Hollywood star Suzanne Shepherd has died aged 89.
The actress’ agent confirmed to Variety the TV and film star passed away at her home in New York.
Shepherd was best known for her recurring role as Mary DeAngelis on the HBO series, The Sopranos which ran for six seasons.
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She also starred as Karen Hill’s mother in the 1990 classic Goodfellas alongside Robert DeNiro and Samuel L. Jackson, and in films such as Lolita, Uncle Buck and Mystic Pizza.
Off screen, Shepherd worked as an acting coach in New York City.
Tributes have begun to pour in for the actress, with former student, Tom Titone, writing on Facebook, “She saw in me what I could not yet see in myself.”
“I studied with Suzanne as a young actor. 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.
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“For this, I will always be grateful. She was a huge presence. A BIG personality. She roared with life and at it.”
The Sopranos star Ray Abruzzo ,who played Little Carmine Lupertazzi on the show, shared a heartfelt message to Instagram alongside a photo of the actress.
“Sad to hear of the passing of Suzanne Shepherd. A force of nature. Actress, teacher,” he wrote.
Fans and actors alike expressed their sadness at the news in the comments section.
“Rest In Peace ❤️” actor Chris Caldovino wrote.
“She was incredible as Carmela’s mom. The delivery and tone. Unmatched,” someone wrote.
Many remembered the actress for her on-screen lesson about pears.
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“She taught me that canned pears are the key. Not fresh! RIP ?️” one fan wrote.
The late actress also starred in several TV series including Law and Order and Blue Bloods’, with her last screen appearance in The Performance this year.
Shepherd is survived by her daughter Kate Shepherd and her granddaughter Isabelle.
