Actress Suzanne Shepherd, known for roles in Goodfellas and The Sopranos, has passed away at the age of 89
Actress Suzanne Shepherd, known for her roles in Goodfellas and The Sopranos, has passed away at the age of 89.
The American actress enjoyed a sparkling career in showbiz that spanned several decades.
She’s most recognised for her memorable roles in movies like Martin Scorsese’s Goodfellas (1990) and on the HBO drama series The Sopranos.
In Goodfellas, she portrayed Karen Hill’s mother, opposite Lorraine Bracco, while in The Sopranos, she famously portrayed Mary DeAngelis.
Among the select 27 actors who appeared in both successful projects, Shepherd made her mark.
The details surrounding her passing remain unconfirmed.
BREAKING:⚱️ One of the 27 actors who appeared in both ‘Goodfellas’ and ‘The Sopranos’ has sadly passed away.
As the mother of the mobster wife, Suzanne Shepherd suited the role perfectly. She played the overbearing Mom of Karen in ‘Goodfellas’ and Carmela in ‘The Sopranos’. More… pic.twitter.com/HZmNEivOqh
— The Sopranos Club (@TheSopranosClub) November 18, 2023
RIP Suzanne Shepherd ♥️ #Sopranos #Goodfellas pic.twitter.com/AqbulDOCVo
— The Sopranos Guy™ (@uncle_june) November 18, 2023
Isabelle, the granddaughter of Shepherd, has confirmed her passing to The US Sun, although she hasn’t disclosed further specifics.
Surviving Shepherd are her daughter Kate, son-in-law Miles, and daughter-in-law Joyce.
In the wake of her passing, fans and former colleagues of Shepherd have paid their respects.
Ray Abruzzo, a fellow actor from The Sopranos, expressed his condolences on Instagram: “It’s saddening to learn about Suzanne Shepherd’s passing. She was a force of nature, an actress, and a teacher. She portrayed Carmella’s mother on The Sopranos and Karen’s mother in Goodfellas.”
Suzanne Shepherd, sadly mourned with heartfelt messages like “RIP, you” and “Oh man, she was incredible,” left an indelible mark on both Goodfellas and The Sopranos, noted admirers.
With a career spanning more than three decades in TV and film, her journey began under the tutelage of Sanford Meisner, eventually becoming the pioneering woman to teach his acting program. A luminary figure, she co-founded the Compass Players alongside Alan Alda and Alan Arkin during the early 1960s.
Her breakthrough came as Aunt Tweedy in Mystic Pizza back in 1988, marking the start of an illustrious journey. From notable appearances in Law & Order and Blue Bloods to her role as the assistant school principal in Uncle Buck, her versatility shone through.
In the year 2000, Shepherd delivered a powerful supporting performance in Requiem for a Dream, sharing the screen with luminaries such as Ellen Burstyn, Jared Leto, Jennifer Connelly, and Marlon Wayans.
