Susan Shaw, a ravishing blonde actress, was meticulously nurtured by the renowned Rank Organisation in England, setting the stage for a illustrious film career in the 1940s and 1950s. Born on August 29, 1929, in West Norwood, England, Susan's early life was marked by a striking resemblance to a charming, youthful ingénue with a haughty demeanor.
As her career flourished, Susan was often cast in roles that showcased her petite, blonde beauty. Her personal life was equally fascinating, as she was married twice. First, she tied the knot with actor Albert Lieven, with whom she had a daughter. The couple's union was a happy one, but it was her second marriage to American actor Bonar Colleano that truly captivated the public's attention.
Bonar, known for his charismatic performances as a wisecracking Yank in British films, made a dashing couple with Susan, whose petite blondeness was perfectly complemented by his dark good looks and loud personality. Together, they had a son, actor Mark Colleano, in 1955. Tragedy struck, however, when Bonar suddenly passed away in a devastating road accident in 1958.
Susan's life was forever changed by her husband's untimely death, and she struggled with a drinking problem for many years until her passing in 1978. Mark, her young son, was taken under the wing of his maternal grandmother, who became his legal guardian and guided him towards an acting career. As a child star, Mark went on to co-star with Rock Hudson in the 1978 film "Hornets' Nest," playing the role of a 14-year-old Italian youth.