Yvonne Suhor was a talented and versatile actress who starred in several movies and TV shows, most notably as Louise McCloud in the ABC Western series The Young Riders. She also had memorable roles in Northern Exposure, Star Trek: Voyager, and Murder, She Wrote. Sadly, she passed away on September 27, 2018, at the age of 56, after a 10-month struggle with pancreatic cancer. Here is a brief overview of her life, career, and cause of death.
Early Life and Education
Yvonne Suhor was born on November 29, 1961, in New Orleans, Louisiana. She developed a passion for acting at a young age and pursued her dream by studying at Illinois State University, where she graduated in 1985. She later earned her master’s degree in fine arts from the University of Southern California.
Career Highlights
Suhor made her TV debut in 1987, playing Tara Mason in an episode of Sable. She then landed her breakthrough role as Louise McCloud in The Young Riders, which aired from 1989 to 1992. The show revolved around the adventures of the Pony Express riders, and Suhor’s character was a woman who disguised herself as a man to join them. She co-starred with Josh Brolin, Stephen Baldwin, Melissa Leo, and Anthony Zerbe.
Suhor also appeared in several other TV shows, such as Brooklyn Bridge, Renegade, and Sheena. One of her most acclaimed performances was as Cicely in an Emmy Award-winning episode of Northern Exposure. She played the love interest of Joel Fleischman (Rob Morrow), who learns about the history of the town through flashbacks. She also guest-starred as Eudana, an alien mathematician, in an episode of Star Trek: Voyager.
Suhor’s film credits include Dillinger (1991), where she played Jacqueline, the girlfriend of John Dillinger (Mark Harmon), and Babe Ruth (1991), where she portrayed Helen Woodford Ruth, the first wife of Babe Ruth (Stephen Lang).
Suhor was also active in theater and was a member of Chicago’s renowned Steppenwolf Theatre. She was nominated twice for the Joseph Jefferson Award for her roles in The Grapes of Wrath and Lydie Breeze. She also ran her own acting school, Art’s Sake Film Acting Studio, in Winter Park, Florida, since 1997. She taught film acting based on the Meisner technique and mentored many aspiring actors.
Cause of Death
Suhor was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in November 2017 and underwent chemotherapy and radiation treatments. However, the disease proved to be aggressive and incurable. She died peacefully at her home on September 27, 2018, surrounded by her loved ones. She was survived by her husband, actor Simon Needham, whom she married in 2001, and her brother Michael.
Pancreatic cancer is one of the deadliest forms of cancer, with a five-year survival rate of only 10%. It is often detected late because it does not cause any symptoms until it has spread to other organs. Some of the risk factors for pancreatic cancer include smoking, obesity, diabetes, chronic pancreatitis, family history, and genetic mutations.
Suhor’s death was mourned by many fans and colleagues who remembered her as a talented and generous person. Her last TV appearance was on Lodge 49, an AMC series that aired in 2018. She played Melinda, a mysterious woman who helps Dud (Wyatt Russell) find his way.
Conclusion
Yvonne Suhor was a remarkable actress who left behind a legacy of memorable roles and performances. She also touched many lives through her teaching and mentoring. She fought bravely against pancreatic cancer but succumbed to it after 10 months. Her cause of death was a reminder of the need for more research and awareness on this deadly disease.
