Born on November 22, 1957, in Los Angeles, California, Susan Fallender came of age in one of the world’s most media-saturated cities. While little is publicly known about her childhood, her upbringing in the heart of the entertainment capital likely played a role in her later interest in acting. Susan grew up with her sister, Deborah Fallender, who also pursued a brief career in film and theater.
Quick Bio
| Full Name | Susan R. Fallender |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | November 22, 1957 |
| Age | 67 (as of 2025) |
| Place of Birth | Los Angeles, California, USA |
| Nationality | American |
| Height | 5 ft 6 in (approx. 1.68 m) |
| Hair Color | Brown |
| Eye Color | Brown |
| Marital Status | Married |
| Spouse | Charles Shaughnessy (m. 1983) |
| Children | 2 (Jenny and Maddy) |
| Profession | Former Actress |
| Estimated Net Worth | $1 – $3 million (unverified) |
Breaking Into Hollywood
Susan’s career officially began in the early 1980s, with her most recognized role arriving in the 1983 comedy Trading Places. In this classic film, she played “Bunny,” a minor character, but it gave her a valuable first step into the world of mainstream cinema. The film’s success put her in proximity with Hollywood elites, even if her screen time was brief.
Exploring Television Roles
Her time in Hollywood wasn’t extensive, but she did land a few memorable roles on television. In 1991, Susan appeared as a Romulan officer in the popular sci-fi series Star Trek: The Next Generation in the episode Unification II. Though a minor part, her presence in such a culturally significant series cemented her as a familiar face for dedicated fans of the franchise.
Additional Acting Credits
Susan also made appearances in less widely known shows such as Space Rangers (1993) and Hypernauts (1996), both of which leaned into science fiction genres. In 1999, she featured in the short film The Architecture of Reassurance, and her last known screen role was in The Last Dance in 2000. Though she didn’t pursue stardom aggressively, her body of work reflects a deliberate and selective approach to acting.
A Love Story That Lasted
Susan Fallender’s personal life became a major point of interest when she married British-American actor Charles Shaughnessy in May 1983. Charles, best known for his role as Maxwell Sheffield in The Nanny, was still establishing his career when they tied the knot. Their relationship has stood the test of time, spanning over four decades with consistent mutual respect and privacy.
Building a Family Together
Together, Susan and Charles have two daughters: Jenny Johanna Shaughnessy, born in 1990, and Madelyn (Maddy) Sarah Shaughnessy, born in 1995. Both children have mostly stayed out of the public eye, with limited social media presence or press coverage. Susan dedicated much of her time to parenting, shifting her focus from acting to creating a supportive home life.
Stepping Away from the Spotlight
After the early 2000s, Susan Fallender largely retreated from public roles. Unlike many celebrities who pursue fame for decades, she embraced a more private life. This decision seems to have been both personal and intentional. There’s no known controversy or career fall-off—just a quiet withdrawal, which many admirers find admirable in its sincerity.
A Reserved Public Profile
Today, Susan maintains an extremely low-key public presence. She does not appear to have any verified social media accounts on platforms like Instagram or Twitter. Instead, fans mostly learn about her through occasional mentions by her husband or fan archives. This lack of digital presence only adds to her mystique in an age of constant visibility.
Physical Appearance and Poise
Susan has long been recognized for her natural elegance. While her current photos are rare, earlier images reveal her as poised, confident, and charismatic. Sources list her height at approximately 5 feet 6 inches (1.68 meters), with brown hair and brown eyes. Her on-screen presence, though brief, always carried a calm and intelligent demeanor.
Personal Values and Lifestyle
It’s evident that Susan values stability, privacy, and family over fame or fortune. Her long-standing marriage, commitment to raising children, and selective career path reflect a grounded approach to life in an often unpredictable industry. While she was never a tabloid fixture, her steady presence has left a meaningful impression on those who followed her work.
Net Worth and Financial Insights
There’s no exact public estimate of Susan Fallender’s net worth. However, general online estimates place her personal finances in the range of $1 to $3 million, though this figure may be influenced by her husband’s earnings. Charles Shaughnessy has an estimated net worth of around $3 million, thanks to his successful TV and theater career. Together, the couple has likely built a comfortable and secure life.
Her Sister Deborah and Family Ties
Susan’s sister, Deborah Fallender, also had a brief acting career. Though less is known about Deborah’s life and work, the shared interest in acting suggests a creatively inclined family. Beyond her immediate family and husband, Susan has kept most of her familial and personal relationships out of the public sphere.
Why She’s Still Admired
Fans appreciate Susan Fallender not just for her filmography but for how she’s lived her life. She is an example of someone who entered the industry, made her mark, and then chose to exit gracefully to prioritize what mattered most to her. In doing so, she has earned respect from fans who value humility and longevity in relationships over fleeting fame.
Final Thoughts
Susan Fallender may not have a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, but her quiet achievements have created a legacy of their own. From her early days in Los Angeles to acting in cult favorites, to building a family with one of television’s most beloved stars, her story is one of balance and dignity. In a world that often rewards noise, Susan Fallender’s grace and discretion continue to stand out.
FAQ’S
Who is Susan Fallender?
Susan Fallender is a former American actress known for roles in Trading Places and Star Trek: The Next Generation. She’s also recognized as the wife of actor Charles Shaughnessy.
Is Susan Fallender still acting?
No, she stepped away from acting in the early 2000s. Since then, she has focused on family life and has kept a very private profile.
How long has Susan Fallender been married to Charles Shaughnessy?
Susan and Charles have been married since May 21, 1983, making their marriage one of the longest-lasting partnerships in Hollywood.
Does Susan Fallender use social media?
No, she doesn’t maintain any public or verified social media accounts. She values her privacy and rarely makes public appearances.
