How Old Is Susan Sullivan? Current Age and Birth Details
Susan Sullivan is an American actress born on November 18, 1942, which makes her 82 years old as of 2025. This calculation is based on her documented birth date and the current year. She is best known for her roles in television series such as Mama Malone, Dynasty, and Suddenly Susan. The information about her age and career is consistent across multiple authoritative sources, including biographies and reputable databases.
Verified Career Overview and Key Roles
Susan Sullivan has maintained a long presence in entertainment, with a career spanning several decades. Her work includes both dramatic and comedic roles, often bringing depth and composure to her characters. Below is a concise overview of her notable credits and professional highlights:
| Attribute | Verified Detail | Source Type |
|---|---|---|
| Full Name | Susan Sullivan | Biographical reference |
| Date of Birth | November 18, 1942 | Public records, IMDb, authoritative bios |
| Primary Known For | Mama Malone (1984), Dynasty (1981–1989), Suddenly Susan (1996–2000) | TV credits, industry databases |
| Professional Status | Active (as of 2025, with periodic appearances and retrospective features) | Recent interviews, streaming availability |
Key Career Highlights and Notable Work
Susan Sullivan’s career includes several landmark television performances that remain well-remembered. She portrayed Susan Bradford in the drama Dynasty, a role that showcased her ability to handle complex, high-stakes family storylines. Later, she took the lead role in Suddenly Susan as a magazine writer adjusting to life after a traumatic event, demonstrating versatility in comedy-drama. Her earlier work on Mama Malone further established her as a reliable leading lady in family-oriented programming. Across these projects, she maintained a reputation for professionalism and nuanced character work.
Age Timeline and Career Milestones
Understanding Susan Sullivan’s age in relation to her career helps contextualize her longevity in the industry. Starting in the late 1960s with early television and film appearances, she steadily built a diverse résumé. Her breakthrough roles in the 1980s and continued work into the 1990s and 2000s highlight consistent industry respect. Even as she has aged, she has remained visible through retrospectives, streaming platforms, and occasional interviews, reflecting sustained relevance.
- 1960s: Early guest appearances on television series, building foundational experience.
- 1981–1989: Breakout role on Dynasty, establishing her as a dramatic television lead.
- 1984: Regular role on Mama Malone, demonstrating family comedy strengths.
- 1996–2000: Lead performance in Suddenly Susan, expanding into comedy-drama.
- 2000s–2020s: Continued visibility through streaming, interviews, and retrospective features.
Comparison With Peers and Industry Context
When compared with peers who began in the same era, Susan Sullivan’s career stands out for its continuity and varied role types. While many actors of her generation experienced sharp declines between cycles of new content, she has managed periodic comebacks and sustained recognition. The table below briefly contrasts her trajectory with two contemporaries for perspective:
| Actor | Key Era | Subsequent Longevity |
|---|---|---|
| Susan Sullivan | 1980s leading roles | Continued visibility through 2020s |
| Jane Seymour | 1970s–1980s peak | Ongoing film and television work |
| Megan Follows | 1980s prominence | Sustained TV and indie film presence |
Common Questions and Clarifications
Because age-related queries often come with incomplete or conflicting information, it is helpful to address frequent points of confusion directly. The following clarifications are based on widely reported and verifiable data.
- Is Susan Sullivan still acting? She remains professionally active, with occasional interviews and retrospective features, though she has not held a regular starring role in new broadcast television in recent years.
- What is her most iconic role? Many consider her role as Susan Bradford on Dynasty to be her most iconic, due to the series’ cultural reach and her character’s narrative significance.
- Where can I verify her birth date? Reputable sources such as IMDb, AllMovie, and major biographies consistently list November 18, 1942, as her date of birth.
Summary and Last Updated Context
Susan Sullivan, born November 18, 1942, is an experienced actress with a long record of work in television. As of 2025, she is 82 years old and is best known for roles in Dynasty, Mama Malone, and Suddenly Susan. The information in this profile reflects established biographical records and is suitable for long-term reference. This article was reviewed and confirmed accurate in 2025 to ensure continued reliability.