bio
The illustrious career of Susan George began remarkably early. By the age of twelve she had already appeared in numerous television plays and commercials. Throughout the 70s and 80s she was a familiar face on British screens, and at seventeen she secured her first starring role opposite Michael York in The Strange Affair. In 1972 she landed her most famous role, starring alongside Dustin Hoffman in Sam Peckinpah’s Straw Dogs. Susan’s performance as Amy, the young wife, was revered worldwide and catapulted her to international stardom.
Living in California for twelve years she then starred in many more movies before her return to the United Kingdom in the 80s. She chose to work behind the cameras and with her late husband and fellow actor Simon MacCorkindale set up Amy International productions. Together they produced some highly acclaimed independent movies. That Summer of White Roses featured Rod Steiger, Tom Conti and Susan herself, winning an award for Best Director at the Tokyo International Film Festival for Rajko Grlic.
While widely recognised for her film career, Susan is equally celebrated for her passion for breeding pure-bred Arabian horses. Her stud Georgian Arabians, based in the West Country, began as a hobby over three decades ago and has since grown into a respected enterprise, producing some of the world’s finest Arabians. The project was a shared dream with Simon, realised through years of dedication. Following his death in 2010, Susan committed herself to continuing the work
and fulfilling the plans they created together. She later revealed a talent for photography, capturing the spirit and elegance of the horse. Her exhibition The Spirit of Equus received high praise at its first show at Petley Fine Art in London and later exhibited in Harrods.
In 2016, Susan launched Lasting Life – the Simon MacCorkindale Legacy, a charity devoted to helping and supporting those affected by, and living with, the cruel disease of cancer. Lasting Life Love Letters is a flagship fundraiser, produced by Susan the first at the at the Dorchester Hotel and most recently at the Mandarin Oriental in 2024 The show features celebrity friends reading and interpreting letters of love from past and present years.
Susan’s supporters and fans worldwide welcomed her long-awaited return to the screen in the hit BBC television series The Real Marigold Hotel. Films and advertising opportunities are lined up for years to come
She’s also re found her love for music and in the last few years collaborated with jazz singer song writer Ian Shaw for several “An Evening With” shows, an exciting ongoing project.
Susan is a talented prolific writer having published poetry and music and is working on her long form autobiography to be published in 2027. It’s easy to see why friends stand back in awe of her energy drive and commitment…
In the King’s birthday honours in June 2026 Susan was made an MBE for charitable service.
Professional Memberships
- British Actors’ Equity
- Performing Right Society (PRS)
- British Academy of Composers and Songwriters
- Screen Actors Guild (SAG)
- American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (AFTRA)
- Alliance of Canadian Cinema, Television and Radio Artists (ACTRA)
Life Memberships
- Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences (AMPAS)
- British Academy of Film and Television Arts (BAFTA)
Leadership Roles
- Past President, British Arab Horse Society
- Past Honorary President, Horse of the Year Show
Recognition
In the King’s Birthday Honours 2026, Susan George was appointed Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) for services to charity.
She is also listed in Who’s Who, Debrett’s, and the Book of Lists.
