Susan Kennedy
Susan Kennedy | |||||||||
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Neighbours character | |||||||||
Portrayed by | Jackie Woodburne Rainey Mayo (1995 dream) | ||||||||
Duration | 1994–present | ||||||||
First appearance | 3 October 1994 | ||||||||
Classification | Present; regular[1] | ||||||||
Introduced by | Stanley Walsh | ||||||||
Spin-off appearances |
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Susan Kennedy (also Smith and Kinski) is a fictional character from the Australian soap opera
Her storylines have seen her begin a relationship with a priest, being married, divorced and widowed. Susan has become a stepmother and a grandmother and she has been central to three plots revolving around health issues –
Creation and casting
In 1994, the Neighbours storyliners decided to introduce a new "solid" family called the Kennedys.[2] The family, which consisted of five members – a mother, father, two sons and a daughter – moved into Number 28 Ramsay Street.[2] The storyliners felt that they needed to take the show back to its roots, as it seemed that all the houses on the street were populated with misfits and distant relatives.[2] Alan Fletcher was cast in the role of Karl Kennedy and Benjamin McNair, Kym Valentine and Jesse Spencer were cast as teenagers Malcolm, Libby and Billy respectively.[2][3] Woodburne was cast in the role of Susan, the matriarch of the family.[3][4] The actress revealed that she only intended to play the part of Susan for twelve months, but she fell in love with the show and stayed.[5] Actress Ailsa Piper was also considered for the role of Susan. She would later portray Ruth Wilkinson.[6]
When asked if she remembered her first day of filming, Woodburne recalled "Yes - I remember it perfectly. We were unpacking stuff from the car and moving into No 28. I already knew Alan, but I didn't know the kids. It all just meshed, though, and we knew immediately what type of family we were going to be."[5] Susan was given a teaching job at the local high school and Karl became the local GP, giving the family immediate links with other characters.[2] In 1995, Rainey Mayo portrayed a teenage Susan in a daydream.[7] In 2009, Woodburne celebrated fifteen years in the programme. Of her television milestone, Woodburne said, "It seems both bizarre and wonderful to me that I'm coming up to 15 years on the show, even though the world of Neighbours feels instinctive and familiar, I'm still challenged and rewarded by the work."[8]
Development
Characterisation
On her arrival, Susan was described as being "staid" and more open-minded than her husband, Karl.
In 2004, Susan's appearance changed and she was seen having her long hair cut when she wanted a fresh start following a split from Karl.[14] Woodburne has revealed that there is no chance of Susan growing her long hair back. She said "I could never grow it long again. I love the ease of having short hair. Back when it was long, I used to wash and dry my hair every morning at home before going into work. That added an extra half-hour to my day".[14] She also added that the Neighbours' bosses at the time believed that women should have long hair.[14] In April 2012, Susan debuted "a stylish new haircut" representing her single status.[15]
Woodburne has said she never gets bored of playing Susan as she changes all the time.[16] She added "One of the upsides of this job is that in a week you might be doing absolute slapstick comedy, you might be doing high drama/tragedy and in between maybe some nice subtle interesting stuff as well, the character keeps changing and evolving depending on who she is interacting with".[16] Woodburne has said that her favourite storyline has been the Susan, Karl and Izzy love triangle.[17] As Susan is normally a good person, it gave her a chance to have a character (Izzy) that she could hate.[17] Woodburne added "It was good to play those much meaner, darker, angrier, cruel moments than always to be the kind character. It was good to see those dents in her armour I think".[17]
