As a first generation American of German immigrants, Susanne was born in Wisconsin and later moved to Ohio. After a year of college, she convinced her conservative parents to let her try modeling in NYC. Though the modeling didn't stick, the city did, and she thrived in the fashion industry for the next 15 years. After marrying, relocating to Florida, and raising two boys, she started acting, but not until she overcame her crippling panic attacks.