Suzanna Leigh


Suzanna Leigh was a British actress, known for her film and television roles in the 1960s and 1970s.

Early life and education

Born Sandra Eileen Anne Smith on 26 July 1945, Leigh grew up in Berkshire, England, and later went to convent schools outside London. She began working in films while still a child, appearing as an extra in several British productions. She changed her name to Suzanna Leigh after entering film, whilst under the tutelage of her godmother, Vivien Leigh.

Career

Leigh's film roles include the love interest of Elvis Presley in Paradise, Hawaiian Style, a stewardess in the comedy Boeing Boeing, and as the frail heroine in a couple of Hammer films - The Lost Continent and Lust for a Vampire.
She starred in the cult British horror films The Deadly Bees and The Fiend. In 1974 she starred as Amber in Son of Dracula. In 2015, she was a featured player in the film, Grace of the Father. She wrote a 2000 autobiography, Paradise, Suzanna Style, and was the mother of actress Natalia Leigh Denny.

Death

Leigh was diagnosed with stage-four liver cancer in September 2016 and died in December 2017 in Winter Garden, Florida.

Filmography

Writings