Suzanne Pleshette

Suzanne Pleshette was an American actress who worked in theatre, film, and television.

Suzanne Pleshette was an American actress who worked in theatre, film, and television. She is best known for playing Emily Hartley on the television sitcom The Bob Newhart Show and for film roles including Alfred Hitchcock’s The Birds. She also did voice work late in her career, including in The Lion King II: Simba's Pride and the English-language version of Spirited Away.

Early life and education

Suzanne Pleshette was born on January 31, 1937, in New York City, New York. She studied at performing arts schools and later attended Finch College and Syracuse University.

Career

Pleshette began her career in theatre before moving into film in the late 1950s and early 1960s. Her breakthrough film appearances included Rome Adventure (1962) and The Birds (1963). She became widely known for television, especially her role as Emily Hartley on The Bob Newhart Show from 1972 to 1978, and continued acting in later television and voice roles.

Notable roles

Her best-known screen roles include Rome Adventure, The Birds, and The Bob Newhart Show. She also appeared in numerous television productions and made notable voice performances in animated films, including Zira in The Lion King II: Simba's Pride and a role in the English-language release of Spirited Away.

Awards and recognition

Pleshette received three Emmy Award nominations and two Golden Globe Award nominations for her television work. She remains particularly associated with her role as Emily Hartley, which became one of her signature performances.

Death

Suzanne Pleshette died on January 19, 2008, in Los Angeles, California, at age 70. Sources report respiratory failure and note a prior diagnosis of lung cancer.