There are actresses who step into the spotlight, and then there are those who ignite it. Susan George belongs to the second group.
Born in Surrey in July 1950, she grew up with a sparkle for performance that was impossible to ignore. By the age of four she was already on stage, a pint-sized performer who seemed destined for bigger things. Training at the Corona Theatre School gave her the discipline, but Susan’s natural charisma gave her the edge.
Finding Her Place on Screen
In the late sixties she began popping up in British film and television, bringing an energy that stood out even in small roles. Movies like Up the Junction and All Neat in Black Stockings showcased her youthful charm, but the industry quickly realized she had the courage to take on more daring material. That bravery came to define her.
When she starred opposite Dustin Hoffman in Straw Dogs in 1971, Susan became an international name. The film was controversial, shocking, and unforgettable, and her performance was at the center of it all.
Critics debated, audiences argued, and Susan George became a symbol of fearless acting. She followed with cult favorites like Dirty Mary, Crazy Larry and the steamy drama Mandingo, roles that stamped her as one of the boldest talents of the decade.
More Than a Sexpot
Hollywood loved to label her, but Susan was never content to be boxed in. Yes, she could play the sensual siren, but she also had a wicked sense of humor, a delicate vulnerability, and a sharp intelligence. Television shows like The Persuaders gave her room to play lighter roles, while her later move into producing with Stealing Heaven showed she had vision beyond acting.
Life Beyond the Camera
Away from the screen, Susan’s passions painted a different picture. She was an avid horse lover, so much so that she founded Georgian Arabians, a stud farm where she bred and cared for Arabian horses. This wasn’t a hobby for showbiz points, it was a genuine devotion that became her second career.
Her personal life carried its own romance and heartbreak. She was married to actor Simon MacCorkindale for more than two decades until his passing in 2010, a loss she turned into purpose by launching her charity Lasting Life to support people affected by cancer. Friends remember her loyalty, with her long friendship with Olivia Newton John standing out as a constant thread of warmth through her life.
At 74, Susan says she still loves acting, but she doesn’t miss the grind of constant work. Nowadays she seems to prefer a life with fewer demands and more balance. Her public comments suggest she’s chosen projects more selectively, not chasing the spotlight but embracing what feels right.
