Susan Lynn Gordon (July 27, 1949 – December 11, 2011) was a talented American child actress, celebrated for her roles in both film and television during the late 1950s and 1960s. Born in Saint Paul, Minnesota, she was the daughter of filmmaker Bert I. Gordon and his wife Flora Lang. Her acting career began unexpectedly at the young age of eight when she stepped in as a last-minute replacement for another actress in the 1958 film Attack of the Puppet People, directed by her father. This was the start of a fruitful collaboration, as he went on to direct her in three more movies: The Boy and the Pirates and Tormented (both 1960), and Picture Mommy Dead (1966), her final film.
In 1959, Gordon showcased her singing ability in The Five Pennies, a semi-biographical film where she portrayed the daughter of famed musician and bandleader Red Nichols, played by Danny Kaye. Her television credits were extensive and included notable series such as The Twilight Zone, in the episode "The Fugitive," Gunsmoke, Alfred Hitchcock Presents, The Donna Reed Show, and many others. Notably, she participated in the live NBC broadcast of Miracle on 34th Street on November 27, 1959, further solidifying her place in television history. Gordon's contributions to the entertainment industry left a lasting legacy, remembered fondly by fans and peers alike.
