Susan Howard - A Look At Her Acting And Activism

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There is a certain appeal, you know, to people who manage to wear many different hats in life, and Susan Howard, it seems, is definitely one of those individuals. She is someone who has made her mark in several areas, stepping into the public eye as an actress, then also using her voice as a writer, and, rather interestingly, dedicating some of her time to political causes. It is, in a way, quite remarkable to see how someone can be so involved across such a range of activities, making a real impact in each one. Her story gives us a peek into a life lived with purpose, moving from one important role to another.

Many people, of course, might recognize her most readily from her time on a very popular television show, where she played a character who was quite central to the storyline. But that is just one part of her professional journey, as a matter of fact. She has appeared in a number of other productions, bringing a certain something to each part she took on, making them memorable for audiences who watched. It is, you know, a testament to her acting abilities that she could create such distinct and lasting impressions on the screen.

Beyond the bright lights of the television set, Susan Howard has, as I was saying, also put her energy into things that matter deeply to her. She has, in some respects, shown a real commitment to issues that go beyond entertainment, using her platform to speak about beliefs and ideas. This aspect of her life, her work as a political activist, adds another layer to her public persona, showing a person who is interested in more than just performing. It paints a picture of a well-rounded individual, very much engaged with the wider world.

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The Life and Times of Susan Howard

Susan Howard, whose given name was Jeri Lynn Mooney, came into the world on January 28, 1944, in a place called Marshall, Texas. She is, you know, a person who has worn many hats in her public life, being known for her work as someone who performs for audiences, someone who puts words on paper, and someone who works for political causes. Her early years were spent in the very place she was born and grew up, in Marshall, Texas, where, it seems, her natural gift for acting began to show itself quite early on. She, apparently, received some recognition for her acting skill, even winning an award from the UIL, which is a university interscholastic league. This early acknowledgment, in a way, probably gave her a good push to continue pursuing her passion for performance.

She made a point of studying how to act, learning the skills needed to perform for others. This dedication to her craft, you know, allowed her to develop the abilities that would later make her a familiar face on television screens across the country. There was a time, too, when she was a young widow, taking care of three children, and this experience, it is said, brought a particular kind of presence to her work. It is almost as if her personal experiences added a certain depth to the characters she played, giving them a more believable feel. She, in fact, continued to take on smaller roles in different productions during her early career, building up her experience and getting ready for the bigger parts that would come her way.

Personal Details - Susan Howard

Full NameJeri Lynn Mooney
Known AsSusan Howard
Birth DateJanuary 28, 1944 (some sources say 1942 or 1950, but 1944 is most often cited)
BirthplaceMarshall, Texas
OccupationsActress, Writer, Political Activist
Notable RolesDonna Culver Krebbs (Dallas), Maggie Petrocelli (Petrocelli), Mara (Star Trek)

What Roles Did Susan Howard Bring to Life?

Susan Howard, as many people know, became a household name for her part as Donna Culver Krebbs on the very popular American television series, "Dallas." She played this character from 1979 all the way through 1987, making Donna a really important person in the story. Her portrayal of Donna, you know, was something that audiences connected with, and it is pretty clear that this role became one of her most recognized contributions to television. She, in fact, joined the cast of the series in 1979, becoming a key part of the show's success during its long run.

Before her time on "Dallas," Susan Howard had already made a name for herself by taking on another significant role. She played Maggie Petrocelli on a show simply called "Petrocelli." This part, too, allowed her to show her range as a performer, giving a different kind of performance than what viewers would later see from her on "Dallas." It is interesting, in a way, to see how actors move from one big role to another, bringing their own touch to each one. Her work on "Petrocelli" definitely helped set the stage for her later, more widespread fame.

And then, there is a particular role that holds a special place for a whole lot of science fiction fans, especially those who follow "Star Trek." To these dedicated followers, Susan Howard is perhaps best known for being the actress who played Mara, the very first female Klingon to appear in the series. This was, you know, quite a significant moment in the show's history, and her performance as Mara left a lasting impression on those who watched. It is, in some respects, a role that stands out because of its unique place in a much-loved cultural phenomenon, showing her ability to step into different kinds of characters, even those from other worlds.

Beyond the Screen - Who is Susan Howard as an Activist?

While many people know Susan Howard for her performances on television, she has, as I was saying, also dedicated a good deal of her time and energy to causes that matter to her deeply. She is known as a political activist, which means she gets involved in working for certain beliefs and changes in society. This aspect of her life shows that she is not just interested in acting out stories, but also in making a real difference in the world around her. It is, you know, a part of her public identity that gives a fuller picture of who she is as a person.

There is a particular story that gives us a glimpse into her early connection with political events. After the Democratic Convention in 1968, which was a very turbulent time in American history, there was a call for people to try out for a film. This film, apparently, had several parts for young people who had been involved in the disruptions that took place at the convention. It is, in a way, quite telling that she was looking at roles that reflected the social and political climate of the time, suggesting an early interest in these matters. This experience, you know, might have been one of the first steps in her path toward becoming more involved in political activities.

Her commitment to political issues shows that she is someone who thinks about things beyond her acting career. She uses her voice and her position to speak up for what she believes is right, which is, you know, a pretty powerful thing for someone in the public eye to do. It suggests a person with strong convictions, willing to stand up for her ideas. This side of Susan Howard adds a lot to her overall story, showing that she is a person with a wide range of interests and a real desire to contribute to society in more ways than one.

How Did Susan Howard Shape Her Characters?

When Susan Howard took on a role, she brought a certain personal touch to it, which is something many performers do, but hers, you know, seems to have been quite distinct. For instance, the information tells us that as a young widow who was also raising three children, she carried a particular kind of presence with her. This experience, it is almost certain, gave her a unique lens through which to view the characters she played, especially those who might have faced their own struggles or carried their own burdens. It is, in a way, a subtle but powerful influence on her performances.

