Born in Jamestown, New York, she was the daughter of Howard Dale and Molly Ball. The family briefly lived in Miami before settling for a time in Buffalo, New York, where Susan attended Washington and Kenmore Junior High Schools.
Changed her first name from "Susan" to the more exotic-sounding "Suzan" once she began acting in films in 1952.
Made only one movie after her leg amputation, Chief Crazy Horse (1955) in which she played Black Shawl, the wife of the title Indian chief. A double was used for her scenes that required walking. In close-ups, she would move her shoulders so it appeared that she was walking.
Married actor Richard Long at a Santa Barbara, California church on April 11, 1954, following her leg amputation due to cancer. She walked down the aisle using an artificial limb. In attendance were Rock Hudson, Barbara Rush, Jeff Chandler, Hugh O'Brian, Mala Powers, David Janssen, Tony Curtis and Janet Leigh.
Moving to Hollywood, California during her high school years, she attended North Hollywood High. She loved to sing and was the president of her school's chorus group and also sang in several of the school's operettas.
Once was a vocalist for Mel Baker's Orchestra.
Second-cousin of actress Lucille Ball.
Sister-in-law of Barbara Long and Marshall Thompson.
The only time she appeared with husband Richard Long was on TV for the "Lux Video Theatre". She played an accident victim confined to a wheelchair. The couple also toured in a nightclub act.
Was "discovered" by actress Mary Castle who helped her secure an interview for her over at Universal Studios. She was signed by the studio in October of 1951.
Was a direct descendant of Mayflower's John Alden, who is said to have been the first person to set foot on Plymouth Rock in 1620.
Was said to be in love with actor Anthony Quinn and muttered "Tony" in a reference to him just before she died.
While seeking medical help for an injured knee, doctors discovered tumors on her leg that would eventually spread and kill her.