Meet Susan Lavelle | Actor

We had the good fortune of connecting with Susan Lavelle and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Susan, can you share the most important lesson you’ve learned over the course of your career?
Being an actor has definitely taught me not to be judgmental to other people. When you get to play different characters from different walks of life as I’ve been fortunate to do, you are not only stepping into that character’s shoes but you are also creating that character’s background. Your prep work: Where did they come from? What was their childhood like? How did they get to be who they are now in the script, happy, angry, sad and so on. It’s definitely psychology involved and it’s fascinating. So you become more compassionate, understanding , patient and have more empathy as a human being toward others because after all, we all really are characters in our own right, with our own stories to tell.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
What sets me apart from others is that I was actor/model early in my 20’s and I had some success. I slowly glided out of the business to have a family. I really got sidetracked due to personal reasons and I ended up with a very long hiatus from acting. I truly didn’t think I would have another chance at it again. But when a passion burns inside of you, it may dim but it never dies. I decided to go back to where I started, acting class with Janet Alhanti and Iris Klein. About 3 years ago, my friend and actress, Jennifer Collins took notice and asked me why I wasn’t acting anymore. I only had lame excuses for answers. Jennifer being the most positive person ever, opened doors for me and one thing led to another. Not everyone is like Jennifer, willing to share their blessings and love. I started with award winning short films with the wonderful director, Dianna Ippolito and that led to parts and leading roles in independent feature films.
It’s a combination of being ready, surrounding yourself with the right people, going for it without hesitation and lots of Faith!! I am doing better now in acting than I ever did in my 20’s!
The life changing lessons I learned was that you can never give up on yourself or limit yourself with age, race, past or anything else. And you especially cannot put limits on what God can do for you!

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
My best friend did come out here for a week and she ran me ragged! Lol! You always have to start by going to Hollywood Blvd to see the Hollywood Walk of Fame. We went to Santa Barbara, Ventura, on Main Street, Venice Beach and she got a part in the movie I was filming at the time! We also had Christmas with my kids here too! Crazy fun!
There is so much to do in LA and the beautiful surrounding areas!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I will never forget the people that have helped me and are helping me on this journey. It has taken a village for me to be where I am. People that took chances on me and I am so grateful. I really couldn’t do it without the love and support of my children. So I will dedicate this to them because my kids keep me laughing, grounded, very present and selfless.
My daughter, Haylee Graham is a screenwriter and her film “Planted” is winning at the film festivals; my daughter, Sawyer, is becoming a lawyer at Pepperdine University and recently got married ; my daughter, Scarlett is a junior in high school who loves big cities; my son, Hunter is at the University of Texas in Austin and I must mention sweet Kayla Ernstmeyer, who is like a daughter to me. Making them proud is so important to me.

Website: Susanlavelle.com

Instagram: https://instagram.com/susanlavelle_actress?igshid=MzMyNGUyNmU2YQ==

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/susan-lavelle-b81041a7

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/suelizmonroe?mibextid=REkXMA

Youtube: https://youtu.be/qtjwRBeR9_o?si=hXz3rvKrWBzg7ut5

Other: IMDb.me/susanlavelle/ Dear Mother trailer https://youtu.be/q5TQQN4VbNk?si=V2QrvQKeuNvmBHXi

Image Credits
Dan Kennedy-purple dress William Kidston photography-Stars magazine