There are some faces that just stick with you, even years after a television show has finished its run. For many, that face belongs to Susan Ruttan, an American actress whose contributions to the screen have left a lasting impression. She is perhaps most recognized for her portrayal of Roxanne Melman, a character who brought a lot of heart and a certain kind of grounded sensibility to a popular legal drama. Her work truly resonated with many people who watched that show, leaving them with good memories.
Her acting career spans quite a few years, and she has certainly made her mark, especially with that particular role that earned her a lot of praise and recognition. It's interesting, too, how some performers become so closely associated with a single character, even when they have done other things. Susan Ruttan, you know, really brought a special something to the parts she played, making them feel real and relatable to folks watching at home.
This article will take a closer look at her professional life, exploring the roles she has taken on and the impact she has had in the entertainment world. We will also, you know, touch upon the interesting background of the name "Susan" itself, which has a story all its own. It's a bit like peeling back layers, finding out more about someone who has been a part of our shared viewing experiences for quite a while.
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Table of Contents
- The Life and Times of Susan Ruttan
- Who is Susan Ruttan - Her Path to the Screen?
- How Did Susan Ruttan Become a Household Name?
- Beyond L.A. Law - Susan Ruttan's Other Works
- What Roles Did Susan Ruttan Play After Her Iconic Series?
- The Enduring Legacy of Susan Ruttan
- What is the Meaning Behind the Name Susan?
- How Has the Name Susan Evolved Through Time?
The Life and Times of Susan Ruttan
Susan Ruttan, whose birth name was Susan Diane Dunrud, came into the world on September 16, 1948. Her birthplace was Oregon City, Oregon, in the United States. She grew up to become an American actress, and also has some experience as a producer, too. Her professional life has mostly centered around performing for audiences, whether on television or in other visual presentations. It's really quite something to consider how long she has been working in the performing arts, bringing characters to life for so many people.
People mostly know her for a very specific role, that of Roxanne Melman, on a well-known show called L.A. Law. This part truly put her on the map for a lot of viewers, and she received quite a bit of praise for it, which we will get into a little later. But her career is more than just that one part, as she has been involved in a number of different projects over the years. She has certainly built up a body of work that shows her dedication to her craft, giving us a good picture of her capabilities as a performer. It's pretty cool, you know, to see how someone can leave such a lasting mark in their chosen field.
Here is a quick look at some personal details about Susan Ruttan:
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Detail | Information |
---|---|
Full Name | Susan Diane Dunrud (later Ruttan) |
Born | September 16, 1948 |
Birthplace | Oregon City, Oregon, USA |
Occupation | Actress, Producer |
Best Known For | Roxanne Melman on L.A. Law |
Notable Recognition | Four Emmy nominations for her acting |
Who is Susan Ruttan - Her Path to the Screen?
Every actor has a story about how they found their way into the acting world, and Susan Ruttan is no different. While the specific details of her early acting days are not extensively detailed in the common information, it's pretty clear that she put in the time and effort to build a professional acting career. Her journey, like many performers, likely involved various smaller roles and opportunities that helped her develop her skills and gain experience. You know, it's often a gradual climb, with each part, big or small, adding to a person's overall capability and presence on screen. She must have had a lot of dedication to keep going in a field that can be, well, quite demanding.
It was after the 1968 democratic convention that a casting call went out for a film that needed several young people for various roles. This kind of opportunity is often how many actors get their initial start, finding a way to get their foot in the door and show what they can do. Susan Ruttan's career certainly blossomed over time, leading her to some very prominent parts that would make her a familiar face to many television watchers. It's really interesting to think about how these initial chances can shape an entire professional life, too. She, you know, really made the most of her opportunities.
Her work as an actress has spanned different types of productions, showing her versatility. From television series to movies, she has taken on various characters, each one adding to her body of work. The commitment to her craft is evident in the range of performances she has given over the years, which is something that audiences tend to appreciate. It's a testament, perhaps, to her genuine interest in the art of performing, that she has maintained a steady presence in the industry for so long. She has, you know, pretty much made a career out of bringing stories to life.
