Dey has also directed several episodes of television. She has also worked as a producer and writer. Dey is a multi-talented artist who has made a significant contribution to the entertainment industry.
4. "L.A. Law"
Susan Dey's role as Grace Van Owen in the hit legal drama "L.A. Law" (1986-1994) was a significant turning point in her career. The show was a critical and commercial success, and it helped to establish Dey as a leading actress in Hollywood.
Dey's character, Grace Van Owen, was a complex and challenging role. Grace was a brilliant and ambitious lawyer, but she was also struggling with addiction and personal demons. Dey's nuanced and sympathetic portrayal of Grace earned her critical acclaim and two Emmy Awards.
"L.A. Law" was a groundbreaking show that tackled tough issues such as addiction, homophobia, and racism. Dey's work on the show helped to raise awareness of these issues and to challenge stereotypes. Grace Van Owen was a groundbreaking character, and she remains one of Dey's most iconic roles.
5. Awards
Susan Dey's Emmy Awards for her work on "L.A. Law" are a significant recognition of her talent and dedication as an actress. The Emmy Awards are one of the most prestigious awards in the entertainment industry, and Dey's two wins are a testament to her skill and hard work.
Dey's portrayal of Grace Van Owen on "L.A. Law" was complex and nuanced. She brought depth and realism to the character, and her work helped to make "L.A. Law" one of the most successful and critically acclaimed legal dramas of all time. Dey's Emmy Awards are a well-deserved recognition of her contributions to the show and to the entertainment industry as a whole.
Dey's Emmy Awards have also had a positive impact on her career. They have helped to establish her as one of the leading actresses in Hollywood, and they have opened up new opportunities for her. Dey has gone on to star in a number of successful films and television shows, and she continues to be one of the most respected actresses in the industry.
In conclusion, Susan Dey's Emmy Awards for her work on "L.A. Law" are a testament to her talent, dedication, and hard work. They are a well-deserved recognition of her contributions to the entertainment industry, and they have had a positive impact on her career.
6. Personal life
Susan Dey's personal life has been relatively private, but she has shared some details about her marriage and family. She was married twice, first to Leonard Hirshan from 1976 to 1981, and then to Bernard Sofronski from 1988 to 2005. She has two children, a son named Connor and a daughter named Sara.
- Marriage and family: Dey's marriages and children have been an important part of her life. She has spoken about how much she loves her family and how they have supported her throughout her career.
- Privacy: Dey has been careful to protect her personal life from the public eye. She has not shared many details about her marriages or her children, and she has not been involved in any major scandals.
- Balance: Dey has been able to balance her personal life with her career. She has worked steadily throughout her career, but she has also made time for her family. She has said that she is grateful for the support of her family and that they have helped her to stay grounded.
Overall, Susan Dey's personal life has been relatively quiet and private. She has been married twice and has two children, but she has been careful to protect her personal life from the public eye. She has been able to balance her personal life with her career, and she is grateful for the support of her family.
FAQs about Susan Dey
This section provides answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about Susan Dey, an American actress best known for her roles in the television series "The Partridge Family" and "L.A. Law."
Question 1: When and where was Susan Dey born?
Answer: Susan Dey was born on December 10, 1952, in Pekin, Illinois, USA.
Question 2: What was Susan Dey's breakout role?
Answer: Susan Dey's breakout role was Laurie Partridge in the television series "The Partridge Family" (1970-1974).
Question 3: What awards did Susan Dey win for her work on "L.A. Law"?
Answer: Susan Dey won two Emmy Awards for her work on "L.A. Law": Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series in 1988 and 1991.
Question 4: How many times has Susan Dey been married?
Answer: Susan Dey has been married twice.
Question 5: Does Susan Dey have any children?
Answer: Susan Dey has two children, a son named Connor and a daughter named Sara.
Question 6: Is Susan Dey still acting?
Answer: No, Susan Dey is retired from acting.
Summary of key takeaways or final thought: Susan Dey is a talented actress who has starred in a number of successful television shows and films. She is best known for her roles in "The Partridge Family" and "L.A. Law." Dey is a two-time Emmy Award winner and is considered to be one of the most successful actresses of her generation.
Transition to the next article section: Susan Dey's career is a testament to her talent and dedication. She is an inspiration to aspiring actors and actresses everywhere.
Tips by Susan Dey
As an experienced actress with a successful career spanning over decades, Susan Dey offers these valuable tips for aspiring actors and actresses:
Tip 1: Work hard and never give up.
Susan Dey's journey to success was not without its challenges. She faced rejection and setbacks, but she never gave up on her dream of becoming an actress. She worked hard to improve her craft and to get her foot in the door. Her perseverance eventually paid off, and she went on to star in some of the most successful television shows and films of her generation.
Tip 2: Be prepared to work long hours.
Acting is a demanding profession that requires long hours and hard work. Susan Dey says that she often worked 12-hour days on the set of "The Partridge Family." She also had to travel extensively for work. However, she says that the long hours and hard work were worth it because she loved her job.
Tip 3: Be professional and respectful on set.
Susan Dey says that it is important to be professional and respectful on set. This means being on time for work, being prepared, and being respectful of your fellow cast and crew members. She also says that it is important to be positive and to have a good attitude, even when things are tough.
Tip 4: Learn how to take rejection.
Rejection is a part of life for actors and actresses. Susan Dey says that she has been rejected for more roles than she has been cast in. However, she has learned how to take rejection in stride. She says that it is important to remember that rejection is not personal, and that it is simply a part of the business.
Tip 5: Find a good agent.
A good agent can help you to get your foot in the door and to find the right roles for your talents. Susan Dey says that she has been fortunate to have a great agent who has helped her to advance her career.
Summary of key takeaways or benefits: Susan Dey's tips are invaluable for aspiring actors and actresses. She emphasizes the importance of hard work, perseverance, professionalism, and resilience. Dey's tips can help you to achieve your dreams of becoming a successful actor or actress.
Transition to the article's conclusion: Susan Dey is a role model for aspiring actors and actresses. She has achieved great success in her career, and she is generous in sharing her tips for success with others.
Conclusion
Susan Dey's career is a testament to her talent, dedication, and hard work. She is an inspiration to aspiring actors and actresses everywhere. Her tips for success are invaluable, and they can help you to achieve your dreams of becoming a successful actor or actress.
Dey's legacy is one of excellence and professionalism. She has starred in some of the most successful television shows and films of her generation, and she has won two Emmy Awards for her work. She is a role model for aspiring actors and actresses, and she is a shining example of what can be achieved through hard work and dedication.
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