Susan Dey is a retired American actress best known for her breakout role as Laurie Partridge on the popular sitcom The Partridge Family from 1970 to 1974.
She later rose to fame for her legal career on the drama series L.A. Law, which aired from 1986 to 1992. For the show, she received a Golden Globe for her performance.
Nevertheless, Dey’s public career was accompanied by a number of personal hardships and tragedies, which ultimately caused her to fade into obscurity.
Dey experienced loss and inner turmoil despite her early success and accolades.
After leaving Hollywood, she chose to lead a very private life out of the spotlight, closing the curtain on her once promising acting career.
Who is Susan Dey?
Susan Dey, born Susan Hallock Dey on December 10, 1952, in Pekin, Illinois, emerged as a celebrated American actress.
Her early life was marked by the loss of her mother to pneumonia at the tender age of eight, leaving her with profound feelings of abandonment.
Relocating to New York with her father and sister, Leslie, Susan’s journey into the professional world commenced with modeling, featuring on the cover of educational booklets and in commercials.
Early Life and Career
Dey’s foray into acting materialized when she auditioned for the role of Laurie Partridge in the iconic sitcom “The Partridge Family.”
Despite lacking prior acting experience, she secured the role at the age of 17, joining a cast that included Shirley Jones, David Cassidy, Danny Bonaduce, Brian Forster, and Suzanne Crough.
The show’s success spanned four seasons, with Dey becoming a teen idol and a fashion icon.
How old is Susan Dey?
As of December 2021, Susan Dey stands at 70 years old, born under the adventurous Sagittarius sign.
What happened to Susan Dey of the Partridge family?
After the conclusion of “The Partridge Family” in 1974, Dey faced challenges in finding roles that showcased her versatility.
While appearing in movies like “Skyjacked,” “First Love,” and “Looker,” she encountered limited success.
Her personal struggles included battling anorexia nervosa and navigating a troubled marriage with her first husband, Lenny Hirshan.
Their divorce transpired in 1981 after five years of marriage.
Dey’s career trajectory saw a positive shift with her role as Grace Van Owen on the acclaimed legal drama “L.A. Law.”
After joining the show in 1986, she earned three Emmy nominations and a Golden Globe, revitalizing her career.
During this period, she also met her second husband, Bernard Sofronski, a TV producer. They married in 1988 and adopted a daughter, Sarah, in 1990.
Is Susan Dey’s daughter an actress?
Susan Dey’s daughter, Sarah Dey-Sofronski, is not an actress but a writer and editor at Penguin Random House.
Graduating from Brown University in 2012 with a degree in English literature, Sarah resides in New York City with her husband, Daniel Sussman, a lawyer.
Who is Susan Dey’s husband?
Susan Dey’s husband, Bernard Sofronski, is a television producer and executive, known for his work on shows like “L.A. Law.”
Co-founders of the Rape Foundation, a non-profit supporting sexual assault victims, Bernard and Susan have been married for 33 years and live in Upstate New York.
Was Susan Dey a model?
Yes, Susan Dey started her career as a model at age 15, discovered by a photographer at a modeling school.
Her appearances ranged from educational booklets to commercials for products like Pursettes tampons, Breck shampoo, and Coca-Cola.
Susan Dey’s Height
Standing at 5 feet 7 inches (170 cm), Dey maintained a slim figure through a strict diet and exercise regimen.
Overcoming anorexia nervosa with professional help, she became an advocate for mental health.
Susan Dey’s Net Worth
As of 2021, Dey’s estimated net worth is $10 million, primarily earned through acting, modeling, endorsements, and book deals.
Conclusion
Dey, a renowned actress of her time, navigated a path marked by fame, personal challenges, and triumphs.
Retired since 2004, she lives a quiet life with her family, leaving behind a legacy of talent and beauty.
