Susan Bernard, a longtime Windsor Square resident, died suddenly at her Windsor Blvd. home on June 21. A great beauty, she transitioned from 1960s actress (Faster, Pussycat! Kill! Kill!, General Hospital) and Playboy Playmate to successful author, producer, and keeper of her famous father’s photography archive.
At the time of her death, Bernard was finalizing a book, and was in pre-production on a television series with her son. Her stewardship of the photo archive of her father, Bruno Bernard, better known as Bernard of Hollywood, built an international brand through innovative exhibits, books and licenses. The archive prominently features Marilyn Monroe and other stars from Hollywood’s most glamorous era.
Said close friend Tere Tereba, “Susan was very special. A product of Hollywood, she was a dynamic personality, a unique mixture of childlike glee, business savvy, creativity, and wisdom. Currently involved in highly interesting projects, Susan, sadly, will not personally them see to fruition – but their impact will live on after her. Her indomitable spirit is already missed by an array of friends of all ages.”
Bernard is survived by her son, writer-producer Joshua John Miller, a Hancock Park resident and the light of her life, son-in-law Mark Fortin, and her sister, Celeste Bendel. Her former partner, the late Jason Miller, was a Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright and actor.
A New York Times obituary can be found here.
