The world of film and television is mourning the loss of a beloved actress, Suzanne Shepherd, who passed away peacefully on Friday at the age of 89, and beloved actor Peter Spellos, who fought a battle with cancer at the age of 69.

Shepherd, known for her memorable roles in iconic productions such as The Sopranos and Goodfellas, leaves a legacy that has touched many in the industry.

Born in 1934, Shepherd's acting career spanned several decades, but it was her roles as the mother of Karen Hill (Lorraine Bracco) in Martin Scorsese's Goodfellas in 1990 and as the mother of Carmela Soprano (Edie Falco) in the critically acclaimed HBO series The Sopranos that brought her into the limelight.



Her death was announced on social media by actor and real estate agent Tom Titone, who shared a heartfelt tribute to the actress.

'I studied with Suzanne as a young actor. She saw in me what I could not yet see in myself,' Titone wrote.

'She introduced me to my husband. She was the officiant to our marriage under a beautiful gazebo in Central Park with a gathering of family and friends. For this, I will always be grateful.'


Titone's tribute highlighted Shepherd's vibrant personality and her impact on those around her adding: 'She was a huge presence. A BIG personality.'

'She roared with life and at it. May she rest now.'



Tributes from other co-stars and industry professionals have also poured in with Ray Abruzzo, who played Little Carmine Lupertazzi in The Sopranos saying: 'Sad to hear of the passing of Suzanne Shepherd. A force of nature. Actress, teacher. Played Carmella’s mother on Sopranos and Karen’s mother in Goodfellas.'

Lorraine Bracco, who worked closely with Shepherd in Goodfellas, remembered the late actress as she shared: 'She was a powerful actress, she was a force to act with. May she rest in peace.'

Kathrine Narducci, who starred alongside Shepherd in The Sopranos, also shared her memories of the late actress.

'This is really a big loss to everyone that knew her,' Narducci said.

'She was so loving and supportive to me, she would share all her acting tips with me and she loved helping actors.'

Narducci added that Shepherd was a longtime acting teacher who pushed her students 'because she cared so much.'



Shepherd also appeared in films such as Requiem for a Dream, A Dirty Shame, Uncle Buck, and Mystic Pizza. Her television credits include guest appearances on popular shows like Ed, Law & Order, and Blue Bloods.

In addition to her acting career, Shepherd was also a respected acting coach, trained by Sanford Meisner, and a regional theatre director.

She is survived by her daughter, the artist Kate Shepherd; her son-in-law, Miles; daughter-in-law Joyce; and granddaughter Isabelle.

As Hollywood mourns the loss of Suzanne Shepherd, her contributions to the industry will not be forgotten. Her performances in some of the most iconic films and television series of our time have left an indelible mark, and her passion for acting and teaching has inspired many in the industry.

A memorial service will reportedly be held for Shepherd, providing an opportunity for those who knew and loved her to pay their respects and remember her remarkable life and career.



The entertainment industry also mourns the loss of the versatile actor and comedian Peter Spellos aged 69, remembered for his memorable roles in Men In Black II and Transformers.

His death, following a courageous battle with pancreatic cancer, has left a void in the industry and in the hearts of his many fans.

Spellos, whose career spanned five decades, passed away on Sunday morning. While the official cause of his death has not been disclosed, it is known that he had been battling pancreatic cancer.



His friend and co-star, Fred Olan, took to social media to share his grief and pay tribute to Spellos.

Sharing a series of photos that captured their camaraderie, Olan wrote, 'It is with tremendous sadness that I must report the passing of my dear friend, Peter Spellos at 2:30 am this morning.'

Olan's heartfelt tribute continued, 'Many of you knew Peter personally. He had more loving friends than there are stars in the sky. A gentler giant never existed. A talented actor, teacher and wise old owl. He always made me laugh.'

The duo had worked together on a number of projects, including Vampirella, Munchie, Dinosaur Island, Masseuse, Hard To Die, and Bikini Drive-In. Olan fondly remembered their shared experiences, saying, 'I cannot even recall how many movies we made together, but they would probably fill a book ... maybe someday they will. Goodbye, pal.'



Spellos' career was as diverse as it was long. He was best known for his voice acting work, particularly as Sky-Byte in the 2000 Transformers: Robots In Disguise series and as Motorman in the 2002 film Men In Black II.

His distinctive voice brought these characters to life, endearing them to audiences worldwide.

But his talents were not confined to voice acting. Spellos also had acting roles in popular TV shows like ER, NYPD Blue, and Yes Man. He lent his voice to characters in the video game Dragon’s Dogma, showcasing his ability to adapt to different mediums.

Beyond his acting career, stated on his website, Spellos was also the founder and creative director of The Usual Suspects Improvisation Company and taught acting and direction at The Artists Gym.

Spellos is survived by his brother, James.

The passing of Suzanne Shepherd and Peter Spellos is a reminder of the fleeting nature of life, but their legacy in the world of film and television will continue to live on.

As we remember them, let's take a moment to appreciate the artistry and dedication they brought to their craft, inspiring many along the way.
Have you seen any of Suzanne Shepherd's and Peter Spellos’ performances? Share your thoughts and memories in the comments below.