Actress Suzanne Shepherd, Star of “The Sopranos” and “Goodfellas,” Passes Away at 89

Actress Suzanne Shepherd, known for her roles in “The Sopranos” and “Goodfellas,” passed away Friday morning at her home in New York City. She was 89 years old.

Shepherd was born on October 31, 1934 and was a celebrated actress, theater director, and acting coach. She gained fame from her portrayal of Aunt Tweedy in the 1988 film “Mystic Pizza” and Miss Pratt in the 1997 film “Lolita.”

Shepherd also made guest appearances in “Law & Order,” “Law & Order: Special Victims Unit,” and most recently the CBS cop drama “Blue Bloods.” She was the first woman to teach at Sanford Meisner’s acting program.

Shepherd was one of more than two dozen actors who appeared in both “Goodfellas” and “The Sopranos.” She starred as Karen Hill’s mother in “Goodfellas” and Carmela Soprano’s mother in “The Sopranos.”

Ray Abruzzo, who appeared as Little Carmine Lupertazzi in “The Sopranos,” mourned Shepherd’s death in a post on Instagram. She is survived by daughter Kate Shepherd, son-in-law Miles McManus and granddaughter Isabelle Shepherd.

The agency representing Shepherd confirmed her death on Sunday. Fans and colleagues of Shepherd have taken to social media to express their condolences and remember her legacy.