Actress Suzanne Pleshette Dies

Actress Suzanne Pleshette has died from respiratory failure at age 70. She died in her home in Los Angeles, California on Saturday evening, January 19, 2008. Suzanne had recently undergone chemotherapy for lung cancer in 2006.

Suzanne Pleshette was born on January 31, 1937 in New York City, New York. She was the only child of Eugene Pleshette, who managed the Paramount and Brooklyn Paramount theaters during the big band era. Her mother, Geraldine, was a dancer and artist who performed under the stage name Geraldine Rivers. Suzanne chose to attend the New York High School of the Performing Arts at twelve. She went on to Syracuse University, Finch College, the Neighborhood Playhouse and Sanford Meisner's Acting School. She was an actress best known for her character type roles.

Most people will remember her as the character playing the wife, Emily Hartley, on the Bob Newhart Show during the 70's. She also recently guest starred as Katey Sagal's mother, Laura Egan, on a show called 8 Simple Rules in 2003.

She was married three times. Her first husband was Troy Donahue. They were married on January 4, 1964 and divorced on September 8, 1964. Her second marriage was to Tom Gallagher from March 16, 1968 until his deah on January 21, 2000. The third marriage was to Tom Poston. They were married on May 11, 2001 until his death on April 30, 2007. She had no children from any of the marriages.