Exploring the Cast of ‘Suddenly Susan’: Where Are They Now?

Suddenly Susan was a popular sitcom that aired on NBC from 1996 to 2000. Created by Clyde Phillips and starring Brooke Shields in the title role, the show followed the life of Susan Keane, a magazine writer who navigates both her personal and professional life after a sudden breakup with her fiancé. With its blend of humor, wit, and heart, Suddenly Susan became a favorite among audiences during its four-season run.

Clyde Phillips, known for his work on shows like Parker Lewis Can't Lose and Get Real, was the creative force behind Suddenly Susan. The series was produced by Warner Bros. Television. The show resonated with audiences due to its sharp writing, engaging characters, and comedic situations. The show tackled themes of friendship, love, and self-discovery, offering viewers a lighthearted escape while also addressing relatable issues. Additionally, the talented cast brought their characters to life with charm and humor, making Suddenly Susan a beloved sitcom of the late 1990s.

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Brooke Shields as Susan Keane

Born May 31, 1965, in New York City, Brooke Shields played the title role of Susan Keane. Prior to Suddenly Susan, Shields gained fame as a model (her Calvin Klein commercials were considered scandalous and effective) and actress. At age 12, she starred as a child prostitute in Pretty Baby (1978), she then starred in movies like The Blue Lagoon (1980) and Endless Love (1981).

She guest starred on the hit show Friends and that episode was so well received that she was given her own show, Suddenly Susan.

After the series, she went on to appear in many other TV shows including Law and Order: Special Victim Units, The Middle, and Jane the Virgin. She also did quite a bit of voice work including the voice of Ms. Goodman in Momma Named Me Sherriff and Vicki Vale in the podcast Batman. Most recently she was in the 2022 movie Holiday Harmony.

In her personal life, Shields was married in 1997 to tennis star Andre Agassi; they divorced two years later. She married for the second time in 2001 to Chris Henchy and they had two daughters. She has been open about using fertility treatments to become pregnant as well as her battle suffering depression after giving birth. She authored the book Down Came the Rain: My Journey Through Postpartum Depression.

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Judd Nelson as Jack Richmond

Born on November 28, 1959, in Portland, Maine, Judd Nelson portrayed the character Jack Richmond in Suddenly Susan.

Prior to the show, Nelson gained prominence for his role in the iconic 1985 film The Breakfast Club. He also appeared in other notable films like St. Elmo's Fire.

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After Suddenly Susan ended, Nelson continued to work in both film and television, with roles in Two and a Half Men, CSI: NY and the voice of Ben in Ben 10: Omniverse. He also appeared in several movies including the 2022 film Save Christmas, 2023’s Dante’s Hotel, and 2024’s South of Hope Street.

Kathy Griffin and Vicki Groener

Born on November 4, 1960, in Oak Park, Illinois, Kathy Griffin played Vicki Groener on Suddenly Susan. Prior to the show, Griffin had a successful stand-up comedy career. She also appeared in TV shows like Seinfeld and films like Pulp Fiction (1994).

After Suddenly Susan ended, Griffin continued to pursue comedy, releasing several stand-up specials and starring in the Emmy-winning reality series Kathy Griffin: My Life on the D-List (2005).

She also appeared in several movies including The Cable Guy, Hall Pass and Shrek Forever After.

Most recently she’s been in several TV series including Unconventional (2022), Search Party (2022) Futurama (2023).

Nestor Carbonell as Luis Rivera in the Suddenly Susan cast

Born on December 1, 1967, in New York Cit,  Nestor Carbonell played the role of Luis Rivera.

Carbonell had appeared in various TV shows and films before joining the cast of Suddenly Susan, including roles in Veronica’s Closet, Brotherly Love and A Different World.

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He then became a fan favorite on the show Suddenly Susan. After the series ended, Carbonell continued to work in television. He had a regular role in the series Bates Motel, Ringer and Lost.

He’s also been in several movies including the Dark Knight franchise and 2023’s Bandit.

Most recently, Carbonell stars as Yanko Flores in the hit AppleTV series The Morning Show (starring Reese Witherspoon and Jennifer Aniston).

Barbara Barrie as Helen 'Nana' Keane in the Suddenly Susan cast

Born Barbara Ann Berman in Chicago, Illinois in 1931, Barrie got her acting start on stage. She then won a Cannes Film Festival Award for Best Actress for her performance in the racial drama One Potato, Two Potato (1964). The following decade, Barrie portrayed Evelyn in Breaking Away (1979), which earned her an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actress, and later, an Emmy nomination, when she reprised the role in the television series based on the film. Barrie also was nominated for an Independent Spirit Award for Best Supporting Female for her performance as Sue Berlin, mother to the title character, Judy Berlin (1999).

She was an audience favorite when she starred as Nana on Suddenly Susan. After the series ended, she appeared in several other TV shows including Law & Order, Dead Like Me, Surviving Suburbia and Nurse Jackie. Most recently, Barrie was in the 2023 movie The Magnificent Meyersons.

David Strickland as Todd Stites in the Suddenly Susan cast

Born October 14, 1969, in Glen Cove, New York, David Strickland appeared in shows like Roseanne, Mad About You, Dave's World and Sister, Sister. But he was best known for his role as Todd Stites on Suddenly Susan. He also appeared in several movies including Delivered (1998) and Forces of Nature (1999).

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Strickland suffered from bipolar disorder and depression. He also struggled with substance abuse. He tragically died by suicide in 1999.

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