Recalling Susan Tyrrell

Susan Tyrrell was a phenomenon. I adored her. I first became acquainted with her when she was doing Rachel Owen's Futz, off-broadway in the late sixties.

We did two films together, Fat City, where we played lovers, and a few years later, The Killer Inside Me, where she portrayed a hooker who became the victim of a psychopathic sheriff, which I played.

I loved her whiskey voice, always reeking of soul and sweetness. She was like the Billie Holliday of the dispossessed. She sang the blues with every word she spoke, and the unique colors she brought to the behavior of the characters she played always embraced a vivid portrait of a highly sensual woman. Sexy and vulnerable, not unlike the qualities of a battered Marilyn Monroe. Susu also had a wonderful sense of humor and an infectious laugh.

She was irresistible.

Her bravery and positivity in the face of the disease that took her legs was monumental. She was such an inspiration to me.

Also, unbeknownst to many, she was a great artist. Her drawings and paintings are brilliant and unique.

I miss her terribly. She died too young. My thoughts and prayers are with her and her family on this sad occasion.