Suzanne Pleshette: Early Life, Family, & Career Highlights | Genealogy

06 May, 2025

What makes a star truly shine? For Suzanne Pleshette, it was a blend of raw talent, a supportive upbringing, and the magic of Hollywood that cemented her legacy.

Born in Brooklyn, New York, on January 31, 1937, Suzanne Pleshette was the only child of Eugene and Geraldine Kaplan Pleshette. Her journey into the world of performing arts began at the tender age of twelve, when she entered the High School of the Performing Arts. This early exposure to the world of acting and performance set the stage for a career that would span decades and captivate audiences worldwide. Later, she pursued her passion further, attending Syracuse University with a drama major. It was here that she honed her skills, preparing herself for the bright lights of Broadway and beyond.

Her father, Eugene Pleshette, a stage manager, network executive, and manager of the Paramount Theater in Brooklyn, and her mother, Geraldine (ne Kaplan), a dancer and artist who performed under the stage name Geraldine Rivers, were instrumental in shaping her path. They exposed her to the entertainment business at an early age, fostering her talent and providing an environment conducive to creativity. The influence of her parents was undeniable, laying the foundation for Suzanne's extraordinary journey in the world of entertainment. Her father's role in the industry allowed her to understand the nuances of the business, while her mother's artistic background fueled her passion for the arts. She was a cousin of "Knots Landing" actor John Pleshette.

Category	Details
Full Name	Suzanne Pleshette
Born	January 31, 1937, Brooklyn, New York, USA
Died	January 19, 2008, Los Angeles, California, USA
Parents	Eugene Pleshette and Geraldine (ne Kaplan)
Education	High School of the Performing Arts, Syracuse University (Drama Major)
Notable Roles	Emily Hartley in "The Bob Newhart Show," various Broadway roles, film appearances
Awards and Nominations	Emmy Award Nominations (1962, 1977, 1978)
Legacy	Hollywood Walk of Fame Star (posthumous)
Marriages	Troy Donahue (m. 1964-1966), Tom Gallagher (m. 2003-2008)
Occupation	Actress
Source	IMDB

Suzanne's talent was evident from the beginning. She made her Broadway debut in 1957's "Compulsion," a performance that showcased her innate ability to embody complex characters. This was followed by a role in "Golden Fleecing" alongside Tom Poston. These early experiences on the stage served as a springboard, launching her towards a successful career in both theatre and film.

Her career was punctuated by a series of iconic roles. Arguably, Suzanne Pleshette achieved television immortality in her role as Bob Newhart's wife in the 1970s classic situation comedy, "The Bob Newhart Show" (1972). For her role as Emily Hartley, wife of psychologist Bob Hartley (played by Bob Newhart), Pleshette was nominated for the Emmy Award twice, in 1977 and 1978, a testament to her skill and enduring popularity. She was also nominated for an Emmy in 1962, highlighting her versatility and sustained recognition within the industry.

Eugene Pleshette, Suzanne's father, played a crucial role in the industry. He was a stage manager and network executive, and his career included managing the Paramount Theater in Brooklyn, making him a key figure in the entertainment scene. His experiences in the industry exposed Suzanne to the inner workings of show business, influencing her career path. He was a theater executive who began as an usher at New York's famed Paramount Theatre and years later as an executive made the Brooklyn Paramount the spawning ground for rock.

Geraldine Kaplan, Suzanne's mother, a dancer and artist who performed under the stage name Geraldine Rivers, also contributed significantly to her daughter's artistic development. Her artistic background instilled in Suzanne a deep appreciation for the performing arts, and her influence helped shape her daughters career. The vibrant artistic environment provided by her parents undoubtedly fostered her dedication and commitment to her craft.

Her impact extended beyond the stage and screen. Pleshette starb 2008 und wurde posthum auf dem Hollywood Walk of Fame mit einem stern ausgezeichnet. Suzanne Pleshette was born on january 31, 1937, in the new york city borough of brooklyn, to geraldine (n\u00e9e kaplan) [1] and eugene pleshette. [2] her mother was a dancer and artist who performed under the stage name geraldine rivers. She was also nominated for an emmy in 1962

The family's roots also included Eugene Pleshette, born on January 7, 1914. His father, Max Pleshet, and mother, Gertrude Sklarew, raised Eugene. He married Geraldine Kaplan on December 30, 1934. Eugene Pleshette, a name synonymous with iconic roles in the entertainment industry. His illustrious career spans decades, with performances that have left an indelible mark on audiences and critics alike.

The family's story is marked by the interconnectedness of several generations. Eugene Pleshettes parents, Max Pleshet and Gertrude Skwarek, had a lineage that spanned from the early 20th century to the late years. Max Pleshet's World War I draft registration card and his birth details provide valuable insights into the family's origins. The California Death Index records Eugene Pleshette's passing on September 11, 1991, in Los Angeles County, providing a specific timeframe for his life.

Genealogy research shows that a search for "Eugene Pleshette" born in 1914 in Nassau County, New York, reveals that he died in 1991 in Los Angeles County, California. This information highlights the extended network of individuals, families, and connections that defined the Pleshette family. This extensive family history underscores the long-lasting legacy of Eugene and Geraldine Pleshette.

In conclusion, Suzanne Pleshette's life and career were a testament to her talent, dedication, and the supportive environment that surrounded her. From her early days in Brooklyn to her iconic roles on the stage and screen, she left an undeniable mark on the world of entertainment, and her memory continues to inspire and entertain audiences today.

Aug. 10, 2006 .SUZANNE PLESHETTE WITH HER FATHER EUGENE PLESHETTE AT

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