Suzanne Alexander
 | This article needs additional citations for verification. (April 2023) |
Suzanne Alexander | |
|---|---|
| Born | Gwendolynne Alice Ann White September 8, 1931 |
| Died | September 21, 1975 (aged 44) |
| Other names | Susan Alexander, Suzann Alexander, Susanne Alexander, Suzan Alexander, Gwen White, Gwendolyn White, and Gwendolynne White |
| Occupation | Actress |
| Years active | 1949–1975 |
| Spouse | Rexford Colbert (m. 1963; div. 1966) |
| Parent(s) | Will J. White and Gwendolyn Haynes |
Suzanne Alexander (born Gwendolynne Anne White; September 8, 1931 – September 21, 1975)[1] was a Canadian actress and model.
Early life
Alexander was the daughter of Will J. White and Gwendolyn Haynes. Her father was a conductor and bandleader, while her mother was an actress who played Miss Canada in the film Victory's Call to Canada (1917).[2] She had a brother named Will J. White, who became an actor as well. After studying at the American Academy of Dramatic Arts, Alexander was crowned Miss Studio City and Miss San Fernando Valley of 1949.[3]
Career
She starred in the stage production of Detective Story alongside Frank Fiumara on June 4, 1951, at the Ivar Theater.[4] This followed with starring roles in Cat-Women of the Moon (1953) as Beta and Down Three Dark Streets (1954) as Brenda Ralles. She appeared in various television series including Crossroads, Public Defender, and Racket Squad. She co-hosted Queen for a Day and Juke Box Jury.[5] In an interview with James Bacon in 1959, Suzanne said "I've always wanted to be an actress ever since I could remember."[5]
Mike Todd considered Alexander for the role of Princess Aioda in Around the World in 80 Days (1956) after seeing her dining at the Hollywood Plaza Hotel. She and tested for the role on September 15, 1955, with Marla English, Jacqueline Park, Lisa Davis, Audrey Conti, Eugenia Paul, Joan Elan, and Eleanore Tanin. Alexander and English were then selected as the finalists for the role, and did another screen test the following day. The role was ultimately played by Shirley MacLaine, who accepted it after having turned it down twice.[6] Her test screen footage was donated to the Library of Congress by Elizabeth Taylor, where it is preserved.
Later years
Alexander had a brief marriage with Rexford Colbert, who was the manager of the MGM Commissary.[7] Her last onscreen roles was were on episodes of This is the Life and Mod Squad. She died on September 21, 1975, in San Francisco, California. Although no note was found, the authorities ruled it as a suicide as no foul play was suspected.[8][failed verification] Those who attended her funeral included Jack Bailey and Elaine Devry. She was interred at Forest Lawn Memorial Park alongside her mother, who died two years later.[citation needed]
Her authorized biography, The Triumph and Tragedy of Suzanne Alexander by Samuel Clemens was published on December 31, 2021.
Filmography
- Flight Nurse (1953) - uncredited[9]
- Cat-Women of the Moon (1953)
- Down Three Dark Streets (1954)
- Princess of the Nile (1954)
- Daddy Long Legs (1955) - uncredited
- The Girl in the Red Velvet Swing (1955) - uncredited
- Solid Gold Cadillac (1956) - uncredited
- The Garment Jungle (1957) - uncredited
- I Married a Woman (1958) - uncredited
References
- ^ Brady, Spence (5 April 1956). "Gorgeous Goldwyn Girls Greeted". The Honolulu Advertiser. p. 11. Retrieved 7 December 2022.
- ^ "Movie Pictures to Aid Victory Loan Campaign". Calgary News Telegram. Alberta, Canada. November 6, 1917. p. 188. Retrieved 7 December 2022 – via Newspapers.com.
- ^ "Charming". Los Angeles Evening Citizen News. 5 May 1949. p. 3. Retrieved 7 December 2022.
- ^ Mozelle, Dinehart (11 July 1951). "Showbusiness". Valley Times. p. 3. Retrieved 7 December 2022.
- ^ a b Bacon, James (28 June 1959). "TV Gal Seen, Not Heard". Tampa Tribune. p. 86. Retrieved 7 December 2022.
- ^ Clemens, Samuel (2021). The Triumph and Tragedy of Suzanne Alexander. Sequoia Press. p. 51. ISBN 978-1639720385.
- ^ Parsons, Louella (September 17, 1963). "Recluses' Story Sold". San Francisco Examiner. p. 25. Retrieved December 7, 2022.
- ^ "Suzanne Alexander - the Private Life and Times of Suzanne Alexander. Suzanne Alexander Pictures".
- ^ "Suzanne Alexander (1931-1975)". IMDb. Retrieved 10 April 2023.