Susan Lucci

Susan Lucci
Name	Susan Lucci
Caption	Lucci in 2011
Birth name	Susan Victoria Lucci
Birth date	23 December 1946
Birth place	Scarsdale, New York, U.S.
Occupation	Actress, author, entrepreneur
Years active	1968–present
Spouse	Helmut Huber, 1969, 2022

Susan Lucci. An American actress and cultural icon, she is best known for her portrayal of the scheming Erica Kane on the ABC daytime drama All My Children, a role she played from the show's 1970 inception until its 2011 finale. Her record-setting 19 Primetime Emmy Award nominations before finally winning in 1999 became a celebrated pop culture narrative, cementing her status as the "queen of daytime." Beyond soap operas, Lucci has built a multifaceted career encompassing Broadway theatre, film, hosting, and business ventures in fashion and fragrance.

Early life and education

Born in Scarsdale, New York, she is the daughter of Jeanette and Victor Lucci, a building contractor. She developed an interest in performing early, participating in school plays and dance recitals. Lucci pursued her passion by studying drama at Marymount College in Tarrytown, New York, before transferring to and graduating from Marywood University in Scranton, Pennsylvania with a degree in drama. Her professional training was further honed at the American Academy of Dramatic Arts in New York City.

Career

Lucci's career is indelibly defined by her role on All My Children, created by Agnes Nixon. As Erica Kane, she became one of the most recognizable characters in American television, navigating storylines involving numerous marriages, corporate intrigue, and personal triumphs. Her work made the ABC Daytime program a ratings powerhouse for decades. Concurrently, she appeared in several television films, such as Mafia Princess and The Bride in Black, and made notable guest appearances on series like Dallas and Hot in Cleveland. She later headlined the Lifetime drama Devious Maids. Lucci has also been a frequent presence as a host for Fox's Miss America pageant coverage and the Tournament of Roses Parade.

Personal life

She married Austrian-born chef and manager Helmut Huber in 1969; their partnership lasted until his death in 2022. The couple had two children, Liza Huber, an actress, and Andreas Huber. The family resided primarily in Garden City, New York. Lucci has been active in philanthropy, supporting causes such as the American Heart Association, notably after undergoing a heart surgery procedure in 2022. She is also a New York Times bestselling author for her memoir All My Life: A Memoir.

Awards and nominations

Lucci's awards history is legendary, particularly her 19 nominations for the Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series without a win, a streak that became a nationally watched story. She finally won the award in 1999, receiving a standing ovation from the audience at the Pasadena Civic Auditorium. Among her other accolades are multiple Soap Opera Digest Awards, a People's Choice Award, and a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. She has also been honored by institutions like the Museum of Television & Radio.

Filmography

Her extensive screen work includes the long-running tenure on All My Children (1970–2011). Selected television films include The French Atlantic Affair (1979), Invitation to Hell (1984), Lady Mobster (1988), and Between Love and Hate (1993). Feature film roles include Young Doctors in Love (1982) and a cameo in Joy (2015). Her prime-time series credits encompass Dallas, Hope & Faith, and a leading role in Devious Maids (2013–2016).

Stage work

Lucci has successfully transitioned to the Broadway stage, demonstrating her theatrical range. She made her debut in 1999, taking over the title role in the musical Annie Get Your Gun. She later starred in a national tour of the same production. Other notable stage credits include performing in the Williamstown Theatre Festival and headlining the Paper Mill Playhouse production of The Vagina Monologues. Her theater work has been well-received, showcasing her talents beyond the television studio.

Category:American television actresses Category:American soap opera actresses Category:1946 births Category:Living people