Celebrity Info
Susan Tyrrell was a flinty blonde actress who made her mark playing spangly, larger-than-life film femmes ever since her screen debut in Shoot Out (1971). It’s kind of ironic, really—Susan Tyrrell actually began her career as a teenage ingénue in the stage comedy Time Out for Ginger, where she starred opposite Art Carney. But once she settled into life in New York City, things took a turn. She started gravitating toward—and excelling in—roles of women with complicated pasts and questionable virtue, shining in stage productions like The Time of Your Life and Camino Real.
Then came her breakout film role: in John Huston’s Fat City (1972), Susan Tyrrell delivered a powerful, raw performance as an alcoholic caught in an interracial romance. Her portrayal was so compelling that it earned her a well-deserved Oscar nomination for Best Supporting Actress. That kind of recognition might have opened doors for some, but like many talented female actors, Susan Tyrrell found that strong roles became harder to come by as time went on.
Instead, she was often cast as tough, world-weary characters—the kind shaped by hardship. For instance, she played George C. Scott’s mistress in Islands in the Stream (1976), bringing depth and nuance to a woman living on the margins. Susan Tyrrell leaned into these edgy, unconventional roles with flair. She appeared as Carroll Baker’s rebellious daughter-in-law in Andy Warhol’s Bad (1976), and later gave a memorable turn as a lesbian apartment manager in Angel (1984) and its sequel, Avenging Angel (1985).
One of her most delightful performances came in John Waters’ Cry Baby (1990), where Susan Tyrrell played Johnny Depp’s acid-breathing grandmother—a rough-around-the-edges matriarch with a soft spot for troublemakers. Audiences loved her in that role, and it perfectly showcased her ability to balance grit with humor. Whether she was portraying motorcycling bad girls or retro 1950s-style moms, Susan Tyrrell brought authenticity to every character. You could see it in films like Big Top Pee-Wee (1988), where she played Midge with just the right mix of camp and charm, or in the wildly offbeat Rockula (1990), a movie so over-the-top it practically invented its own genre.
Her work on television followed a similar path. Susan Tyrrell brought her signature intensity to small-screen projects, such as her role as a prisoner in Willow B: Women in Prison (ABC, 1980), and as a feisty lady of the evening who throws down with Elizabeth Taylor in Poker Alice (CBS, 1987). There was always something magnetic about Susan Tyrrell—she commanded attention, even in the wildest of roles.
Over the years, Susan Tyrrell became a beloved figure in American cinema, especially among fans of cult classics and bold, character-driven storytelling. Her legacy lives on through her fearless performances and unforgettable presence. The cherished actress passed away on June 18, 2012, leaving behind a body of work that continues to inspire and entertain.
When it comes to Susan Tyrrell’s filmography, one standout performance that really defined her career was in Fat City (1972), which happens to be her highest rated movie. Critics and audiences alike praised her role in that film, showcasing the depth of her talent. On the other hand, Susan Tyrrell also had her share of less successful projects, with Shootout (1971) landing as her lowest rated movie. While not every role she took on received glowing reviews, Susan Tyrrell’s contribution to cinema remains memorable. It’s clear that Susan Tyrrell brought a unique presence to each character she played, whether in her most acclaimed work like Fat City or in films that didn’t quite hit the mark, such as Shootout. Overall, Susan Tyrrell’s legacy lives on through these performances.
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