Suzanne Alexander
Born
Gwendolynne Ann White

September 8, 1931
Toronto, Canada
DiedSeptember 21, 1975(1975-09-21) (aged 44)
San Francisco, California
Other namesSusan Alexander, Suzann Alexander, Susanne Alexander, Suzan Alexander, Gwen White, Gwendolyn White, Gwendolynne White
OccupationActress
Years active1949–1975
SpouseRexford 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

Aged 19, 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 Aouda in Around the World in 80 Days (1956) after seeing her dining at the Hollywood Plaza Hotel. She tested for the role on September 15, 1955, alongside 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 a second 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, aged 44, in San Francisco, California. Her authorized biography, The Triumph and Tragedy of Suzanne Alexander by Samuel Clemens was published on December 31, 2021.

Filmography

References

  1. ↑ Brady, Spence (April 5, 1956). "Gorgeous Goldwyn Girls Greeted". The Honolulu Advertiser. p. 11. Retrieved December 7, 2022.(subscription required)
  2. ↑ "Movie Pictures to Aid Victory Loan Campaign". Calgary News Telegram. Alberta, Canada. November 6, 1917. p. 188. Retrieved December 7, 2022 – via Newspapers.com.
  3. ↑ "Charming". Los Angeles Evening Citizen News. May 5, 1949. p. 3. Retrieved December 7, 2022.
  4. ↑ Mozelle, Dinehart (July 11, 1951). "Showbusiness". Valley Times. p. 3. Retrieved December 7, 2022.
  5. 1 2 Bacon, James (June 28, 1959). "TV Gal Seen, Not Heard". Tampa Tribune. p. 86. Retrieved December 7, 2022.
  6. ↑ Clemens, Samuel (2021). The Triumph and Tragedy of Suzanne Alexander. Sequoia Press. p. 51. ISBN 978-1639720385.
  7. ↑ Parsons, Louella (September 17, 1963). "Recluses' Story Sold". San Francisco Examiner. p. 25. Retrieved December 7, 2022.
  8. ↑ "Suzanne Alexander (1931-1975)". IMDb. Retrieved April 10, 2023.
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