Susan Howard - An American Actress And Activist

Susan Howard, a name many folks recognize from television screens, has truly lived a life filled with different kinds of work. She is, as a matter of fact, an American actress, someone who writes, and also a person involved in political causes. Her path through the entertainment world and beyond shows a lot about her talents and how she has made a mark.

Born Jeri Lynn Mooney, she eventually became known by her stage name, Susan Howard. She is very much remembered for her time on the popular series "Dallas," where she played Donna Culver Krebbs. But her story, you know, goes much deeper than just that one big role, touching on other acting parts and even her work as an activist.

This piece will explore the various aspects of Susan Howard's career and life, from her early days and the encouragement she received, to her memorable roles and the lasting impression she has made. We'll look at what made her stand out and how she continues to be a notable figure in American entertainment, and in some respects, public life.

Table of Contents

Getting to Know Susan Howard: A Life Story

Susan Howard, whose birth name is Jeri Lynn Mooney, came into the world on January 28, 1944. She was born in Marshall, a town in Texas. Her early life was, in a way, shaped by the encouragement she received from her family. Her father, for instance, often told her that she was talented, that she had a beautiful appearance, and that she was a wonderful person. This kind of positive feedback can really help someone feel good about themselves as they grow up, and it seems to have been a significant part of her younger years.

She spent her childhood and teenage years in Marshall, Texas. It was during her high school days that her abilities in acting started to gain notice. She actually received an award for being the best actress from the UIL, which is a big deal for a student. This early recognition, you know, hinted at the path she would later follow in the entertainment world.

After finishing high school in the early 1960s, Susan Howard went on to attend the University of Texas for a couple of years. While there, she was a part of the Gamma Phi Beta sorority. This time at university, one might say, was another step in her development before she fully stepped into her acting career. She also studied acting with the Los Angeles Repertory Company, which would have given her some solid training.

Personal Details - Susan Howard

Full NameJeri Lynn Mooney
Known AsSusan Howard
BornJanuary 28, 1944
BirthplaceMarshall, Texas, USA
ProfessionActress, Writer, Political Activist

What Made Susan Howard Shine So Brightly?

Susan Howard’s abilities were evident from a relatively young age. The encouragement from her father, telling her she was talented and wonderful, must have built a strong foundation for her self-belief. This kind of support, you know, can make a real difference in how a person approaches their goals. It seems to have given her the confidence to pursue her interests.

Her time studying acting with the Los Angeles Repertory Company was a place where she could really hone her craft. This sort of focused training is often very important for people who want to make a career out of performing. It helps them learn the skills needed to portray different characters convincingly, and she put that training to good use.

Before her most famous parts, Susan Howard had a number of smaller acting assignments. These early experiences, in a way, allowed her to gain experience and build up her skills in front of the camera. Every part, no matter how small, adds to an actor's background and helps them grow. She showed her dedication to her chosen profession right from the start.

Susan Howard and Her Iconic Roles

Susan Howard is perhaps most widely recognized for her work on a couple of very popular television programs. These roles helped her become a familiar face to many people watching TV during those years. Her presence on these shows really made an impression, and she became a household name for many.

Who Was Donna Culver Krebbs, Really?

One of Susan Howard's most well-known characters was Donna Culver Krebbs on the long-running American television series "Dallas." She joined the cast of this very popular show in 1979. Her character, Donna, was a fictional person who became quite important to the story over time. She was portrayed as a young widow who was also raising three children, and this gave her a certain kind of strength that viewers really connected with. It was, you know, a part that showed resilience.

When Susan Howard first appeared on "Dallas," for the second and third seasons of the program, she was in a recurring capacity. This means she showed up sometimes but wasn't in every episode. Then, during the fourth season, she became a regular cast member, which meant her character had a much bigger part to play in the ongoing story. She stayed with the show for many years, until 1987, making Donna Culver Krebbs a character that many fans remember fondly.

The way she brought Donna to life, with that air of strength and resilience, really resonated with people watching the show all over the world. It was a performance that, arguably, added a lot of depth to the series. She was able to show a woman who was capable and strong, even when facing difficult situations. Her portrayal made Donna a character that people could root for, and she became a favorite of many.

