Actress Susan Blakely, a prominent star of 1970s cinema and television, made a rare public appearance in Los Angeles this week. Known for her breakout role in the 1976 miniseries Rich Man, Poor Man and her performances in disaster films like The Towering Inferno, the 77-year-old actress remains a recognizable figure from Hollywood’s golden era of the mid-20th century.
Career Milestones and Breakout Roles
Susan Blakely gained widespread recognition for her portrayal of Julie Prescott in the landmark miniseries Rich Man, Poor Man. Her performance earned her a Golden Globe Award for Best Actress in a Television Series Drama and an Emmy Award nomination for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Miniseries or a Movie. The series featured an ensemble cast, including Nick Nolte, Peter Strauss, Bill Bixby, Ed Asner, and Robert Reed.
Blakely has previously attributed her casting in the project to a recommendation from Carol Burnett, who had seen her performance in the 1975 film Report to the Commissioner.
Impact on 1970s Disaster Cinema
Beyond her television work, Blakely was a fixture in the disaster film genre, which saw immense popularity during the 1970s. She appeared in the 1974 film The Towering Inferno, working alongside industry legends Paul Newman, Steve McQueen, and William Holden. She later starred in the 1979 film The Concorde… Airport ’79.
Blakely has noted that her decision to join the cast of The Towering Inferno was heavily influenced by the opportunity to work with Paul Newman. Her filmography also includes roles in features such as Over the Top and My Mom’s a Werewolf.
Television and Later Projects
Throughout the 1980s and 1990s, Blakely maintained a consistent presence in television, including lead roles in made-for-television movies like Will There Really Be a Morning?, where she portrayed actress Frances Farmer. Her later career included guest appearances on various series, such as Murder, She Wrote, NCIS, and This Is Us.
Blakely, who was born on September 7, 1948, in Frankfurt, Germany, continues to participate in industry events, recently attending the 2026 Annual Movies for Grownups Awards alongside Sharon Stone. She married media expert and filmmaker Henry Jaffe in 1982.