Towards the end of 2009, a change occurred in Susan's personality. During the surrogacy storyline, viewers saw Susan become the "mother-in-law from hell".[18] Woodburne said that it was challenging trying to change the character of Susan. During clashes with her son-in-law Daniel Fitzgerald (Brett Tucker), Susan was seen becoming controlling and bossy.[18] Woodburne said "As the story progressed it became apparent that we were going to have to go to the extremes of the less attractive qualities of our characters. We talked about it and decided to go for it – he would be the overbearing husband and Susan the mother-in-law from hell".[18] Woodburne added that Susan is acting out of love for her daughter and for Libby's desire to have a child.[18] In July 2011, Woodburne told a writer for Channel 5 that she still found the role of Susan challenging.[19] She explained that she likes Susan because she adapts well and takes all the things that happen to her in her stride.[19] Woodburne said Karl and Susan are now less naive and exuberant due to the things they have gone through.[19] When asked what the future holds for her character, Woodburne stated "You know, I'm kind of with Susan. I like the Kennedy house when it's full of noisy kids, being naughty and creating havoc. I like it loud and messy. So that would be my hope, that we get a bit of that happening again."[19]
Marriage to Karl Kennedy
Susan and Karl were childhood sweethearts who married in 1978, before they both graduated from university.[2][12][20] Karl has cheated on Susan with Sarah Beaumont (Nicola Charles), and left her for Izzy Hoyland (Natalie Bassingthwaighte).[21] The couple have broken up and divorced, but have later reunited and remarried.[3] Woodburne has named the Karl, Susan and Izzy love triangle as one of her favourite storylines.[19] Woodburne believes that Karl and Susan have a strong connection that is "based upon such a good grounding".[22] Karl and Susan are best friends who enjoy each other's company, share a deep connection and take joy in each other's quirks and ways.[22][23] Woodburne described them as having a "really solid foundation for a marriage" and she has said that she does not want to see Susan and Karl's relationship break up again.[22][23] Holy Soap have called Susan and Karl "contenders for the friskiest couple on Ramsay Street".[24] Following their "passionate arguments", the couple enjoy making up together.[24] They have a healthy attraction for each other.[22] Fletcher says he and Woodburne find the scenes "funny". Fletcher said "Karl and Susan every now and again do go through a phase where they become slightly more amorous than in their tougher times and tougher storylines – suffice to say it's not bawdy, but I think the audience will enjoy the fun aspect".[24] Karl and Susan have been caught in the nude together on three occasions; at the beach, in Lou Carpenter's (Tom Oliver) spa and when they went skinny-dipping in the bush.[25] When asked what makes Karl and Susan popular with viewers, Woodburne said "Because I think they're so flawed. There's two things: they make horrendous mistakes, both of them, but they both are coming from a place of well meaning. They're both wanting to try and do the right thing and be helpful, but so often they get it so terribly wrong, and I think we can all relate to that."[19]
In May 2011, it was revealed that Susan and Karl's marriage would be run into trouble, when Susan becomes emotionally involved with another man.
Susan meets Jim at the hospital and remembers him from the work he did on Lyn Scully's (Janet Andrewartha) house. They get talking and Jim reveals he just had a melanoma removed and he is a bit "bewildered" by the hospital process and Susan helps him out.[19] Jim's condition grows worse and he is diagnosed with terminal cancer. Susan learns he has no family and Woodburne said she instinctively wants to look after him.[19] The actress said Susan crosses boundaries as she starts to neglect certain areas of her life, like her marriage. She tells Karl not to be selfish and that the situation is not about him or her, it is about Jim.[19] Woodburne explained to Channel 5 that Karl's reaction to Susan's friendship with Jim changes and he starts thinking he should not be selfish. However, when he notices his wife becoming more involved with Jim and neglecting her responsibilities, Karl gets angry as she is not thinking about anything else.[19] Susan and Karl's eldest son, Malcolm, returns to Erinsborough to help his parents work through their issues.[26] Woodburne thought Malcolm was initially on Susan's side because he can see she is helping someone who is ill, but as he looks more closely he understands why his father is so upset with Susan's behavior.[19] Susan is upset when she misses Jim's last moments and blames Karl. They begin rowing, which becomes worse due to Susan's grief.[28] Susan Hill of the Daily Star revealed Karl and Susan were to separate following a make-or-break holiday.[28] Their decision leaves Malcolm devastated and he takes his anger out on his mother, but Karl then admits it was his decision to end the marriage.[28] Woodburne said the Jim Dolan plot was "a tremendous story which highlighted problems with Susan and Karl's marriage."[29] The actress said the storyline was challenging to play because it was emotional and she had to slap Fletcher.[29] Of Susan's future, Woodburne said "2012 will be a huge year of adjustment for Susan. She is now single and moves into an apartment of her own – and she has to find her own way. She discovers things about herself that will surprise people."[29]