Her personal background, therefore, might have allowed her to give a more genuine portrayal of characters who were dealing with life's ups and downs. When she played Donna Culver Krebbs on "Dallas," for example, or Maggie Petrocelli, or even Mara the Klingon, these experiences could have helped her find the deeper parts of those individuals. It is, you know, not just about saying the lines, but about bringing a real sense of human experience to the part. This ability to draw from her own life, even in a small way, likely made her characters feel more alive and believable to the people watching.

She also, of course, studied acting, which means she learned techniques to help her get into character. This formal training, combined with her own life lessons, probably gave her a pretty good set of tools for her craft. So, it is not just one thing, but a mix of her learned skills and her personal journey that helped her shape the people she played on screen. Her approach, it seems, was to bring a full sense of humanity to each part, making them more than just words on a script.

The Name Susan Howard - What's Its Story?

The name Susan, which is what Jeri Lynn Mooney became known as, has a rather interesting background, you know. It is a girl's name that comes from Hebrew, and its meaning is quite lovely: "lily" or "lotus flower." This comes from the Hebrew word "shoshannah," which itself is from "shoshan." It is, in a way, a name with deep roots, connecting back to ancient Persian, Egyptian, and Greek languages as well. So, when we hear the name Susan, it carries with it a long history and a beautiful natural image.

While Susan Howard is a contemporary figure, the name "Susan" itself had a very popular period in the past. It was, in fact, extremely common in both the United States and the United Kingdom from the 1940s up through the 1960s. This means that many mothers and grandmothers today might carry that name, which gives it a familiar, comforting feel for a lot of people. It is, you know, a name that has seen its heyday, and while it might not be as common for new babies now, it still holds a place in many hearts and memories.

There was, of course, a very famous person who bore the name Susan: the American feminist Susan B. Anthony. Her legacy, in a way, adds another layer of meaning to the name, connecting it to ideas of strength and fighting for what is right. So, when we consider the name Susan, we are looking at something that is not just pretty, but also carries a sense of history and, in some cases, a connection to important social movements. It is, you know, more than just a label; it is a piece of cultural heritage.

Susan Howard's Lasting Impressions

Even though some of Susan Howard's most well-known work happened a while ago, her performances, you know, continue to make an impact on people even today. For those who grew up watching "Dallas," her character Donna Culver Krebbs is still a memorable part of that show's story. It is pretty clear that her portrayal helped make Donna a character that viewers felt something for, whether it was sympathy or admiration. This kind of lasting connection, in a way, speaks to the strength of her acting and the appeal of the stories she was a part of.

Then, of course, there are the "Star Trek" fans, a very dedicated group, who hold her performance as Mara, the first female Klingon, in very high regard. This role, though perhaps a smaller one in her overall career, made a really big splash in that particular fan community. It is, you know, quite a unique claim to fame, to be the first of something so significant in a beloved series. Her presence as Mara is still talked about and remembered by people who follow the show, which shows the enduring nature of her contribution to that universe.

Her ability to take on different kinds of parts, from a strong woman in a family drama to a character from another planet in a science fiction show, truly shows her range as a performer. It is, in some respects, this versatility that has helped her leave such a distinct mark on popular culture. People remember her for different reasons, depending on what shows they watched, but the common thread is that she left an impression. This, you know, is what many performers hope for: to be remembered for the characters they brought to life.

Where Can We See More of Susan Howard's Work?

For those who are interested in revisiting Susan Howard's performances, or perhaps seeing them for the very first time, there are, you know, several ways to do so. Her most famous role, Donna Culver Krebbs on "Dallas," is still quite accessible. Many classic television shows, including "Dallas," are available for people to watch again and again through various streaming services or on channels that specialize in older programs. It is, in a way, a chance to see her work from that period of television history.

Similarly, her role as Maggie Petrocelli on "Petrocelli" might also be found on some of these platforms or through channels that show older dramas. These older series, in fact, often find new audiences as people discover them years later. It is, you know, a good opportunity to see her earlier work and how she developed as a performer before her big role on "Dallas." Her contributions to these shows remain available for viewing, allowing her work to continue to be seen by new generations.

And, of course, for the dedicated "Star Trek" enthusiasts, her appearance as Mara the Klingon is part of that show's extensive collection. "Star Trek" has a very loyal following, and all its episodes, including the one featuring Susan Howard, are typically easy to find on streaming services or through official releases. So, you know, whether you are looking for a classic drama or a piece of science fiction history, there are ways to experience the performances that Susan Howard brought to the screen.

This article has explored the life and career of Susan Howard, covering her background as Jeri Lynn Mooney, her birth in Marshall, Texas, and her multifaceted roles as an actress, writer, and political activist. We looked at her prominent acting parts, including Donna Culver Krebbs on "Dallas," Maggie Petrocelli on "Petrocelli," and Mara the Klingon on "Star Trek." The discussion also touched upon her political activism, hinting at her early connections to social movements. We considered how her personal experiences, such as being a young widow, might have influenced her portrayals. The piece also delved into the history and meaning of the name Susan, noting its Hebrew origins and past popularity. Finally, it covered the lasting impressions of her work and where her performances can still be found by viewers today.

Susan Howard Posed in Blue Background Portrait wearing Printed Formal

Susan Howard Posed in Blue Background Portrait wearing Printed Formal

Susan Howard - Actress, Writer, Activist

Susan Howard - Actress, Writer, Activist

Susan Howard : ClassicScreenBeauties

Susan Howard : ClassicScreenBeauties

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