Susan Ruttan
- Known For
- Acting
- Born
- September 16, 1948 in Oregon City - Oregon - USA
- Active Years
- 1951–2026 (76 Years)
- Total Credits
- 102 credits in database
Biography
Susan Diane Ruttan, born Susan Diane Dunrud on September 16, 1948, is an American actress. She was born in Oregon City, Oregon, United States. Ruttan is best known for her role as Roxanne Melman on the television series L.A. Law, appearing in the show from 1986 to 1993. For her performance in this role, she received four Primetime Emmy Award nominations and two Golden Globe nominations. Her acting credits also include appearances in Shameless, Hallmark Hall of Fame, and The Good Doctor, with a total of 101 known credits listed on the Movie Database.
Career overview
Susan Diane Ruttan, also known as Susan Rutan, is an American actress. She was born on September 16, 1948, in Oregon City, Oregon, USA. Throughout her career, she has accumulated numerous known credits in film and television, with a total of 101 known credits listed on the Movie Database.
She is best known for her television role as Roxanne Melman on the series L.A. Law, appearing in the show from 1986 to 1993. For her performance on L.A. Law, she received four Primetime Emmy Award nominations and two Golden Globe nominations. In addition to her work on L.A. Law, her acting filmography includes appearances in projects such as Shameless, Hallmark Hall of Fame, and The Good Doctor.
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Frequent co-stars
Career timeline
Full Filmography
102 titles- Woodstockers (2026) as Lizzy
- House Cat (2026) as Myerson
- The Addiction of Hope (2025)
- A Man on the Inside (2024) as Gladys Montrose
- Sprung (2022) as Lorraine
- United States of Al (2021) as Mrs. Foster
- The Retrospective (2021) as Gary's Mother
- Viral Vignettes (2020) as Patricia
- Bob Hearts Abishola (2019) as Mrs. Clark
- Weird City (2019) as Linda Maxsome
- 9-1-1 (2018) as Sandy
- The Good Doctor (2017) as May
- American Vandal (2017) as Patricia McClain
- Come Simi (2015) as Jeannie
- I Didn't Do It (2014) as Ada
- The Grim Sleeper (2014) as Debra Gerngross
- The Quota (2014) as Lucy
- Mom (2013) as Lucy
- Common Law (2012) as Paul's Mother
- Shameless (2011) as Sister Mary Luke
- Grimm (2011) as Betty Frame
- Good Luck Charlie (2010) as Mrs. Dobbs
- Castle (2009) as Mrs. Pike
- The Forgotten (2009) as Horsemama
- Prayers for Bobby (2009) as Betty Lambert
- Donna on Demand (2009) as Rose
- Dead Air (2009) as Maggie
- Half-Life (2008) as Lorraine Parker
- Private Practice (2007) as Nora
- Hannah Montana (2006) as Grandma
- You Did What? (2006) as Mom
- The Legend of Butch & Sundance (2006) as Mrs. Place
- Grey's Anatomy (2005) as Mrs. Swork
- Ghost Whisperer (2005) as Mrs. Blakelock
- CSI: NY (2004) as Mrs. Moreland
- Boston Legal (2004) as Jeanie Biddle
- Helter Skelter (2004) as Mrs. Kasabian
- The Sure Hand of God (2004) as Lucy Trotter
- NCIS (2003) as Samantha Delfino
- Monk (2002) as Mrs. Ledsky
- NBC 75th Anniversary Special (2002) as Self
- L.A. Law: The Movie (2002) as Roxanne Melman
- The Division (2001) as Mrs. Evans
- The Agency (2001) as Mrs. Barnes
- Gilmore Girls (2000) as Bed & Breakfast Wife
- Strong Medicine (2000) as Dr. Offenbach
- The Ultimate Christmas Present (2000) as Mrs. Claus
- Judging Amy (1999) as Lyla Myles
- Family Law (1999) as Hairstylist's Angry Client
- Popular (1999) as Joy Ferrara
- Love Kills (1999) as Lela
