Susan Peters

Susan Peters was an American actress who is best known for Random Harvest, The Big Shot, and Miss Susan. Born as Suzanne Carnahan on July 3, 1921, in Spokane, Washington, she became a prominent figure in Hollywood before her career was cut short by a tragic accident.

Personal and Family Life

Susan Peters was the oldest of two children in her family. After the death of her father in a car accident in 1928, her family moved to Los Angeles to live with her grandmother. She excelled in sports and drama at Hollywood High School, where a talent scout discovered her. She later trained at Max Reinhardt’s School of Dramatic Arts and began her acting career in 1940.

Career Highlights

Peters’ early career involved numerous small roles, but she gained recognition with her performance in Random Harvest (1942), earning her an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actress. However, her promising career faced a devastating turn when she was paralyzed in a hunting accident in 1945. Despite her condition, she continued to act in radio and television, notably in the series Miss Susan, which featured a disabled character as the lead.

Death and Legacy

Susan Peters passed away on October 23, 1952, at the age of 31 due to kidney failure and starvation, exacerbated by her ongoing health issues and eating disorder. Her death marked a tragic end to a talented life that had shown great promise and resilience. She is remembered as a pioneering presence for disabled actors in Hollywood.

Filmography