Goodfellas and Sopranos actress Suzanne Shepherd dies after decades-long career

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Suzanne Shepherd is best known for her roles in films like Goodfellas and for appearing in the Sopranos
Suzanne Shepherd is best known for her roles in films like Goodfellas and for appearing in the Sopranos

Suzanne Shepherd has reportedly died, aged 89, after decades-long career in the acting industry.

The death of the late actor - who is best known for her roles in films like Goodfellas (1990) and in the HBO show The Sopranos - is said to have been confirmed by a relative recently. A cause of death however hasn't been reported.

Over the course of her career, Suzanne - who's also credited as a theatre director and acting teacher - starred in numerous films and appeared in some TV shows. Her most recent credit is said to have been The Performance (2023).

Goodfellas and Sopranos actress Suzanne Shepherd dies after decades-long career eiqrtikdirrinvIt's been reported that Suzanne Shepherd has died (FilmMagic)
Goodfellas and Sopranos actress Suzanne Shepherd dies after decades-long careerShe's had a decades-long career as a actor, including having starred in the film Goodfellas (1990) (WireImage)

The Sun US reported earlier that Suzanne has died, with the news said to have been shared by her granddaughter Isabelle. The outlet stated that a cause of death was not provided and that the family - didn't detail a further statement.

Suzanne is known for having appeared in films like Goodfellas (1990). She played the mother of Karen Hill (played by Lorraine Bracco) in the film, which also starred the likes of fellow actor Robert De Niro, Ray Liotta and Joe Pesci.

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She notably played Mary DeAngelis in the HBO show the Sopranos from 2000 to 2007. Her character was the mother of Carmela Soprano, who was played by Edie Falco. Suzanne joined the cast in its second season, following its debut in 1999.

Goodfellas and Sopranos actress Suzanne Shepherd dies after decades-long careerShe's also known for her role on HBO's the Sopranos (HBO)

Her other acting credits include roles in films like Mystic Pizza (1988), Uncle Buck (1989) and Requiem for a Dream (2000). She more recently appeared in projects like Where Is Kyra? (2017), Furlough (2018) and The Week Of (2018).

She's been in several instalments of NBC 's Law & Order franchise, including having appeared in an episode of Law & Order: Special Victims Unit that was broadcast in 2003. Suzanne later featured in two episodes of CBS ' Blue Bloods.

Following the news of Suzanne's death, tributes have been paid on social media. This included from her former colleague Ray Abruzzo, who played Little Carmine Lupertazzi in The Sopranos. He reacted to the news on Instagram this week.

Goodfellas and Sopranos actress Suzanne Shepherd dies after decades-long careerShe played Mary DeAngelis in the show from 2000 to 2007 (HBO)

Ray wrote alongside a photo of Suzanne: "Sad to hear of the passing of Suzanne Shepherd. A force of nature." The actor added in the post: "Actress, teacher. Played Carmella's mother on Sopranos and Karen's mother in Goodfellas."

He wasn't alone in paying tribute. One fan wrote in a tweet this weekend: "Excellent actress who made Goodfellas and The Sopranos so special." They concluded by writing on the platform X: "Thank you, Suzanne Shepherd. RIP."

"She was note perfect in both [Goodfellas and the Sopranos]," another person said. Whilst someone else reacted: "She was always great in everything she did." Another person tweeted: "[She's] left us with so many fantastic performances."

Joel Leaver

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