How Did Susan Ruttan Become a Household Name?
For many, the name Susan Ruttan is immediately linked to her role as Roxanne Melman on the popular legal drama, L.A. Law. This show, which started in 1986, truly gave her a platform to shine and made her a very recognizable face in homes across the country. Her character, Roxanne, was the caring assistant to a lawyer named Arnold Becker, who was played by Corbin Bernsen. The dynamic between these two characters was a significant part of the show's appeal, providing a lot of the show's warmth and, you know, some of its lighter moments.
Roxanne Melman was not just a background character; she was someone who truly mattered to the viewers. Her kind and steady presence provided a balance to the often dramatic and intense happenings at the law firm. People grew fond of her, and her performances were certainly noticed by those in the industry. It's pretty clear that her portrayal resonated deeply with audiences, making her a fan favorite and a memorable part of the series. She, you know, really made that character her own.
Over the course of her time on L.A. Law, Susan Ruttan received significant recognition for her acting. She earned four Emmy nominations for her performance as Roxanne Melman. This kind of acknowledgment from her peers and the television academy speaks volumes about the quality of her work and the impact she had on the show. It's a considerable achievement to be nominated for such a prestigious award multiple times for the same role, showing a consistent level of excellence. That, you know, is really something to be proud of, getting that kind of repeated appreciation.
Beyond L.A. Law - Susan Ruttan's Other Works
While her role on L.A. Law is certainly what she is most widely known for, Susan Ruttan's professional activities extend beyond that iconic series. She has been an actress and producer on other projects, showing her range and her dedication to her craft. For instance, she was involved with a movie called Dead Air, which came out in 2009, and another film titled Krippendorf's Tribe from 1998. These projects, you know, highlight her willingness to take on different kinds of stories and characters.
Her complete collection of movies and television shows can be explored, giving people a chance to see the full scope of her professional life. Websites that track filmographies can provide a detailed look at every movie and television show where she has received a credit. This offers a broader perspective on her acting journey, showing that she has been a consistent presence in the entertainment world for quite some time. It's really quite something to see how many different productions she has been a part of, too, over the years.
People can find out where to watch her latest movies and television shows, too, which is helpful for anyone wanting to explore her work beyond L.A. Law. This means that her performances are still accessible to new audiences and long-time admirers alike. Her work has appeared in various forms, including television productions and theatrical releases, which shows a good deal of versatility in her professional choices. She, you know, has pretty much covered a lot of ground in her career.
What Roles Did Susan Ruttan Play After Her Iconic Series?
After her very well-known time as Roxanne Melman, Susan Ruttan continued to work in the acting field, taking on various roles that further demonstrated her abilities. While no single part may have reached the same level of widespread recognition as her L.A. Law character, her continued presence in the industry speaks to her enduring talent and commitment. She has appeared in different productions, showing that she is a performer who keeps working and developing her skills. It's pretty typical for actors to have a breakout role and then continue with a steady stream of other interesting parts, too.
Her work after L.A. Law includes appearances in both television and theatre, which means she has performed for live audiences as well as for the camera. This kind of range is often a sign of a truly dedicated performer, someone who enjoys the process of acting in its various forms. Her filmography, as mentioned, includes a range of projects, showing that she did not just stop acting after her most famous role. She, you know, really kept busy with her craft.
It's also interesting to note how public perception can sometimes stick to an actor's most famous role. There have been instances, such as photos obtained by a newspaper, where Susan Ruttan appeared quite different from her character Roxanne Melman, even 31 years after the show concluded. This simply highlights how deeply ingrained certain characters become in the public's memory, and how actors, like anyone else, change over time. It just goes to show, too, that the person behind the character is, well, just a person.
