NEW YORK CITY: Suzanne Shepherd, the veteran actress known for playing Carmela Soprano on 'The Sopranos,' has died at the age of 89.
Kate Shepherd, daughter of the late Suzanne Shepherd, shared the heartbreaking news that her mother died peacefully in her sleep on Friday, November 17 morning, TMZ reports.
While the cause of death is yet to be determined, Suzanne, known for her notable roles in film and television, had been battling a chronic obstructive lung illness and experienced a notable decline in health in the days leading up to her death.
Suzanne Shepherd's iconic career
Renowned for her acting prowess, Shepherd not only studied under Sanford Meisner but also became the first woman to teach his acclaimed program.
With over four decades as an acting coach in New York and directing at theaters nationwide, Shepherd's influence has been profound. The upcoming documentary, 'A Gift of Fire,' sheds light on her impactful teaching career.
From portraying Aunt Tweedy in Mystic Pizza to the overbearing Karen's mother in 'Goodfellas,' and Carmela Soprano's mother in 'The Sopranos,' Shepherd's versatile talents have left an indelible mark.
Shepherd notably starred in Martin Scorsese's 'Goodfellas,' 1997's 'Lolita,' and 2000's 'Requiem for a Dream,' she continued to captivate audiences until her last documented role as Tess in the 2023 film, 'The Performance.'
'The Sopranos' star Ray Abruzzo pays tribute to Suzanne Shepherd
In a touching tribute on Instagram, fellow Sopranos actor Ray Abruzzo mourned the death of Suzanne Shepherd.
"Sad to hear of the passing of Suzanne Shepherd. A force of nature. Actress, teacher. Played Carmella’s mother on Sopranos and Karen’s mother in Goodfellas," he wrote.
Who is Suzanne Shepherd's daughter?
New York City-based American artist Kate Shepherd, daughter Suzanne, Shepherd, born in 1961, has carved an impressive artistic journey.
Starting with a BA from Oberlin College in 1982, she briefly explored the Institute for Architecture and Urban Studies in New York before venturing into solo artistic pursuits, contributing portraits and drawings to The New Yorker.
Shepherd's academic achievements include a master's degree from the New York Academy of Art in 1986, attendance at the Skowhegan School of Painting and Sculpture in 1990, and an MFA from the School of Visual Arts in 1992.
Her solo exhibitions have been a part of renowned venues like the Phillips Collection in Washington, DC, and the Portland Institute for Contemporary Art in Oregon.
With an extensive list of exhibitions nationwide, Shepherd's artistic prowess has been showcased in notable spaces such as the Hiram Butler Gallery in Houston, Texas, and the Krakow Witkin Gallery in Boston, Massachusetts.
Suzanne is survived by her other family members, son-in-law Miles, daughter-in-law Joyce, and granddaughter Isabelle.
