Susan Oliver, born Charlotte Gercke on February 13, 1932, in New York City, was a renowned American actress, television director, aviator, and author. She gained fame for her versatility on stage, television, and film, with iconic roles in Star Trek, Peyton Place, and Carter’s Army, making her a beloved figure in classic Hollywood.
Beyond acting, Oliver was a trailblazing aviator, earning Pilot of the Year honors in 1970 and contributing to aviation advocacy. Her career and personal achievements showcase talent, determination, and pioneering spirit, cementing her legacy in both the entertainment industry and aviation history.
Key Fact
| Key Fact | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name / Real Name | Charlotte Gercke |
| Birth Date / Place | February 13, 1932, New York City, New York, USA |
| Death Date | May 10, 1990 |
| Age at Death | 58 years |
| Height | Approximately 5 feet 5 inches (1.65 meters) |
| Weight | Not publicly available |
| Body Measurements | Not publicly available |
Early Life of Susan Oliver
Susan Oliver was born Charlotte Gercke on February 13, 1932, in New York City into a period that inspired her creativity and ambition. Growing up, she showed an early interest in performing arts, which led her to pursue formal training and a career in acting and theater.
She studied at Swarthmore College and trained at the Neighborhood Playhouse School of the Theatre, developing the skills that would later define her versatile career in stage, television, and film. Her early exposure to performance and education in acting laid a strong foundation for her future success as a trailblazing actress and director.
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Full name/Real name:
Susan Oliver was born Charlotte Gercke.
Birth date/Birth place:
She was born on February 13, 1932, in New York City, New York, USA.
Family background:
Susan Oliver was the daughter of George Gercke, a political reporter for the New York World, and Ruth Oliver (also known as Ruth Hale Oliver), a Hollywood astrologer and author. Her parents divorced when she was about 3 years old. She had half-siblings named Carl, George, and James. She spent part of her adolescence living with her father and traveling abroad, including a period studying in Japan.
School/University:
She studied drama at Swarthmore College in Pennsylvania. She also received professional theatrical training at the Neighborhood Playhouse School of the Theatre in New York City. Additionally, during her teenage years in Japan, she attended Tokyo International College, exposing her to Japanese culture and American pop culture there.
Career Journey of Susan Oliver
Susan Oliver’s career journey is a remarkable story of talent, versatility, and perseverance. She began her professional acting career in 1955 with an appearance on Goodyear TV Playhouse, and by 1957, she was performing on Broadway in the comedy Small War on Murray Hill, earning a Theater World Award for her breakout role in Patate.
Her breakthrough came with her television appearances on popular shows such as Peyton Place, Carter’s Army, and her iconic role as Vina in the original Star Trek pilot. During the peak years of her career, Oliver expanded into film with roles in Butterfield 8 alongside Elizabeth Taylor and in the Hank Williams biopic Your Cheatin’ Heart, while also directing television projects.
Oliver’s career was complemented by her passion for aviation, earning Pilot of the Year honors in 1970 and serving on the FAA Women Advisory Committee on Aviation. She was also nominated for an Emmy Award in 1976 for her portrayal of Amelia Earhart, cementing her legacy as both a trailblazing actress and accomplished aviator.
Physical Appearance of Susan Oliver
Age:
Susan Oliver was born on February 13, 1932, and passed away on May 10, 1990, making her age at death 58 years.
Height:
approximately 5 feet 5 inches (1.65 meters).
Weight:
1 pound
Body measurement:
36″L x 24″W
Physical attributes:
Physically, she had blonde hair and green eyes, with a slim build. She was known for her high cheekbones, rosebud lips, and heart-shaped face, giving her a distinctive and memorable appearance that contributed to her screen presence over her nearly three-decade career.
Major Achievements of Susan Oliver
Susan Oliver made a lasting impact in both the entertainment and aviation industries. She received critical acclaim for her television and film work, including her Emmy Award nomination in 1976 for portraying Amelia Earhart and her iconic role as Vina in the original Star Trek pilot, which remains a classic in sci-fi history.
Beyond acting, Oliver was a trailblazing aviator, earning Pilot of the Year honors in 1970 and contributing to aviation advocacy as a member of the FAA Women Advisory Committee. Her achievements highlight a unique blend of artistic talent and pioneering spirit, leaving a legacy that inspires both performers and aviators alike.
Personal Life of Susan Oliver
Family:
Susan Oliver was born Charlotte Gercke to George Gercke, a prominent political reporter and journalist for the New York World and the New York Herald Tribune, and Ruth Oliver (aka Ruth Hale Oliver), a Hollywood astrologer and author. Her parents divorced when she was young, and she lived with both parents at different times, including living with her father in Japan during his news assignment. She had half-siblings named Carl, George, and James. Her mother remarried and had a well-known reputation in Hollywood astrology.
Nationality:
Susan Oliver was American.
Religion:
Christianity
Ethnicity:
She was Caucasian.
Marital status/Relationship:
Single
Net worth:
$5 million
Social media presence:
Susan Oliver passed away in 1990 before social media existed. She has no personal social media presence, but fan pages and tributes exist on various platforms.
| Platform | Account/Type | Description |
|---|---|---|
| @sierrahotelaeronautics | Tribute posts about Susan Oliver’s aviation career and Star Trek role | |
| Susan Carol Oliver (Fan Page) | Fan page with posts and info about Susan Oliver | |
| Various tribute posts | Posts commemorating Susan Oliver’s life and work |
Interesting Facts About Susan Oliver
- Star Trek Icon: Susan Oliver played Vina in the original Star Trek pilot, a role that became a sci-fi classic.
- Broadway Award Winner: She won a Theater World Award for her breakout performance in the play Patate.
- Accomplished Aviator: Oliver received Pilot of the Year honors in 1970 and served on the FAA Women Advisory Committee.
- Emmy Nominee: She was nominated for an Emmy Award in 1976 for portraying Amelia Earhart.
- Versatile Talent: Oliver was not only an actress but also a television director, author, and pioneering aviator, showcasing her multifaceted career.
Conclusion of Susan Oliver
Susan Oliver was a multifaceted talent in acting, television directing, and aviation, whose career left a lasting mark on Hollywood and beyond. From her early performances on Broadway to her iconic television roles in Star Trek and Peyton Place, she demonstrated exceptional versatility and dedication that inspired generations of performers.
Beyond the entertainment industry, Oliver’s achievements as a trailblazing aviator, earning Pilot of the Year honors in 1970, and her advocacy work with the FAA Women Advisory Committee highlight her pioneering spirit. Her legacy remains a testament to creativity, courage, and perseverance, making Susan Oliver a true icon in both arts and aviation history.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Susan Oliver
1. Who was Susan Oliver?
Susan Oliver was an American actress, television director, aviator, and author, known for her roles in Star Trek and Broadway.
2. When and where was Susan Oliver born?
She was born Charlotte Gercke on February 13, 1932, in New York City, USA.
3. What are Susan Oliver’s major achievements?
She was an Emmy-nominated actress, won a Theater World Award, and earned Pilot of the Year honors in 1970.
4. Did Susan Oliver have a career in aviation?
Yes, she was a trailblazing aviator, served on the FAA Women Advisory Committee, and promoted aviation for women.
5. When did Susan Oliver pass away?
She passed away on May 10, 1990, in Woodland Hills, California, at the age of 58.
