American model and actress
Younger sister of model Dorian Leigh Parker.
Grew up and went to school in Highland Park, New Jersey.
Audrey Hepburn s offbeat role in the film Funny Face was inspired by Suzy, who made a fashionable cameo appearance (her first film) in the "Think Pink" sequence.
Briefly gave up her cover girl career for several years to become a photographer.
Despite her aloof elegance, she was known for her candid remarks and rather quirky laidback style off camera. She publicly condemned drinking and smoking and said marriage killed romance.
Her first marriage, to her high school sweetheart, was brief.
Her older sister, model Dorian Leigh Parker , introduced Suzy to Eileen Ford , the doyenne of modeling agents, when she was only 15.
She was the first model to make more than $100 an hour and $100,000 a year.
Was a favorite of designer Coco Chanel and photographer Richard Avedon.
At the height of her popularity, she was known as the most photographed woman in the world.
Child from Pierre: daughter Georgia, born in December, 1959. Children with Dillman: daughter Dinah (born in November, 1965), sons Charles and Christopher.
Stepmother of Pamela Dillman.
Actress Parker Posey was named after her.
Landed a two-minute cameo in Funny Face after photographer Richard Avedon had recommended her for a part.
Met future husband Bradford Dillman on the set of A Circle of Deception .
Died following a long period of ill health that included respiratory problems, hip surgeries, and diabetes.
A $1000-a-week photographers model, Suzy canceled all assignments for three weeks to rehearse her one-line speaking role in "Producers Showcase" television program of "Mayerling", starring Audrey Hepburn and Mel Ferrer , on February 24, 1957. She was paid $1,000 a word. The line: "Drunk? Hes mad!".
Parker was the first choice of Claude Chabrol for the lead in his film double tour (aka "Leda") in 1959, but the director ultimately opted for Antonella Lualdi , when he decided that Parker did not fit in with the films decor.
Sister-in-law of Dean Dillman Jr..
Although she played Collin Wilcox Paxton s mother in "The Twilight Zone" {Number 12 Looks Just Like You (#5.17)} , she was only two years her senior in real life.
Is generally considered to have been the very first Supermodel.
"I believe in the gold standard. I like solid lumps of things. You can,always melt them down. " - referring to her high-paying model status.
I never starved myself either. I remember all the models eating raw,hamburgers and living on codeine to keep up their energy. You never met,a skinnier, meaner bunch of people.
Modeling is the quickest way I know of to make a lot of money fast. All,you need is strong ankles.
Part of talent is the ability to work. I have worked. I have knocked,myself out. The reason I am the best-paid model in the business is,because I am the best model. .
