Susan George is an English actress best known for her iconic role in Sam Peckinpah’s 1971 film Straw Dogs. Born in 1950, she rose to fame in the 1970s before shifting her focus to horse breeding and philanthropy in later years.
After marrying fellow actor Simon MacCorkindale in 1984, the couple worked together in production before his death in 2010. Since then, George has dedicated her life to running a successful Arabian horse stud farm and a cancer charity established in her husband’s memory.
She remains active in the entertainment industry with occasional television appearances and continues to manage her thriving stud farm Georgian Arabians. In 2022 she was appointed MBE for her charitable work.
Who Is Susan George? A Biography of the Straw Dogs Star
- Best known for her controversial leading role in Sam Peckinpah’s Straw Dogs.
- After her husband’s death in 2010 she stepped back from acting to focus on horse breeding and charity.
- Appointed MBE in 2022 for services to charity.
- She has not remarried and lives a private life in the West Country.
- She began acting at age 4 and attended Corona Theatre School.
- Founded the Lasting Life charity in 2016 to support people living with cancer.
- Appeared in EastEnders in 2001 as Margaret Walker across 25 episodes.
| Fact | Detail |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | 26 July 1950 |
| Place of Birth | Surrey, England |
| Spouse | Simon MacCorkindale (m. 1984–2010, his death) |
| Children | None |
| Notable Awards | MBE (2022) |
| Net Worth (est.) | Not publicly disclosed; estimated in millions from acting and business ventures |
| Active Years (Acting) | 1962–2010 (sporadic appearances after) |
| Official Website | susangeorge.co.uk |
Who Was Susan George Married To? Her Life with Simon MacCorkindale
Who is Susan George married to now?
Susan George was married to actor Simon MacCorkindale from 5 October 1984 until his death on 14 October 2010. She has not remarried. No public information suggests she is in a new relationship.
What happened to Susan George’s husband?
Simon MacCorkindale died of cancer at the age of 58. The couple had no children. Following his death, George created the charity Lasting Life as a legacy project to help people living with cancer.
In addition to their marriage, George and MacCorkindale worked together professionally through their production company Amy International Productions. George chose to step behind the camera during this period.
Has Susan George got a partner now?
No romantic partner has been publicly confirmed. Her official website makes no mention of a current partner, and her social media does not indicate one.
Where Is Susan George Now? Her Life After Acting
Does Susan George still act?
She does not maintain a regular acting career but has made occasional appearances. In 2026 she appeared in the BBC series Beyond Paradise as Mary Rhodes. Forthcoming projects include The Athena Syndrome and Black Diamonds, according to her IMDb page.
Does Susan George breed horses?
Yes, she is a dedicated breeder of purebred Arabian horses. Her stud farm, Georgian Arabians, is located in the West Country of England and began as a hobby over two decades ago. It now houses approximately 30 world-class Arabian horses and has become a successful business.
Georgian Arabians focuses on preserving the purity and quality of the Arabian breed. The farm is recognised internationally and regularly participates in breeding programmes.
What charity does Susan George run?
In 2016 she founded the charity Lasting Life: The Simon MacCorkindale Legacy with the mission to provide direct financial help and emotional support to people living with cancer. The charity aims to ensure funds reach individuals directly to make a tangible difference.
Did Susan George Appear in EastEnders?
Yes, Susan George joined the cast of EastEnders in 2001. She played the role of Margaret Walker, a character involved in a storyline connected to the Watts family. She appeared in 25 episodes during her time on the soap.
Although her appearance in EastEnders was a notable return to regular television, it was a finite stint and she has not taken on another long-running TV role since.
Her role in EastEnders is often cited as one of her most recognisable later-career performances, alongside her 2018 appearance in The Real Marigold Hotel.
What Is Susan George’s Net Worth?
Exact net worth figures are not publicly disclosed. Based on her long acting career, the success of Georgian Arabians, and ongoing film projects, her financial status is believed to be stable and prosperous. No official statements have been made about her personal wealth.
Her income sources include residual earnings from classic films, business revenue from horse breeding, and charity fundraising activities. She has not released a public estimation of her net worth, and any figures circulating online remain unconfirmed.
What Are the Key Milestones in Susan George’s Life?
- 1950 – Born in Surrey, England.
- 1962 – First acting role at age 12.
- 1971 – Starred in Straw Dogs, gaining international fame.
- 1984 – Married actor Simon MacCorkindale.
- 2001 – Played Margaret Walker in EastEnders.
- 2010 – Simon MacCorkindale died of cancer.
- 2016 – Founded the Lasting Life charity.
- 2022 – Awarded MBE for services to charity.
- 2025–2026 – Active with film projects, book writing, and horse breeding.
What Is Known and What Is Uncertain About Susan George?
| Established Information | Information That Remains Unclear |
|---|---|
| She was married to Simon MacCorkindale until his death in 2010. | Exact net worth is not publicly confirmed. |
| She has not remarried. | Whether she will return to full-time acting is unknown; she has not officially retired. |
| She is the founder of the charity Lasting Life. | No details about any current romantic partner are publicly known. |
| She breeds Arabian horses under the Georgian Arabians brand. | |
| She was awarded an MBE in 2022. |
What Is Susan George’s Legacy and Impact?
Susan George’s career reflects a deliberate shift from Hollywood stardom to a purposeful private life. Her role in Straw Dogs placed her at the centre of a cultural debate about on‑screen violence, but she later chose to leave the spotlight behind. Her post‑acting life, built around horse breeding and philanthropy, represents a successful transition that is rare for former child stars. The MBE she received in 2022 highlights the importance of her charitable work, which has become her most enduring legacy in recent years.
Where Can You Find Reliable Information About Susan George?
“Recent years have been all about rebuilding for celebrated actress Susan George after the heartbreaking loss of her husband in 2010.”
Official Website (susangeorge.co.uk)
“Susan Melody George MBE (born 26 July 1950) is an English film and television actress. She is best known for appearing in films such as Straw Dogs (1971).”
Wikipedia
“Founder of lastinglife.org.uk, breeder of world class Arabian horses.”
Instagram Bio (@the_susan_george)
What’s Next for Susan George?
Susan George is expected to continue her work with the Lasting Life charity and her Georgian Arabians stud farm. She has not announced any new acting roles, though she remains involved in film projects. Fans can follow updates through her Georgian Arabians website or her Instagram profile. An upcoming book about her Hollywood years is also in development.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Susan George still alive?
Yes, Susan George is alive as of 2025.
Does Susan George have children?
No, Susan George and Simon MacCorkindale did not have children.
What is Susan George’s Instagram handle?
Her Instagram handle is @the_susan_george.
What is Susan George’s official website?
Her official website is susangeorge.co.uk.
Did Susan George win any awards?
She was appointed MBE (Member of the Order of the British Empire) in 2022 for charitable services.
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Diane Forbes leads fact-checking, source verification and corrections review at Southampton Wire.