Susan Howard, born Jeri Lynn Mooney on January 28, 1944, is an American actress and writer who built a career in television and film during the 1960s–1980s. Working under the professional name Susan Howard, she is best known to many viewers for her long-running role on the prime-time soap Dallas, but her credits include a variety of guest appearances and supporting parts across popular television series of the era.

Early life and background

Mooney was born in Marshall, Texas. Details often cited in biographical summaries note that she relocated to pursue acting and began appearing in television roles in the late 1960s and early 1970s. Her early work established her as a reliable character actress capable of both dramatic and lighter parts.

Television and film career

Susan Howard worked steadily in television, often in single-episode guest roles and recurring parts. Her most visible and enduring role was Donna Culver Krebbs on the CBS series Dallas, which she played from 1979 until 1987. That part brought her national recognition and remains the role most commonly associated with her name.

  • Petrocelli — she appeared as Maggie in the legal drama.
  • The Love Boat — she guest-starred in an episode as Cynthia.
  • Additional appearances include a range of episodic television work and supporting film roles during the same period.

Writing and other work

In addition to acting, Howard has been credited as a writer. Sources that summarize her career describe contributions to scripts and occasional work behind the camera, reflecting a broader interest in storytelling beyond performing. She has balanced acting with creative work in different formats, which is a path taken by many performers seeking longevity.

Throughout her career, Howard was part of several high-profile television productions and is often remembered for the combination of a steady screen presence and a transition into creative roles. For a compact overview of her filmography and biographical details, see a biographical profile here.

Although best known for a handful of specific characters, Howard's career illustrates the trajectory of television actors of her generation—working across genres, moving between guest appearances and series regular work, and expanding into writing and other creative pursuits as opportunities arose.