'The Sopranos' star Suzanne Shepherd dead at 89
Fans of the iconic HBO series The Sopranos and of the classic gangster movie Goodfellas were saddened to learn of the death of a fan-favorite character who played in both.
According to Breitbart, it was revealed this week that actress Suzanne Shepherd died at age 89.
Her agent confirmed that the legendary actress died at her New York City home last Friday.
BREAKING:⚱️ One of the 27 actors who appeared in both ‘Goodfellas’ and ‘The Sopranos’ has sadly passed away.
As the mother of the mobster wife, Suzanne Shepherd suited the role perfectly. She played the overbearing Mom of Karen in ‘Goodfellas’ and Carmela in ‘The Sopranos’. More… pic.twitter.com/HZmNEivOqh
— The Sopranos Club (@TheSopranosClub) November 18, 2023
Breitbart noted:
Shepherd’s role in Goodfellas undoubtedly led her to the role of Mary DeAngelis, the mother Carmela Soprano in HBO’s smash hit The Sopranos. She also starred alongside Ellen Burstyn in Darren Aronofsky’s Requiem for a Dream.
Aside from an incredible acting career, Shepherd worked as an acting coach and a director at theaters across the country throughout her time in the business.
Her acting credits are beyond impressive, and she clearly left a mark on actors she worked with over the years in a variety of movies and television shows, in addition to plays.
Variety noted:
Shepherd was born on Oct. 31, 1934. She made her acting debut in the 1988 romcom “Mystic Pizza,” starring Julia Roberts, and appeared in such films as “Working Girl,” “Uncle Buck” and “Second Sight” before working on Martin Scorsese’s “Goodfellas.”
The outlet added:
On the television side, she guest-starred in “Law & Order,” “Third Watch,” “Ed,” “Blue Bloods,” “Deadline,” “Law & Order: Special Victims Unit” and “Law & Order: Criminal Intent.”
Shepherd holds a special spot among fans of The Sopranos and Goodfellas, as she is one of 27 actors who appeared in both productions.
Given her status as a beloved actress who graced a variety of movies and shows, not to mention her influence as an acting coach and theater director, tributes poured in across social media honoring her contributions to the business.
Little Carmine actor Ray Abruzzo pays tribute to Goodfellas and Sopranos actress, Suzanne Shepherd pic.twitter.com/UR1Ug3NpCo
— The Sopranos Club (@TheSopranosClub) November 19, 2023
RIP Suzanne Shepherd, two very memorable performances. pic.twitter.com/Gbv11NXVOi
— 𝕮𝖗𝖞𝖘𝖙𝖆𝖑 𝕴𝖈𝖊𝖒𝖆𝖓 (@Crystal_Philoso) November 19, 2023
Shepherd is survived by a daughter and a granddaughter.