Susanne Benton

Susanne Benton (born Hildur on February 3, 1948) is a retired Canadian actress celebrated for her memorable performances in film, particularly as General Dreedle’s WAC in the iconic 1970 film *Catch-22* and as Quilla June Holmes in *A Boy and His Dog* (1975). Early in her career, she appeared in the 1972 Andy Griffith film *The Strangers in 7A*, where she was credited as Susanne Hildur, a name she also used in a guest role on the television series *Barnaby Jones* in 1973.

Born in Toronto, Ontario, Susanne faced challenges in her early life, being raised by her father, a jazz pianist, after her mother left when Benton was just two years old. From a young age, she harbored dreams of stardom, but also carried a haunting belief that she would not live beyond her 28th birthday. Later in life, she reunited with her mother, spending a year together in Canada.

Throughout her career, Benton maintained her principles regarding on-screen nudity, resisting pressure from Universal Studios to disrobe for her roles. However, she did appear in a nude pictorial for the May 1970 issue of *Playboy*. Known for her strong-willed personality, she often expressed a need for movement, feeling unwell when confined to set locations.

Benton first married James Benton in 1966, a union that ended in divorce, before later marrying David Rudich.