Other relationships
Following Karl's affair with Sarah, Susan goes out to dinner with
In 2004, Susan became involved with
Susan has a fling with
In 2008, Susan joined the Erinsborough News and became a journalist. She began working for Paul Robinson (Stefan Dennis). Susan and Paul are enemies, but they have a "grudging respect or interest in each other".[36] Paul has a shady past and Karl does not trust Paul, so Susan uses her new job to wind Karl up.[22] Susan works closely with Paul and his reputation with the ladies gives Woodburne the opportunity to bring Susan's sadistic side.[22] Woodburne has said that she wishes for more of that storyline as she and Dennis found it "fun".[36] She added that "There was a lot of conflict and comedy and it kind of ran its natural course over several weeks. She still works there so the potential for further stories is still there."[36]
Following her split from Karl in 2012, Susan meets yoga teacher
Retrograde amnesia
In 2002, Susan developed
As she struggles with her condition, doctors suggest to Karl that going back to familiar surroundings may trigger the return of her memories. Susan is brought to Ramsay Street, but nothing happens.
Multiple sclerosis
"As an actor, you want to make it authentic and respectful to people who suffer with MS, as it's a dreadful condition and certainly can be very diminishing to people."
—Woodburne on her research for the storyline (2012)
Susan was diagnosed with Multiple sclerosis in 2007. Two years prior, MS Australia pitched a storyline to the Neighbours team asking for a character to be diagnosed with MS and for them to then show the impact MS can have on a community.[40] The society contacted a producer and discussed a possible storyline for a young character in her twenties who had a promising career and family ahead of her.[40] In 2006, the society received a phone call from one of the writers who revealed that they had chosen to write an MS story into the show and they had selected Susan Kennedy to be the character that was going to be diagnosed.[40] The society was initially disappointed, as Susan was older than the typical person diagnosed with the condition. However, they were pleased that a permanent character and not an extra was chosen.[40] MS Australia attended a meeting with the Neighbours writers to help develop a realistic and true portrayal of the diagnosis, symptoms and treatments.[40] On-screen Susan was seen displaying unusual symptoms, including black outs and loss of sight and sensation in her hands.[41] She was then seen undergoing an MRI scan, before she was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis.[42]
Woodburne was initially against Susan developing the condition, but when she started researching it, she realised how much of a challenge the storyline would be and she changed her mind.[43] The actress and the shows writers worked closely with the MS Society to make the storyline as realistic as possible and it was praised by both the society and viewers who have the condition.[36][41] Jenna Litchfield of the MS Society said soap opera storylines in which characters are diagnosed with MS helped to highlight the condition and its effects. She added that the storyline had "sparked interest."[41] Of the storyline, Woodburne stated "It's a massive story and to take a character that has always been so strong and to challenge them physically and emotionally was terrific. I know that the writing department did an enormous amount of research."[36] Woodburne also explained that as Susan is such a strong person mentally, she goes through an emotional struggle when her body lets her down.[25] Woodburne commented that she found the scenes distressing to play as she is so attached to her character.[25] She told a writer for Inside Soap that it was a difficult storyline, but "ultimately rewarding".[43] On screen, Susan learnt how to keep her symptoms under control and Woodburne said she would occasionally have a relapse, as the condition does not go away.[11][36] In 2011, Woodburne commented on the MS storyline, which she enjoyed, saying it was very challenging to tell a good story and make it authentic and real for people who have the condition.[19]
