Remembering Suzanne Pleshette

Suzanne Pleshette was the raven haired, piercing eyed beauty with the husky voice and bright smile. Her television career spanned more than forty years. She will likely be most remembered as Bob Newhart's on-screen wife, Emily Hartley, from the 1970's television hit series The Bob Newhart Show (1972 - 1978). Emily Hartley was quite often the level-headed center to Robert Hartley's (Bob Newhart) impulsive reactionary style. Pleshette delivered most of Emily's advice in a wry, sardonic tone, but her recommendations were nonetheless dead on target.

After The Bob Newhart Show (1972 - 1978) ended, Suzanne Pleshette went on to do television movie projects, and guest spots on popular television series. Two of Pleshette's last appearances were in 8 Simple Rules (2002 - 2005) and Will and Grace (2002 - 2004). In the mid 1980's, Pleshette was cast as the lead in the comedy series, Maggie Briggs (1984); however, the show failed to catch on and was canceled mid season.

Suzanne Pleshette's television career was expansive indeed. But, prior to her frequent television stints, Pleshette enjoyed memorable roles in a couple of classic films. Most of these film classics can be enjoyed through Netflix or Amazon.com, they are as follows:

The Birds (1963) - In this classic thriller, Suzanne Pleshette plays the ill-fated school teacher, Annie Hayworth. Here, Rod Taylor breaks her heart, Tippi Hedren takes the man she loves, and Alfred Hitchcock's angry aves flock finish her off. I think I like Pleshette's role in this one because it sounds very much like my own life, and my probable future.

Mister Buddwing (1966) - Classic film lovers will instantly recognize this film, but it may not be quite as familiar to the general public. In this film, Suzanne Pleshette co-stars as Fiddle, one of the many suitors (or wife - you'll have to watch to find out) of James Garner's amnesia stricken lead character. Watch as Mr. Buddwing wanders through the streets of New York City to try to uncover the big mystery of his identity.

The Bob Newhart Show: Season 1(1972) - Watch Suzanne Pleshette here in her Emmy Award winning, and most famous role as Emily Hartley. This three disc series contains the entire first season of The Bob Newhart Show. Here, Pleshette co-stars alongside Bob Newhart, Peter Bonerz, Bill Daily and Marcia Wallace.

In mid 2004, it was announced that Pleshette was receiving treatment for lung cancer. On January 19^th, 2008, Suzanne Pleshette died in her home in Los Angeles, California. Following her death, Pleshette was immortalized in Tinseltown history with the granting of her star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.