Suzanne Shepherd, a veteran actress known for her roles in “Goodfellas” and “The Sopranos,” has died at the age of 89.
Shepherd passed away in her sleep on November 17 at her residence in New York City. According to her daughter, Kate Shepherd, Suzanne had been battling chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and had significantly weakened in the days leading up to her death. The precise cause of her death remains unannounced.
Born in Elizabeth, New Jersey, Shepherd embarked on her acting career in 1988 with a role in “Mystic Pizza,” starring Julia Roberts. She became recognized for her portrayals of strong, often imposing maternal figures. Her performance in Martin Scorsese’s “Goodfellas” as the mother of Lorraine Bracco’s character was particularly notable. In “The Sopranos,” Shepherd’s role as Mary DeAngelis, the mother of Carmela Soprano, played by Edie Falco, further established her as a skilled character actress.
Throughout her career, Shepherd displayed remarkable versatility in a variety of roles in both movies and television series. Her film appearances include “Uncle Buck,” “Lolita,” and “Requiem for a Dream,” and she also appeared in popular television series like “Law & Order” and “Blue Bloods.” Her later work included a role in the Netflix comedy “The Week Of.”
In addition to her acting career, Shepherd was also deeply involved in teaching acting, dedicating more than forty years to the profession. She taught at several esteemed institutions, including the Trinity Square Conservatory, Hartman Conservatory, the Berghof Studio, and her own studio in New York City. Shepherd’s contributions to the arts also included directing stage productions.
She is survived by her daughter, Kate, son-in-law Miles McManus, and granddaughter Isabelle Shepherd. Her passing leaves a void in the hearts of her family, fans, and students, all of whom were deeply influenced by her talent and dedication to the craft of acting.