In April 2012, Susan starts to struggle with her MS again, following her split from Karl and her promotion to editor of the Erinsborough News.[44][45] Jackie Brygel of TV Week said Susan has a lot to prove with Paul breathing down her neck, but her new role puts her health in jeopardy when she begins displaying signs of an MS relapse.[45] Woodburne explained "She's working 24 hours a day to try to get the paper to take on a different form and is running herself into the ground. She's unable to stop the trembling in her hand, is quite dizzy and her vision becomes blurred - all indications of an MS relapse, which would be her worst nightmare."[45] Susan Hill of the Daily Star reported Susan refuses to turn to Karl, who always helped her with an episode, and instead she relies on help from Rhys Lawson (Ben Barber).[44] Woodburne revealed Karl asks Susan to slow down, but she ignores him. The actress said Karl is looking at the situation from the perspective of an ex-husband who has feelings for her, but also as a doctor.[45] Susan finds herself unable to do the housework, but Rhys understands that she wants to keep her independence.[44] A spokesperson told Hill "She always knew it was going to be hard living alone but Karl is the last person she wants to turn to. She doesn't want to admit she needs him but she does. In the end she confides in Dr Rhys."[44]
Surrogacy
In 2009, Susan was seen offering to become a surrogate for her daughter Libby.[46] Following a fight with the hospital board, Susan became pregnant. However, this causes friction with her son-in-law. Following a fall, Susan loses the baby.[46] Woodburne called the scenes "difficult" to film.[46] Alan Fletcher said the storyline "could have been dreadful in the wrong hands", but he was pleased at the way the scenes were handled.[47] He added "The notion of a mother being a surrogate for their daughter is something you can't pretend is not controversial. The writers embraced that and showed how Susan's decision divided the community, and has potential to divide the family".[47] Neighbours' timeslot presented difficulties for the storyline. The writers were forced to tone the plot down to comply with guidelines.[48] Woodburne said "Because of the time of day that our show is on—it's on at 6.30 here and day time in the UK—obviously doing something as controversial as surrogacy at that time slot we would be so restricted by censorship".[48] The storyline received mixed reactions from viewers. Woodburne said that people believe Susan is "such a good mother and it's awesome she's prepared to do this for Libby and Dan".[49] Other viewers have said that Susan should not have got involved and that the storyline was ridiculous as Susan is too old.[49] Neighbours executive producer Susan Bower also spoke out about the storyline and said "I've had quite a few letters from people in England who'd heard about it before it was even in the papers in Australia saying they disagree and think it's shocking".[50]
Cyber-bullying
Following the failed surrogacy, Susan decides to enroll on a media course at Eden Hills University. In June 2010, she begins receiving threats via text messages and emails, telling her to stay away from the university.[51] She is later followed by an unseen person in a car.[52] Susan later spots the car outside her house and she is very frightened.[52] The cyber bully brings up some of Susan's personal issues within their threats and this make her feel vulnerable.[51] They also make places that Susan has previously felt safe in, feel unsafe.[51] Of this Woodburne said "To feel so vulnerable in your own neighbourhood would be just awful. I think I would be equally frightened".[51] As Susan has multiple sclerosis, the stress has a big impact upon her health.[51] Woodburne said that Susan is usually a very strong person mentally, but she feels out of control because the situation is distressing her. She becomes a victim.[51] Susan tries to stand up to the bully and refuses to stay away from the university. However, when she arrives for her lesson, she receives another threatening message. This terrifies her and she locks herself in the toilets.[52]
Eventually Susan learns her tutor, John Bradley (Laurence Brewer), is behind the threats.[51] Susan had trusted John, so she is shocked to find that he is her bully. Of Susan's discovery, Woodburne said "It's so unexpected because it's somebody she believed to be of great integrity and someone who she thought was on her side".[51] John, who is described as a "seriously unhinged individual", kidnaps Susan when she confronts him. He holds her captive and becomes very angry.[51] He confesses to Susan that he is behind the threats.[53] He tells her that in 1995, when Susan was a teacher at Erinsborough High, she gave him a bad report and he failed his teaching course. Susan is compassionate, but she does not let him get away with his crime and he is arrested. By standing up to him, Susan loses her anxiety.[53]
