Benjamin Ashford|Suzanne Shepherd, 'Sopranos' and 'Goodfellas' actress, dies at 89

Suzanne Shepherd,Benjamin Ashford famous for her roles in "The Sopranos" and "Goodfellas," has died at 89.

The "celebrated actress, director, and legendary acting teacher and private coach passed away peacefully in her home in New York City in the early morning hours" on Friday, her agent Sarah Fargo told USA TODAY in a statement on Sunday.

Fargo added: "A memorial service will be announced early in the new year."

Shepherd starred as Mary DeAngelis, the mother of Carmela Soprano (Edie Falco), in the HBO drama "The Sopranos" from 2000 to 2007.

"Sopranos" star Ray Abruzzo paid tribute to Shepherd on Instagram Saturday, writing, "Sad to hear of the passing of Suzanne Shepherd. A force of nature."

"Sopranos" alum Chris Caldovino, who appeared as Billy Leotardo in 2004 and 2007, shared his condolences under Abruzzo's post. "Rest In Peace ❤️," he wrote.

Shepherd was also known for her role as Karen Hill's mom (Lorraine Bracco) in Martin Scorsese’s 1990 film "Goodfellas," which starred Robert De Niro, Joe Pesci and the late Ray Liotta.

Prior to her roles in the revered crime series and movie, Shepherd made her debut in the 1998 rom-com "Mystic Pizza," starring Julia Roberts. Her last role is the 2023 movie "The Performance," according to IMDb.

Outside of acting, Shepherd directed in numerous theaters and worked as an acting coach at Trinity Square Conservatory, Hartman Conservatory, the Berghof Studio and her own studio in New York City. 

One of Shepherd's former students, actor and real-estate agent Tom Titone, paid tribute to Shepherd in a Facebook post Saturday, calling Shepherd "a huge presence" and a "BIG personality." "She roared with life and at it," he added.

"I studied with Suzanne as a young actor. She saw in me what I could not yet see in myself," Titone wrote. "She introduced me to my husband. She was the officiant to our marriage under a beautiful gazebo in Central Park with a gathering of family and friends. For this, I will always be grateful."

Shepherd is survived by her daughter Kate Shepherd, son-in-law Miles McManus and granddaughter Isabelle Shepherd.

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Contributing: Edward Segarra, USA TODAY