Susan Cummings

Susan Cummings was an American actress who is best known for her roles in “To Serve Man,” “Swamp Women,” and “Gunsmoke.” Born in Bavaria, Germany, she made a name for herself in the 1950s and 1960s with various film and television projects.

Personal and Family Life

Susan Cummings was born Susanne Gerda Tafel on July 10, 1930, in Bavaria, Germany. She was married three times, to Keith Larsen, Charles Pawley, and Robert Edward Strasser. With Keith Larsen, she had a son, Keith Larsen Jr. Cummings began her acting career in the early 1950s and was known for her strong performances in multiple genres.

Death and Legacy

On December 3, 2016, Susan Cummings passed away in Chandler, Arizona, due to cardiogenic shock. She left behind a legacy as a talented actress who captivated audiences with her memorable roles. Cummings is particularly remembered for delivering the iconic line, “It’s a cookbook!” in the classic episode of “The Twilight Zone.”

Filmography

Title Release Date Character
Verboten! 1959-03-25 Helga Schiller / Brent
Tomahawk Trail 1957-02-01 Ellen Carter
Utah Blaine 1957-02-01 Angie Kinyon
Secret of Treasure Mountain 1956-06-26 Tawana
Swamp Women 1956-04-01 Marie
Security Risk 1954-08-08 Joan Cochran
Man from God’s Country 1958-02-09 Mary Jo Ellis
The Street Is My Beat 1965-12-31 Cora
An American in Paris 1951-09-26 Patron at Flodair Café (uncredited)
The Twilight Zone: A 60th Anniversary Celebration 2019-11-14 Patty (archive footage)
Headline Hunters 1955-09-15 Elsa
A Time for Love 1974-07-19
Union Pacific 1958-04-27
The Dennis O’Keefe Show 1959-09-22
Gunsmoke 1955-09-10 Stella
The Twilight Zone 1959-10-02 Patty
Lock-Up 1959-09-28
Johnny Ringo 1959-10-02 Lil Blanchard
The Case of the Dangerous Robin 1960-10-18 Valerie Hoveen