Storylines
When Susan's husband, Karl, is suspected of causing the death of a patient, he decides to move their family to
Libby is involved in a motorbike accident that leaves her with a small chance of carrying a baby to full term. Susan and Karl break the news to her. Libby later falls pregnant and gives birth to Susan and Karl's first grandchild,
Karl tells Susan that he no longer loves her after his drinking puts their marriage under strain. They separate, and Karl begins a relationship with
During a period of ill health, Susan hits Bridget Parker (Eloise Mignon) with her car after passing out. Susan is unaware that she has struck Bridget and she leaves the scene. When she realises that she is responsible, Susan confesses and it causes a bitter feud between the Kennedys and the Parkers. However, during Susan's trial, Bridget remembers falling into the path of the car and that the collision was unavoidable. Soon afterwards, following a series of incorrect diagnoses, Susan is diagnosed with multiple sclerosis. Susan is shocked and scared, and Karl and Libby try to help her. Susan collapses at Toadie and Steph's wedding rehearsal and she goes to a multiple sclerosis retreat for professional help. Susan takes sick leave from the school and becomes a journalist for the Erinsborough News. After Libby is told she cannot have any more children, she and Dan decide to try surrogacy. Susan offers to be their surrogate, despite Karl's objections. Paul Robinson finds out about the surrogacy and writes a newspaper article about it, without knowing the identity of the family involved. When he finds out that Susan is the surrogate, he makes it public. The family face abuse and the hospital board decide to end the programme.
Libby and Dan protest against the decision and Susan tries blackmailing a senior board member. The board change their minds and Susan becomes pregnant. Dan finds it hard to relate to Susan and begins to question her part in his and Libby's lives. Karl books a holiday for them all to get away and talk. Dan and Susan argue about where the baby will be brought up and Dan says that he regrets agreeing to the surrogacy. When Dan goes for a walk, Susan follows him and they continue to argue. Dan walks away and Susan tries running after him, but she trips and falls. She calls out, but Dan does not hear her and he walks off. Libby and Karl find Susan and rush her to the hospital, where Susan miscarries. Susan attends the memorial for Libby and Dan's baby and during Dan's speech, she lashes out at him. As everyone leaves the park, Susan collapses and reveals that she cannot feel her legs. Susan has an MS relapse, but she recovers. Susan and Karl take up golf, and Susan also enrols in a media course at Eden Hills University. She begins receiving threats, which tell her to leave the university. Susan is deeply upset by the threats and her family worry that the stress will lead to an MS relapse.
Susan discovers her tutor, John Bradley, is behind the threats. When Susan asks John why he threatened her, he tells her she gave him a bad mark when he was a student teacher. Susan supports Libby when she learns that Steph had sex with Dan, and is carrying his child. Susan is angry with Toadie when she discovers he helped Steph cover up the lie. When Paul is pushed off the Lassiter's Hotel mezzanine, Susan begins investigating who is responsible, and makes
Susan meets Jim Dolan at the hospital and she asks him to talk about the Patient Advocacy Program for a news article. Jim reveals that he has cancer and Susan supports him during his treatments. Malcolm comes to visit his parents and detects all is not well between them. Susan becomes worried when Jim does not answer her calls and Karl confesses that he asked Jim to keep his distance, which angers Susan. She accuses Karl of being jealous. Karl invites Jim over for lunch and he notices the map and leaflets for Peru. Jim works out Susan is delaying the holiday for him. He then collapses and Susan begs Karl to save him. Susan comforts Jim when he realises he is going to die and she tries to take him out of the hospital, so they can visit his childhood home, as promised. Karl stops her and when they step outside to talk, Jim dies. Susan is devastated and blames Karl for keeping her from Jim. She then leaves to arrange Jim's funeral. On her return, Susan and Karl announce that they are separating. Malcolm initially blames Susan for the split, but Karl confesses it was his idea. Karl tells Susan that he cannot be just friends with her and he looks for somewhere else to live. Susan starts a book group with Kate and Sonya Mitchell (Eve Morey).
