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 |