Most Famous Susans in the World

From award-winning screen legends to chart-topping singers and acclaimed directors, many well-known figures share the first name Susan. Below is a friendly rundown of notable Susans across film, television, music, and culture, highlighting what they’re best known for and the milestones that made them household names.

Susan Sarandon

Susan Sarandon is an American actor celebrated for powerful performances across drama and comedy. She won an Academy Award for Best Actress for her role in ‘Dead Man Walking’ and earned additional nominations for films including ‘Thelma & Louise’, ‘Atlantic City’, ‘Lorenzo’s Oil’, and ‘The Client’. Her screen career spans independent productions and major studio features such as ‘Bull Durham’ and ‘Stepmom’. She has also worked extensively in television and on the stage, adding producing credits to her résumé.

Susan Boyle

Susan Boyle is a Scottish singer who rose to global fame after performing on ‘Britain’s Got Talent’. Her debut album topped charts in numerous countries and set sales records for a first-week release in the UK. She has since released multiple studio albums featuring pop standards and contemporary covers. Boyle’s story has been covered in documentaries and specials, and she has performed on major television programs around the world.

Susan Lucci

Susan Lucci is an American actor best known for portraying Erica Kane on the daytime drama ‘All My Children’. Her performance earned widespread recognition and numerous award nominations, culminating in a Daytime Emmy Award for Outstanding Lead Actress. Beyond soaps, she has appeared in prime-time series, reality competition shows, and stage productions. Lucci has also authored a memoir and launched successful business ventures in fashion and lifestyle.

Susan Dey

Susan Dey is an American actor who first gained fame as Laurie Partridge on the television series ‘The Partridge Family’. She later starred as Grace Van Owen on ‘L.A. Law’, earning critical acclaim and major industry awards. Dey’s work includes television films and guest appearances, showcasing a range from legal drama to family entertainment. She has also served as a presenter and participant in industry events and reunions tied to her signature roles.

Susan Saint James

Susan Saint James is an American actor recognized for leading roles in ‘McMillan & Wife’ and ‘Kate & Allie’. Her television work brought multiple award wins and nominations across comedy and drama. She has appeared in feature films and TV movies, as well as hosting and guest-starring on talk and variety programs. Saint James has also been active in philanthropy and advocacy, frequently using her platform to support charitable initiatives.

Susan Kelechi Watson

Susan Kelechi Watson is an American actor known for playing Beth Pearson on the acclaimed series ‘This Is Us’. Her performance contributed to the ensemble’s multiple award honors from major guilds and academies. Trained in theater, she has appeared in stage productions and other television dramas, including guest roles in procedural and prestige series. Watson has also worked as a producer and is active in arts education and mentorship.

Susan Sontag

Susan Sontag was an American writer, essayist, and public intellectual whose works on culture and aesthetics reached a wide general audience. Her essay collection ‘On Photography’ shaped public discussion of images and media. Sontag also wrote novels, directed films, and staged theatrical productions, often exploring themes of illness, war, and representation. She became a prominent voice in international cultural debates and received major literary awards and honors.

Susan Seidelman

Susan Seidelman is an American filmmaker who directed the hit film ‘Desperately Seeking Susan’, which helped bring downtown New York’s indie sensibility into mainstream cinema. She also directed the pilot of ‘Sex and the City’, helping to establish the show’s tone and visual approach. Seidelman’s filmography spans comedy, drama, and music-infused stories, often focusing on female protagonists. She has taught and mentored emerging directors through festival labs and university programs.

Susan Stroman

Susan Stroman is an American director and choreographer best known for her work on Broadway and in the screen adaptation of ‘The Producers’. Her stage productions have earned numerous Tony Awards across choreography and direction. Stroman’s credits include revivals and original musicals, as well as concert stagings filmed for television. She is recognized for integrating dance storytelling with character-driven musical theater on both stage and screen.

Susan George

Susan George is a British actor known for intense performances in films such as ‘Straw Dogs’. Her screen work covers thrillers, dramas, and television projects in both the UK and the United States. George later produced content through her own company and made appearances at retrospectives and genre festivals. She has also been involved in philanthropic and equestrian pursuits outside of acting.

Susan Olsen

Susan Olsen is an American actor and artist best known as Cindy Brady on the classic sitcom ‘The Brady Bunch’. She reprised the role in reunion films and spin-off specials, maintaining a lasting connection to the franchise. Outside of acting, Olsen has worked in radio, visual art, and animal advocacy. She continues to participate in fan conventions and television retrospectives tied to the show’s legacy.

Share your favorite Susans—and the roles or songs you love most—in the comments!