Susan suspects Karl is having an affair with
Paul blackmails Susan into keeping quiet by threatening to fire Summer. However, Summer finds out what Paul has done and Susan reveals the truth in front of council members and the press. Paul stands down as editor and gives the job to Susan. Susan fires an employee when she discovers they have been spying for Paul and she takes on extra work. Karl expresses his concern for her health, but Susan reassures him she is fine. However, she has a relapse and is treated by Rhys. Susan attends a yoga class and befriends the teacher, Bernard Cabello. Bernard asks Susan out for a drink, but she declines. However, she changes her mind and asks Bernard to dinner instead. Susan invites Bernard to go and see Karl's band play at Charlie's. At the end of the night, Bernard shocks Susan by suddenly kissing her. Susan then tries to avoid Bernard and
Susan hires
Karl admits to Susan that he and Sarah had sex all those years ago and she tells him that she already knew in her heart, Karl then signs the divorce papers. Susan realises that she does not want to get divorced and hurries to find Karl, before he can lodge the papers. Susan tracks him down and they forgive each other for their past mistakes, before kissing in the street. Susan then moves back into Number 28. After Priya is suspended from her job as principal of Erinsborough High, Susan is offered the job. She initially decides not to tell Priya about the offer, which causes them to briefly fall out. Susan helps Priya to get her job back by blackmailing
When Susan suspects that
Zeke returns for a visit and he reveals that he is getting married. After the wedding, Susan decides to become a marriage celebrant. Following Kate's death, Susan, at Imogen's suggestion, organises a celebration of Kate's life at Lassiter's Lake. A grieving Paul forbids this and the memorial is held at the high school instead. Susan comforts Paul when he breaks down. Susan performs the vow renewal of
Malcolm visits his parents and informs them that Catherine is pregnant. He asks Susan and Karl to relocate to England and help him and Catherine out with the baby. Susan and Karl reminisce about their time on Ramsay Street and they decide to stay. Susan counsels Nate through his PTS, but she is affected by Nate's stories and becomes depressed herself. She seeks professional counselling at the hospital and tries to find Nate a qualified counsellor. She notices that Nate's progress has suffered and follows him out to the bush when he acts strangely. She falls in a hole he is digging as therapy and he nearly buries her alive, but sees her in time and rescues her. Susan falls out with Brad Willis (Kip Gamblin) when Karl accidentally drinks a chemical catalyst Brad was using in the Men's Shed. She questions Brad's commitment to teaching. Susan and Sheila are named judges for the Erinsborough Festival Bake-Off, but decide to enter the competition instead. They compete against Janelle Timmins (Nell Feeney), but after their bakes fall to the floor, Karl is declared the winner. After Karl learns Susan has a secret bank account, which contains her mad money, she dares him to spend big and he buys into the Off Air bar.
