Susan Plemons Stephenson lived a life connected to one of America’s most influential entertainment legacies while forging her own path as a beloved family member and devoted wife. Though she maintained a relatively private life, her connection to Broadway royalty through her famous grandparents shaped her family’s unique American story. As explored in The Biz Memo, figures with remarkable family histories like Stephenson often balance their heritage with personal identity.
Early Life and Family Background
Born in 1950, Susan Stephenson entered the world as the youngest of four children to Patricia Ziegfeld Stephenson and William Robert Stephenson Sr. Her early years were shaped by her family’s extraordinary background, though details of her childhood remain relatively private compared to her more famous relatives.
Susan grew up with three older siblings: Cecilia Duncan Stephenson (born 1942), William Robert Stephenson Jr. (born 1947), and Florenz Crossley Stephenson. This sibling group formed the next generation of one of America’s most notable entertainment families.
While many details of Susan’s early life aren’t publicly documented, her upbringing was likely influenced by her mother’s experiences as part of theatrical royalty. The Stephenson children grew up with the unique perspective of having a mother who had witnessed the golden age of Broadway from a front-row seat.
Notable Family Heritage
Susan’s family tree reads like a who’s who of early 20th century entertainment. As the granddaughter of Broadway impresario Florenz Ziegfeld Jr. and actress Billie Burke, Susan inherited a legacy that profoundly shaped American entertainment.
Her grandfather Florenz Ziegfeld Jr. revolutionized American theater with his elaborate productions, particularly the Ziegfeld Follies, which redefined stage spectacle from 1907 through the 1930s. His visionary productions helped establish Broadway as the pinnacle of American theater.
Meanwhile, her grandmother Billie Burke enjoyed a successful acting career spanning stage and screen. While she appeared in numerous productions, she remains most widely recognized for her role as Glinda the Good Witch in “The Wizard of Oz” (1939), ensuring her place in cinema history.
The Ziegfeld Family Connection
Growing up as a Ziegfeld descendant connected Susan to an important chapter in American cultural history. Her grandfather’s productions were more than mere entertainment—they helped define an era of American culture during the early 20th century.
Susan’s mother, Patricia Ziegfeld Stephenson, provided a personal window into this world through her memoir “The Ziegfelds’ Girl: Confessions of an Abnormally Happy Childhood.” The book offered intimate insights into growing up as the daughter of two entertainment icons during Broadway’s golden age.
While Susan herself maintained a more private profile, her family name carried the weight of theatrical innovation. The Ziegfeld legacy represented the transformation of American entertainment from simple vaudeville shows to sophisticated theatrical productions that influenced Broadway for generations.
Personal Life and Marriage
Susan eventually married and took the surname Plemons, becoming known as Susan “Susie” Stephenson Plemons. Details about her husband and their life together remain largely private, reflecting her preference to live outside the spotlight that had followed her famous family.
Unlike some descendants of famous families who pursue careers in entertainment or leverage their family connections, Susan appears to have chosen a more private path. This decision shows the different ways family members navigate the complex legacy of having celebrity ancestors.
Her life choices reflect a woman who valued personal connections and family bonds over public recognition, living on her own terms rather than being defined solely by her famous lineage.
Siblings and Extended Family
Susan’s relationship with her siblings formed an important part of her life and family dynamics. As the youngest of four children, she grew up in a household where the extraordinary legacy of the Ziegfeld name was balanced with the ordinary experiences of sibling relationships.
Her siblings included Cecilia Duncan Stephenson, the eldest, born in 1942; William Robert Stephenson Jr., born in 1947; and Florenz Crossley Stephenson. Together, they carried forward the Ziegfeld-Stephenson legacy while establishing their own individual identities.
The siblings shared the unique experience of growing up with a mother who had direct connections to Broadway’s formative years through her famous father. This shared heritage likely created strong bonds among the Stephenson children as they navigated their family’s unusual history.
Later Years and Final Days
In her later years, Susan made her home in Cheyenne, Wyoming, far from the bright lights of Broadway that had defined her grandfather’s career. This choice of residence suggests a preference for the quiet beauty of the American West over the metropolitan centers associated with her family’s fame.
Susan Plemons Stephenson passed away peacefully on May 11, 2021, at the age of 70. In her final moments, she was surrounded by her closest family members, highlighting the importance of family bonds throughout her life.
The circumstances of her passing reflect a life that prioritized meaningful personal connections. The presence of loved ones in her final days speaks to the relationships she nurtured throughout her life.
Legacy and Remembrance
Susan’s legacy lives on primarily through her family connections and the personal impact she had on those who knew her. While her grandparents shaped American entertainment history, Susan’s own legacy appears to be more personal in nature.
She was remembered as a devoted wife and beloved family member, suggesting that her priority was building meaningful relationships rather than public recognition. This choice represents an important dimension of family legacies—the personal choices that shape individual lives beyond famous ancestors.
The Ziegfeld name continues to resonate in American cultural history, and Susan’s life represents one branch of that continuing story. While her grandparents’ contributions to entertainment have been extensively documented, Susan’s life reminds us that family legacies extend beyond public achievements to include personal choices and private happiness.
Susan Plemons Stephenson’s story illustrates how descendants of famous families often find their own path. While the Ziegfeld name opened doors to an extraordinary family history, Susan’s life appears to have been defined more by personal connections and quiet dignity than by pursuit of the spotlight that had once shone so brightly on her grandparents.
