Goodfellas actress Suzanne Shepherd dies at 89, actors pay heartfelt tribute

Actress Suzanne Shepherd, beloved for her roles as mob-wife mother on The Sopranos and Martin Scorsese’s Goodfellas, passed away peacefully early November 17. She was 89 at the time and was at her New York residence. The news was shared with the public primarily by her daughter Kate and actor Tim Titone. Her co-actor Ray Abruzzo also took to Instagram to express condolences.

Tim Titone took to Facebook yesterday to share the sad news. He recalled his best memories and close bond with the late actress gratefully, “I studied with Suzanne as a young actor. She saw in me what I could not yet see in myself. She introduced me to my husband. She was the officiant to our marriage under a beautiful gazebo in Central Park with a gathering of family and friends. For this, I will always be grateful.”

The actor concluded his tribute by mentioning how great an actress his mentor was, “She was a huge presence. A BIG personality. She roared with life and at it. May she rest now.” Titone also organized a Shiva to be held this Monday and Tuesday from 5pm to 8pm.

Fellow Sopranos actor, Ray Abruzzo paid tribute to Shepherd on Instagram, “Sad to hear of the passing of Suzanne Shepherd. A force of nature. Actress, teacher. Played Carmella’s mother on Sopranos and Karen’s mother in Goodfellas. “

The acting coach was not only a part of more than 40 films and TV series, despite joining the film industry in her 50s, but also a regional theatre director of stage productions across the world. Suzanne Shepherd is currently survived by her daughter Kate, son-in-law Miles, daughter-in-law Joyce, and granddaughter Isabelle.