Suzanne Shepherd, Actress in The Sopranos and Goodfellas, Dead at 89: ‘Force of Nature’

Suzanne Shepherd, actress best known for her roles in Good guys and as the mother of Carmella Soprano in The Soprano family, died. She was 89 years old.

Shepherd died “peacefully at her home” in New York early Friday morning, a rep confirmed to PEOPLE. The statement also described the actress as a “director, legendary acting teacher and personal trainer.” Sun was the first to confirm the news of her death.

She is survived by her daughter Kate Shepherd, son-in-law Miles McManus and granddaughter Isabelle Shepherd. A memorial service for the actress will be announced “in early 2024,” according to her rep.

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Suzanne Shepherd (far right) appears in a 2001 episode of ‘The Sopranos’ with Sharon Angelo and Tom Aldredge.

HBO/Courtesy of the Everett Collection

Suzanne’s daughter Kate reportedly told TMZ that her mother suffered from chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and that the cause of death has not yet been determined.

Shepherd has appeared in several films and series since the 1980s. According to IMDB, her first major role was as Aunt Tweedy in 1988 Mystic pizza. She then starred in Martin Scorsese’s 1990 classic Good guys as Karen’s mother, as in 1997 Lolita and the 2000s Requiem for a dream. Her last documented role was 2023’s Tess Appearance.

On television, Shepherd has appeared on shows including Law and order and blue blood, among others.

The actress was loved by The Sopranos fans for her work as Carmella’s mother, Mary DeAngelis. She played the character in 20 episodes from 2000 to 2007 during the show’s run, according to IMDB.

“Sad to hear that Suzanne Shepherd has passed away,” wrote Ray Abruzzo, who played little Carmine Lupertazzi on the show, on Instagram alongside a picture of his late co-star. “A force of nature. Actress, teacher. Played Carmella’s mother on The Sopranos and Karen’s mother on Goodfellas.”

According to DiversityShepherd has been an acting coach for more than four decades in New York, has directed in theaters across the country, and has an upcoming documentary, The gift of fire, focusing on her teaching work.

Suzanne Shepherd at the premiere of ‘The Week Of’ in New York 2018.

Gilbert Carrasquillo/FilmMagic

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Shepherd’s granddaughter Isabelle paid tribute to her on Instagram on Saturday, remembering her as the family matriarch.

In the post, Isabelle shared that her grandmother “shaped me and my life” and “instilled in me a love for literature and language, and enthusiasm for the beauty that this world holds.”

“I’ve been thinking about the role of such a figure and I find it most obvious and tangible in the spaces they create for sharing,” she wrote alongside flashback images of her and her grandmother. “And oh, the magical places Suzanne has created!”

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Source: HIS Education