Yvonne Suhor, a talented actress and a passionate acting teacher, passed away on September 27, 2018, at her home in Orlando, Florida. She was 56 years old and had been battling pancreatic cancer for 10 months.
A Versatile Performer
Suhor was born on November 29, 1961, in New Orleans, Louisiana. She moved to Champaign, Illinois, with her father and five siblings when she was 15. She attended Central High School and Parkland College, then received a bachelor’s degree in theater from Illinois State University.
She began her professional acting career in Chicago, where she performed in several stage productions, including the Steppenwolf Theatre’s acclaimed adaptation of The Grapes of Wrath and Lydie Breeze. She also appeared in regional theaters across the country, such as the Goodman Theatre, the Arena Stage, and the Mark Taper Forum.
She moved to Hollywood in the late 1980s and landed several television roles, most notably as Louise McCloud, a young woman who disguised herself as a man to join the Pony Express, on the ABC Western series The Young Riders. The show ran for three seasons from 1989 to 1992 and also starred Josh Brolin, Stephen Baldwin, Melissa Leo, and Anthony Zerbe.
Suhor also guest-starred on popular shows such as Northern Exposure, Brooklyn Bridge, Star Trek: Voyager, and Murder, She Wrote. She received an Emmy nomination for her performance as Cicely, a lesbian pioneer who falls in love with Maggie O’Connell (Janine Turner), on a memorable episode of Northern Exposure titled “Cicely”.
While pursuing her acting career, Suhor also earned a master of fine arts degree from the University of Southern California.
A Dedicated Teacher
In 1997, Suhor founded Art’s Sake Acting Studio in Orlando, where she taught film acting based on the Meisner technique. She also directed and mentored countless actors who sought to discover their art and express their truth.
“Her legacy is unbeatable and undeniable–a brilliant, creative spark whose light continues to shine on through all of those who were blessed to be in her path and under her wing,” said Jennifer Jarackas, a longtime colleague and friend of Suhor.
Suhor was also involved in the local theater community and supported various arts organizations. She was a member of the Screen Actors Guild and Actors’ Equity Association.
A Loving Family
Suhor married Simon Needham, a Shakespearean actor from London, England, on March 19, 2001. They met at a fringe festival and shared a love for theater and travel. Needham was by her side when she died at her home with her family near her.
Suhor is survived by her husband; her father and stepmother, Charles Suhor and Deborah Little; sisters Julie Alexander, Beth Suhor, Cathy Suhor, Dianna Hope, and Janet Kotlinski; brothers Michael, Paul (Garuda), and David Suhor; and many nieces, nephews, and former students.
She was preceded in death by her mother, Jessie Miller Suhor; brother Stephan Sure (born Gregory Suhor); sister Jean (“DJ”) Suhor; and niece Tara Reaves.
Suhor’s family requested that donations be made in her memory to the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network or the Actors Fund.
Suhor will be remembered for her talent, passion, generosity, courage, and grace. She touched many lives with her art and her heart.