- Krippendorf's Tribe (1998) as Mrs. O'Brian
- Life of the Party: The Pamela Harriman Story (1998) as Janet
- Buffy the Vampire Slayer (1997) as Doris Kroeger
- Touched By Evil (1997) as Madge Jaynes
- 3rd Rock from the Sun (1996) as Cathy
- Suddenly Susan (1996) as Nectarine Stites
- Jack Reed: Death and Vengeance (1996)
- Justice for Annie (1996) as Helen Preston
- Jack Reed: A Killer Among Us (1996) as Arlene
- Jack Reed: One of Our Own (1995)
- Chicago Hope (1994) as Linda Fortin
- Touched by an Angel (1994) as Joanne Peters
- Touched by an Angel (1994) as Mrs. Donovan
- Jack Reed: A Search for Justice (1994)
- Jack Reed: Badge of Honor (1993) as Arlene Reed
- Without Warning: Terror in the Towers (1993) as Anne Marie Tesoriero
- Deadly Matrimony (1992) as Arlene Reed
- Bride Of Killer Nerd (1992) as Extra
- A Triumph of the Heart: The Ricky Bell Story (1991)
- Deadly Medicine (1991) as Genene Jones
- Funny About Love (1990) as Claire
- Sweet 15 (1990) as Mrs. Zavala
- Fire and Rain (1990) as Sandra Thompson
- A Quiet Little Neighborhood, a Perfect Little Murder (1990) as Judy Hecker
- Chances Are (1989) as Woman in the Bookstore
- Take My Daughters, Please (1988) as Courtney
- Bad Dreams (1988) as Miriam
- Funny (1988) as Self
- Bay Coven (1987) as Debbi McGwin
- Jay Leno's Family Comedy Hour (1987) as Self
- L.A. Law (1986) as Roxanne Melman
- Under the Influence (1986) as Ms. Morgan
- L.A. Law: Pilot (1986) as Roxanne Melman
- What's Happening Now!! (1985)
- Murder: By Reason of Insanity (1985) as Judge M. Tyson
- Do You Remember Love (1985) as Julie
- Kicks (1985) as Rosemary
- Night Court (1984) as Mrs. Blake
- Scorned and Swindled (1984) as Margie
- Bad Manners (1984) as Biker
- Second Sight: A Love Story (1984) as Robin
- AfterMASH (1983) as Doris Gardena
- Independence Day (1983) as Nurse
- Thursday's Child (1983) as Portsmouth Nurse
- Packin' It In (1983) as Mrs. Estep
- Remington Steele (1982) as Miss Livermore
- Drop-Out Father (1982) as Woman Prude
- Bosom Buddies (1980)
- The Jeffersons (1975)
- Hallmark Hall of Fame (1951) as Portsmouth Nurse
- Lost with You as Betty
Frequently Asked Questions
What movies or TV shows is Susan Ruttan best known for?
Susan Ruttan is widely recognized for notable roles and projects including A Man on the Inside (2024), Bob Hearts Abishola (2019), South from Granada (2003), 9-1-1 (2018).
When and where was Susan Ruttan born?
Susan Ruttan was born on September 16, 1948 in Oregon City - Oregon - USA.
How many credits does Susan Ruttan have?
Susan Ruttan has accumulated over 102 film and television credits across a career spanning from 1951 to 2026.
What is Susan Ruttan's background in cinema and television?
Susan Diane Ruttan, born Susan Diane Dunrud on September 16, 1948, is an American actress. She was born in Oregon City, Oregon, United States. Ruttan is best known for her role as Roxanne Melman on the television series L.A. Law, appearing in the show from 1986 to 1993. For her performance in this role, she received fo...
Susan Ruttan by the numbers
Age in their best-rated roles
- Hallmark Hall of Fame (1951) as Portsmouth Nurse — aged about 2
- The Good Doctor (2017) as May — aged about 68
- Grimm (2011) as Betty Frame — aged about 62
- 9-1-1 (2018) as Sandy — aged about 69
- Shameless (2011) as Sister Mary Luke — aged about 62
- Grey's Anatomy (2005) as Mrs. Swork — aged about 56
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