Susan Dey was born on December 10, 1952, in Pekin, Illinois. Raised in a small Midwestern town, Dey moved to New York City with her family at a young age. She lost her mother at the age of eight, which profoundly affected her and shaped her resilient character.
Dey’s natural beauty and poise led her into the world of modeling as a teenager, where she quickly made a name for herself. Her early work included appearing in advertisements and on magazine covers, setting the stage for her eventual transition to acting.