From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia. Susan Blakely is an American film actress and actress, who has mainly played supporting roles. She is best known for her leading role in the 1976 miniseries Rich Man, Poor Man, for which she received a Golden Globe Award for Best Actress – Television Series Drama. Blakely also has appeared in films including The Towering Inferno, Report to the Commissioner, Capone, The Concorde ... Airport '79, and Over the Top.