Susan Gordon
Actor
About Susan Gordon
Susan Gordon was a prominent child actress of the late 1950s and early 1960s, best known for her work in horror and science fiction films. Born into a show business family as the daughter of director Bert Gordon and actress Flora Gordon, she began her acting career at a young age and quickly established herself as a talented performer. Her most memorable role came in 1960's 'Tormented,' directed by her father, where she played Meg Hubbard in this psychological horror film. Throughout her brief but impactful career, she appeared in numerous films and television shows, often cast in roles that showcased her ability to convey emotion beyond her years. After retiring from acting in the late 1960s, she pursued higher education, eventually earning a master's degree in counseling and becoming a licensed psychotherapist. Her transition from child star to mental health professional demonstrated her versatility and commitment to helping others. Gordon's legacy in classic cinema remains significant, particularly among fans of horror and science fiction from that era.
The Craft
On Screen
Natural and authentic for a child performer, with an emotional depth that belied her young age. She excelled in horror and dramatic roles, able to convey fear, innocence, and vulnerability convincingly. Her performances were noted for their sincerity and lack of the artificiality sometimes associated with child actors of the era.
Milestones
- Starred in 'Tormented' (1960) directed by her father Bert Gordon
- Appeared in 'The Fly' (1958) in a supporting role
- Guest starred in 'The Twilight Zone' episode 'The Trouble with Mugsy'
- Featured in 'The Five Pennies' (1959) starring Danny Kaye
- Transitioned successfully to psychology career after acting
Best Known For
Iconic Roles
Must-See Films
Working Relationships
Worked Often With
Studios
Why They Matter
Impact on Culture
Susan Gordon contributed significantly to the horror and science fiction genres during their golden age in the late 1950s and early 1960s. Her performances in films like 'Tormented' and 'The Fly' helped define the era's approach to psychological horror, particularly in how child characters were used to amplify emotional stakes. Her natural acting style set a standard for child performers in horror films, moving away from the overly theatrical style common in earlier decades. Gordon's work continues to be appreciated by classic horror enthusiasts and film historians studying the evolution of the genre.
Lasting Legacy
Susan Gordon's legacy spans both entertainment and mental health fields. In cinema, she remains remembered as one of the most authentic child actresses of her generation, particularly in horror and science fiction films. Her performance in 'Tormented' is frequently cited as an example of effective child acting in psychological horror. Beyond her film career, her successful transition to psychotherapy demonstrated that child stars could find meaningful second careers, serving as an inspiration for others in the entertainment industry. Her work continues to be featured in classic film festivals and retrospectives focusing on horror cinema of the 1960s.
Who They Inspired
Gordon influenced subsequent generations of child actors by demonstrating that natural, understated performances could be more effective than overly dramatic ones, especially in horror and thriller genres. Her ability to convey complex emotions at a young age set a precedent for how child characters could be used to enhance psychological tension in films. Her successful career transition also showed that early fame in Hollywood didn't have to define one's entire life, influencing how other child stars approach their post-entertainment careers.
Off Screen
Susan Gordon was married to Mark Korman from 1976 until his death in 2007. They had one son, Aaron Korman. After her acting career, she dedicated herself to education and mental health work, earning degrees in psychology and counseling. She worked as a licensed psychotherapist and counselor, helping people with various mental health issues. Gordon passed away on December 27, 2011, at the age of 62 after battling thyroid cancer.
Education
Bachelor's degree in psychology, Master's degree in counseling, Licensed psychotherapist
Family
- Mark Korman (1976-2007)
Did You Know?
- She was the daughter of director Bert Gordon, who directed her in 'Tormented'
- Her mother Flora Gordon was also an actress and appeared in several of her father's films
- She appeared in 'The Twilight Zone' episode 'The Trouble with Mugsy' in 1961
- Despite her short acting career, she worked with major stars including Danny Kaye and Vincent Price
- She earned a black belt in karate as an adult
- Her last film role was in 'The Man in the Booth' (1962)
- She appeared in over 20 television shows during her career
- She was often cast as the daughter or young relative of the main character
- Her role in 'The Fly' (1958) was uncredited but memorable
- She retired from acting before her 20th birthday to focus on education
In Their Own Words
Acting was a wonderful experience, but I always knew there was something else I wanted to do with my life.
Working in horror films as a child was interesting because I learned early on that what seems scary on camera is just make-believe.
My parents taught me that show business was just one part of life, not the whole story.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was Susan Gordon?
Susan Gordon was an American child actress active in the late 1950s and early 1960s, best known for her roles in horror and science fiction films, particularly 'Tormented' (1960). She later became a licensed psychotherapist after retiring from acting.
What films is Susan Gordon best known for?
She is best known for 'Tormented' (1960), 'The Fly' (1958), 'The Five Pennies' (1959), and 'The Boy and the Pirates' (1960). She also appeared in numerous television shows including 'The Twilight Zone'.
When was Susan Gordon born and when did she die?
Susan Gordon was born on March 27, 1949, in St. Paul, Minnesota, and died on December 27, 2011, at the age of 62 after battling thyroid cancer.
What awards did Susan Gordon win?
Susan Gordon did not receive major formal awards during her acting career, though her performances were critically praised, particularly her work in 'Tormented' and various television appearances.
What was Susan Gordon's acting style?
Her acting style was noted for its naturalism and authenticity, avoiding the artificiality common in child actors of her era. She excelled at conveying genuine emotion, particularly in horror and dramatic roles.
Did Susan Gordon come from a show business family?
Yes, she was born into an entertainment family. Her father was director Bert Gordon and her mother was actress Flora Gordon, who often appeared in her husband's films.
What did Susan Gordon do after acting?
After retiring from acting in the late 1960s, she pursued higher education in psychology, earning both bachelor's and master's degrees. She became a licensed psychotherapist and counselor, working in mental health for the remainder of her career.
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Films
1 film