Beyond Dallas: Other Memorable Appearances for Susan Howard

While "Dallas" is a big part of her story, Susan Howard also had other notable acting jobs. Before her time as Donna, she played a character named Maggie Petrocelli on a show called "Petrocelli." She was a costar on that series from 1974 to 1976. This earlier role gave her experience as a leading performer and showed her range as an actor.

For fans of science fiction, Susan Howard is particularly famous for a very special reason. She played the character Mara in the "Star Trek: The Original Series" episode called "Day of the Dove." What makes this especially significant is that she was the very first woman to act and speak as a Klingon on "Star Trek." This was, you know, a groundbreaking moment for the show and for her career. She filmed her scenes for this episode in late August of 1968, and it's a part that has stuck with many fans over the decades.

Her acting work also included other television programs and movies. She appeared in "Moonshine County Express," "Superdome," "I Dream of Jeannie," "Come the Morning," and "Savage," among others. These roles, though some might have been small, show the breadth of her work in the entertainment business. She was, in a way, a busy performer, taking on various kinds of parts throughout her active years.

How Did Susan Howard Shape Her Characters?

Susan Howard had a way of bringing her characters to life that made them feel real and relatable. For example, with Donna Culver Krebbs on "Dallas," she wasn't just playing a part; she was embodying a woman facing considerable challenges. The text mentions she brought an "air of strength and resilience" to Donna, which, you know, is a very important quality for a character that viewers will connect with. She made Donna someone who could stand on her own two feet.

Her portrayal of Mara, the first female Klingon in "Star Trek," also shows her ability to take on unique roles. To be the first to do something like that requires a certain kind of presence and conviction. She had to make that character believable within the world of the show, and she did so in a way that, arguably, left a lasting impression on fans. It was a role that needed a performer who could bring a sense of power to it.

It seems that Susan Howard approached her acting work with a commitment to making each character distinct and memorable. Whether it was a strong widow or a pioneering alien warrior, she gave her performances a quality that resonated with audiences. This is, you know, a sign of a truly dedicated actor, someone who cares about the parts they play and how they are received.

Susan Howard's Lasting Influence

Even though her acting career slowed down a bit after her time on "Dallas," Susan Howard has remained a beloved figure in the history of television. Her work, especially on "Dallas," is still very much appreciated by fans of the classic series. People remember her contributions to these popular shows, and her characters continue to hold a special place for many viewers. She is, in a way, a part of TV history.

Beyond her acting, Susan Howard has also been involved in political causes. The text points to her being a political activist, which means she has used her voice and platform to support various issues. This shows that her interests extend beyond just entertainment; she also cares about things that affect society at large. Her involvement in these areas, you know, adds another dimension to her public life.

She has also been recognized for her dedication to charitable causes. Making a significant impact in the entertainment business and beyond suggests that she has used her influence for good in various ways. This kind of commitment to helping others, you know, speaks volumes about her character. It's not just about the roles she played, but also about the person she is.

What's Next for Susan Howard's Legacy?

Susan Howard continues to have an impact on both the entertainment and political spheres. Her past work, particularly her roles on "Dallas" and "Star Trek," ensures that she remains a recognized name. People still look for her movies and TV shows, wanting to watch her performances. This continued interest, you know, shows the enduring appeal of her acting.

Her role as a director of policy and government relations for AASHTO, an experienced transportation policy professional with extensive legislative and regulatory experience at federal and state government levels, suggests a significant shift in her career focus. This kind of work is very different from acting, but it shows her dedication to public service and her ability to work in important areas. It's a testament to her diverse talents and her willingness to engage with different kinds of challenges.

Overall, Susan Howard, born Jeri Lynn Mooney, is a truly interesting person with a wealth of accomplishments and many talents. From her successful acting career, including her famous role as Donna Culver Krebbs on "Dallas" and her groundbreaking part as the first female Klingon on "Star Trek," to her dedication to charitable causes and her work in transportation policy, she has made a considerable mark in the entertainment business and in other areas of public life. She is, you know, someone who has lived a full and impactful existence, leaving behind a memorable body of work and a record of engagement in important issues.

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