The Enduring Legacy of Susan Ruttan
Susan Ruttan's contributions to television and film have left a notable mark on the entertainment landscape. Her portrayal of Roxanne Melman is a part of television history that many people still recall fondly. The fact that she received multiple Emmy nominations for this role truly solidifies her place as a respected performer in the industry. It's a pretty strong indicator of the quality of her acting and how much her character meant to the audience and critics alike. She, you know, really made that part stand out.
Beyond the accolades, her enduring legacy also comes from the genuine connection she made with viewers through her characters. Her ability to bring warmth and a sense of realism to her roles is something that people remember. The influence she had on those who watched her work, particularly during her most prominent years, is a part of her story. It's quite something when a performer can create a character that feels so real that it stays with people for many years after the show has ended. That, you know, is a sign of true impact.
Her career journey, from her birth in Oregon City to her celebrated roles, offers a look at a professional life dedicated to acting. Exploring her full list of credits and learning about her various projects provides a more complete picture of her contributions. It shows that she is more than just one famous part, but a performer with a range of experiences and achievements. She has, you know, pretty much built a solid body of work over her career.
What is the Meaning Behind the Name Susan?
It's quite interesting to consider the meaning and background of the name "Susan" itself, which Susan Ruttan shares. The name Susan is a girl's name with origins in Hebrew. It carries the meaning of "lily" or "lotus flower." This meaning is pretty lovely, evoking images of beauty and purity associated with these flowers. It's also sometimes connected to "lily of the valley," which is another graceful flower. That, you know, gives the name a very pleasant natural association.
Historically, the name Susan had a very popular period, particularly from the 1930s through the 1960s. During these decades, it was a very common choice for baby girls, both in the United States and the United Kingdom, especially between the 1940s and 1960s. While it might be more common among mothers and grandmothers these days, its historical popularity certainly left its mark. It's pretty common, you know, for names to have these kinds of peaks and valleys in popularity over time.
The name Susan is a feminine given name and is the usual English version of names like Susanna or Susannah. All of these variations come from the Hebrew name Shoshana, which itself comes from the Hebrew word "shoshan," meaning "lily." Scholars also believe that the origin of Susan might be linked to an ancient Egyptian word. This layered history shows just how far back the roots of this name go, connecting it to various cultures and languages. It's quite a rich background for a name, too, when you think about it.
A very notable person who bore this name was the American feminist Susan B. Anthony, who made significant contributions to women's rights. Her association with the name adds another layer of historical importance and strength to it. So, you know, the name has been carried by some truly impactful people throughout history.
How Has the Name Susan Evolved Through Time?
The name Susan has certainly had an interesting journey through history, showing how names can change and adapt across different languages and cultures. It is considered an English name, but its true roots are, as we discussed, in Hebrew. The fact that it's a shortened version, or a contraction, of names like Susanna, which can be found in English, German, and Italian, really highlights its widespread appeal and how it traveled. It's pretty common, you know, for names to have these kinds of shorter forms develop over time.
Its connection to the Hebrew word "shushannah," meaning "lily of the valley," and its potential association with ancient Persian influences, speaks to a very diverse heritage. This kind of background gives the name a certain depth, linking it to various ancient civilizations and their languages. It's more than just a sound; it carries a lot of cultural and historical baggage, in a good way. That, you know, is what makes studying names so fascinating.
The name Susan has been made even more well-known by its use in many different contexts, from literature to public figures. This widespread usage has helped keep the name in public awareness, even as its peak popularity has passed. It's a name that has a gentle sound but a strong, historical foundation, and its connection to the lily flower certainly gives it a beautiful meaning that resonates with many people. It's pretty clear that, you know, this name has a lot of staying power.
In short, this article has taken a look at Susan Ruttan, the American actress known for her role as Roxanne Melman on L.A. Law, including her Emmy nominations and other acting projects. We also explored the origins and meaning of the name Susan, tracing its Hebrew roots and historical popularity.
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