Susan Luckey, the actress who starred in the musical films Carousel and The Music Man, died at the age of 74 on November 29, 2012. Her daughter, Shayna Reynolds, confirmed her death to the media and said that her mother died of natural causes at her home in Los Angeles. Reynolds also said that Luckey had not been suffering from any long-term illnesses at the time of her death, according to TV Guide.
Early Life and Career of Susan Luckey
Susan Luckey was born as Suzanne Dolores Luckey on April 4, 1938, in Hollywood, California. Her father was a sound editor in the film industry, according to Wikipedia. She graduated from Hollywood Professional School in 1956 and began her acting career on Broadway. She performed in shows such as Peter Pan and Take Me Along in the 1950s.
Luckey made her film debut in Carousel in 1956, playing Louise, the daughter of Billy Bigelow, portrayed by Gordon MacRae. She also appeared in the television movie version of Annie Get Your Gun in 1957 and starred in the Telephone Time episode “Castle Dangerous” that same year.
Her most famous role was Zaneeta, the daughter of Mayor Shinn, in The Music Man in 1962. She reprised the role she had played in the national company of the musical, according to The La Crosse Tribune. Her last film appearance was in Step Out of Your Mind in 1966.
Personal Life and Legacy of Susan Luckey
In 1964, Luckey married actor Larry Douglas, who had divorced Onna White, the choreographer of The Music Man, in 1959. They remained married until his death in 1996. They had one daughter, Shayna Reynolds, who survived her mother.
Luckey’s cause of death was liver failure, according to TMZ. She was cremated and her ashes were stored in a decorative box along with the remains of other family members, per her wishes.
Luckey is remembered as one of Hollywood’s beloved actresses who brought joy and charm to the musical genre. She was praised for her singing and dancing skills and her sweet personality. She left behind a legacy of memorable performances that will continue to entertain generations of fans.
