- Elana Eden, The Story of Ruth, 1959. Producer Sam Bronston announced his new star in a seven-minute trailer. She was chosen “because of her natural qualities, which most faithfully exemplify this beloved biblical heroine… Elana Eden comes to us from the Holy Land following a worldwide search in which literally over a score of young, talented actresses were tested.” Including Diane Baker, Myrna Fahey, Ulla Jacobsson (from Ingmar Bergman’s Smiles of a Summer Night, 1955) Susan Kohner,and Tina Louise. Plus Millie Perkins and Susan Strasberg who (like Eden) hadbtested for The Diary of Anne Frank – won by Millie in 1958. Variety buried Ruth as a “moth-eaten, misleading mishmash of biblical hysterics.“
- Natalie Wood, West Side Story, 1961. Very much a Natalie clone. (Susan’s two sons are the American Pie chefs, Chris and Paul Weitz).
Birth year: Death year: Other name: Casting Calls: 2