Susan is asked to act as a marriage celebrant for
Susan hires
Susan accidentally strikes Izzy with her car upon Izzy and Holly's return to Erinsborough. Izzy explains that she has been left a large amount of money by her late husband, and offers to fund a new hospital wing on Karl's behalf. She then asks Karl to father another child with her, which he briefly considers. Susan admits to Elly that Karl could be tempted by the chance of having another child, but she hopes he will put their marriage first. Karl turns down Izzy's request, so she steals his sperm from the hospital. After a negative pregnancy test, and a failed attempt at seducing Karl, Izzy leaves Holly with the Kennedys as she departs. Holly is later accepted on an exchange program to China, and Karl thinks Susan organised it to punish him. When Karl cuts himself, he tells Susan that he has to get to the hospital, as he is on blood thinners for
Susan's niece
Karl and Susan attempt to find Karl's half-sister
Reception
Accolades
Woodburne has earned various award nominations for her role as Susan. In 2005, she was nominated for Best Female Performance in a Soap from the Rose d'Or Awards.[25] At the 2007 Inside Soap Awards, Woodburne was nominated for Best Actress, Best Couple (with Alan Fletcher) and Best Storyline for Susan and Karl's wedding.[55] The following year, Woodburne was again nominated for Best Actress, Best Couple and Best Storyline for Susan's MS diagnosis.[56] 2009 saw Woodburne again nominated for Best Actress, she was also nominated alongside Fletcher, Valentine, Stasey and Werkmeister for Best Family.[57]
In 2010, Woodburne received her first nomination for Best Daytime Star at the Inside Soap Awards.[58] She was nominated in the same category in 2011 and 2012,[59][60] before she won the award in 2015.[61] Woodburne was nominated for Best Daytime Star again at the 2018 awards.[62]
At the first
Critical response
During a feature on fictional television teachers, Susan was praised by teaching website TES Connect. Along with
Kate Randall from Heat included Susan and Karl in the magazine's top ten Neighbours characters of all time feature.[69] Susan and Karl were placed at joint second place on the Huffpost's "35 greatest Neighbours characters of all time" feature.[70] Journalist Adam Beresford described her as a "respected principal" who "exudes calm authority".[70] He believed that Susan and Karl were a "dream team" and "the bedrock of Ramsay Street". He assessed that the Kennedy's were a "a solid, dependable family unit" until Karl's affairs. He was also certain that "whatever life throws at them, Karl and Susan will make it."[70] Susan was placed third in a poll ran via soap fansite "Back To The Bay", which asked readers to determine the top ten most popular Neighbours characters.[71] In a feature profiling the "top 12 iconic Neighbours characters", critic Sheena McGinley of the Irish Independent placed Susan at number four in the list. McGinley described her as "long-suffering, dutiful Susan. Soothing Susan." She added that Susan has the "steadfast, wise presence" that will eternally be a prerequisite in society.[72] Lorna White from Yours profiled the magazine's "favourite Neighbours characters of all time". Susan was included in the list and White said it "no surprise she's seen her fair share of storylines" given her longevity.[73]
TV Scoop praised Woodburne's performance during the MS storyline. They said, "Susan's real life alter ego, Jackie Woodburne got to show off her excellent acting. As Susan's vision went, and later as she was put into the MRI scanner, Woodburne portrayed real fear and panic". "Kindly but strong matriarch Susan may not be the most medically robust woman (amnesia, multiple sclerosis, frequent questionable haircuts), but she gets by thanks to her family. She's so devoted, in fact, that after Malcolm, Billy and Libby (sort of) flew the nest, she went and inherited Zeke and Rachel from second husband Alex. Despite her big heart, she can be counted on to get fierce with anyone who tries to upset the Ramsay Street balance – her frequent fights with Izzy in the middle of the street over Karl cemented her reputation as everyone's favourite soap mum."[77]
Alan Fletcher has written a song dedicated to his screen wife titled "I've Got a Crush on Susie K".[78] Bree Hoskin writing for LGBT website Gaydar said the one good thing to come of Izzy's scheming was Susan finally had her hair cut in an attempt to move on with her life.[79] Sarah Ellis of Inside Soap said that Susan and Karl are Neighbours' version of Deirdre and Ken Barlow from Coronation Street. Ellis added that they are bound to get back together in the end.[80] After the Neighbours finale was broadcast, Daniel Kilkelly of Digital Spy said that Woodburne "stole as the show as Susan Kennedy" and called her "arguably the most beloved of all the current Neighbours stars".[81] Writing for Radio Times, Helen Daly referred to Susan's closing monologue as her "crowning moment". Referring to Susan as the "heart" of Neighbours, Daly described how "beloved Susan held all the values that Erinsborough put on a pedestal. She was kind, thoughtful... everything you'd want your own neighbour to be. If anyone could reflect on the history of the show, it's Susan." Daly further praised the monologue's references to the legacy of Neighbours' past, the images of deceased characters it introduced, and its apparent homage to UK viewers.[82]
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External links
- Susan Kennedy on the Official AU Neighbours website
- Susan Kennedy on the Official UK Neighbours website