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Last updated on the 2 June 2024 by Maeve
Mini Biography
Born: 26 July 1950, Surbiton, Surrey, England.
Susan George began her life in the spotlight early, by the age of four, she was already acting. Her training began at the Stage School, followed by the Corona Theatre School.
Susan George’s career took off in the late 1960s, and two of her notable early appearances showcase her emerging talent and versatility.
The Strange Affair (1968) marked a significant turning point for the young actress. Here, she played Frederika “Fred” March, a teenager caught in a tense situation with a manipulative older man. The film explores themes of power dynamics and class differences. George’s portrayal of Fred is both vulnerable and defiant. She captures the confusion and fear of a young woman targeted by a predator, while also hinting at a strength that will come to define her later roles.
Spring and Port Wine (1970) takes a different approach. This family drama set in working-class Bolton sees George as Hilda Crompton, facing the challenges of growing up. The film provides a stark contrast to The Strange Affair. Here, George portrays a young woman grappling with family dynamics and the expectations placed on her within a working-class environment.
The 1970s proved to be Susan’s most prolific decade. In 1971, she landed the role that would define her career: Amy, the controversial wife in Sam Peckinpah’s “Straw Dogs.” The film’s graphic violence, particularly the infamous rape scene, caused a stir, but Susan’s powerful performance garnered international attention and established her as a leading actress.
Throughout the 70s, Susan took on diverse roles. She played a spirited car enthusiast in “Dirty Mary, Crazy Larry” (1974) alongside Peter Fonda, showcasing her action heroine chops. She also tackled more complex characters, like a slave owner’s wife in the controversial “Mandingo” (1975). While some roles led to accusations of typecasting, Susan consistently delivered captivating performances, regardless of genre.
In 1984, she married actor Simon MacCorkindale. Together, they shared a passion for Arabian horses, co-founding Georgian Arabians, a world-renowned breeding operation. Sadly, Simon passed away in 2010.
Today, Susan George remains a respected figure in the film industry. She is a member of numerous prestigious acting organisations and participates in horse breeding and equestrian events.
Suggested viewing
The Strange Affair (1968)
Bftv 8.0 / IMDb 6.4
A naive policeman falls for a mysterious young woman, unaware she’s entangled in a dark world. Meanwhile, a seasoned detective pursues a ruthless criminal, their paths colliding in a web of corruption, betrayal and a desperate choice that forces the young copper to risk everything.
Top cast: Michael York, Susan George, Jeremy Kemp, George A. Cooper, George Selway, Artro Morris, Richard Pearson, Jeremy Wilkin, Michael Gover, Nigel Davenport.
Spring and Port Wine (1970)
Bftv 9.0 / IMDb 7.0
In a working-class English household, a strict father struggles to maintain control as his grown children challenge his authority and yearn for independence, leading to a clash of wills that threatens to tear the family apart.
Top cast: James Mason, Diana Coupland, Hannah Gordon, Susan George, Rodney Bewes, Len Jones, Keith Buckley, Adrienne Posta, Arthur Lowe.
