Susan Vanita Diol, a multifaceted individual with a rich cultural heritage, hailing from Scandinavian and East Indian roots, made her grand entrance into the world in Marquette, Michigan. Her formative years were spent in Palatine, Illinois, and Worthington, Ohio, where her parents, Christine and Peter Balwant Singh Diol, nurtured their entrepreneurial spirit by owning and operating a charming coffee shop, C & P Coffee. This stimulating environment enabled Susan to cultivate her acting abilities and linguistic versatility while working in an office setting, as well as showcase her hospitality skills by hosting foreign exchange students and visitors from diverse backgrounds.
Susan earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree from Otterbein College, marking the beginning of her journey in the world of performing arts.
During her senior year, Susan had the opportunity to intern at Pat McCorkle Casting in New York, a valuable experience that would later prove to be a turning point in her career.
This internship led to a significant connection, as it ultimately prompted Susan to make the move to the vibrant city of New York, where she immersed herself in various endeavors.
In the city that never sleeps, Susan worked as a reader for Pat McCorkle Casting, honing her skills and gaining valuable industry insight.
In addition to her work in casting, Susan also worked as a perfume spritzer at Macy's, a unique and fascinating experience that allowed her to interact with customers and develop her customer service skills.
To make ends meet, Susan also took on the task of cleaning apartments, a physically demanding job that tested her endurance and stamina.
However, Susan's hard work and dedication did not go unnoticed, as Pat McCorkle Casting soon came through with an acting job that would mark a significant milestone in her career.
Susan was cast in her first Equity acting job, playing the role of Viola in a production of "Twelfth Night" at The Alaska Repertory Theatre, a prestigious and esteemed institution.
The production was directed by none other than her dear friend, Roy Brocksmith, who had a profound impact on Susan's growth as an artist.
This experience not only marked a significant milestone in Susan's career but also deepened her connection with her friend and mentor, Roy Brocksmith.
Susan's career received a significant boost with her Broadway debut in the production of "You Never Can Tell" at Circle in the Square, where she shared the stage with the talented Uta Hagan, Victor Garber, John, and JD Cullum. This milestone performance marked a significant turning point in her professional journey, showcasing her acting abilities alongside some of the most renowned actors of the time.
Following her success on Broadway, Susan went on to appear in the production of "Opera Comique" at the prestigious Kennedy Center, where she had the opportunity to work alongside a diverse and accomplished cast, including the esteemed Eli Wallach, Anne Jackson, Charlotte Moore, and Brian Bedford. This experience further honed her craft and broadened her range as a performer.
In addition to her stage work, Susan has also made a significant impact in television, serving as a series regular on ABC's "Hothouse" in New York. This critically acclaimed show brought together a talented ensemble cast, including the accomplished Michael Learned, Michael Jeter, Art Malik, Katherine Borowitz, and Josef Sommer.
Susan has garnered notable film credits in recent years, with standout performances in leading roles across a diverse range of projects. Her impressive repertoire includes prominent appearances in films such as "Your Own Road", "Reality", "Loqueesha", and "Basement". Furthermore, her extensive television movie credits boast an array of notable collaborations, including the critically acclaimed "Hacker" alongside the talented Haylie Duff, the emotionally charged "The Wrong Mother" featuring the accomplished Vanessa Marcil, and the suspenseful "Bad Twin". In addition to her work in film and television, Susan has also made significant appearances in a variety of popular television shows, including the drama-filled "Notorious", the thought-provoking "Perception", the gripping "Murder in the First", and the charming "Hart of Dixie".
Susan has had the pleasure of taking on a diverse range of television roles throughout her career, showcasing her impressive acting versatility. One of her most notable performances was as Beth, the wife of Dean Stockwell's character, in the popular sci-fi series "Quantum Leap". She also had the opportunity to work alongside Bob Picardo in the iconic show "Star Trek: Voyager", playing the role of Dr. Denara Pel.
In addition to her work in science fiction and space exploration, Susan has also demonstrated her range by taking on more lighthearted and comedic roles. For instance, she played the baby sister of John Larroquette's character in the classic sitcom "Night Court", and even appeared as Audrey in the memorable "Seinfeld" episode "The Nose Job".
Susan's extensive television credits also include a stint as a hooker in the popular sitcom "Wings", where she shared the screen with talented actors such as Tony Shaloub, Steven Weber, and Tim Daly. She has also played the role of Tyne Daly's daughter, Margaret, in the period drama "Christy", and has appeared as a nun in the hit sitcom "Murphy Brown".
Furthermore, Susan has showcased her darker side by taking on the roles of a killer in both the supernatural drama "Touched by an Angel" and the crime procedural "CSI: Grissom VS the Volcano". With such a wide range of roles under her belt, it's clear that Susan is a talented and versatile actress who is capable of bringing depth and nuance to any character she takes on.
Susan's illustrious acting career has spanned numerous television shows, showcasing her remarkable versatility as a performer. She has had the opportunity to portray a wide range of characters, from a mother of a killer on the popular crime drama "CSI", starring alongside the esteemed Ted Danson, to a doctor on the long-running military procedural "NCIS".
In addition to her work on prime-time television, Susan has also made a significant impact on the world of daytime soap operas. She has played the role of Emmy Borden, a lovelorn and complex character, on the iconic NBC soap "Days of Our Lives". Furthermore, she has brought to life the enigmatic and cunning character of Angela Holliday, a Preacher/Con Artist, on the ABC soap "One Life to Live", opposite talented co-stars Chris Cousins and John Loprieno.
In the 1990s, Susan also appeared on the ABC sitcom "Herman's Head", where she played the role of a Hypnotist/Therapist, opposite the talented Hank Azaria.
Susan is a multifaceted and talented individual who wears many hats, including being a proud member of the esteemed Road Theatre Company in the heart of NOHO, where she excels as an actress, playwright, and director, showcasing her remarkable range and versatility in the world of theater.
In addition to her theatrical pursuits, Susan is also a writer, director, filmmaker, and producer at her own company, ZenGleam Filmz, where she brings her creative vision to life through a variety of mediums.
But Susan's passion for helping others doesn't stop there. She is deeply committed to supporting the well-being of senior citizens and promoting brain health and wellness, which is reflected in her work as a private instructor teaching Zen Move & Groove for Seniors on Zoom, a unique and engaging program designed to promote physical and mental well-being for seniors.
