Susan Misner
A versatile performer who moves seamlessly from precise Broadway choreography to nuanced dramatic roles on television and film.
Born 1971 (age 55)·American actress and dancer·Birthday: February 8·Generation X
Biography
Susan Misner's career is a masterclass in artistic synthesis. A trained dancer from a young age, she first made her mark on Broadway, bringing grace and athleticism to productions like 'Chicago' and 'Steel Pier.' This foundation in physical storytelling became her secret weapon when she transitioned to screen acting. She possesses a rare ability to convey a character's inner life through posture and movement, whether playing a no-nonsense FBI agent on 'The Americans' or the elegant, troubled socialite Ellen Dunham on 'Billions.' Misner never fully left dance behind; she choreographed for film and even played a dance instructor in the movie 'Across the Universe.' Her roles are often grounded, intelligent women who operate in high-stakes worlds, a reflection of her own disciplined background. By weaving together the languages of dance and acting, she has crafted a distinctive presence that elevates every project she touches.
Generation X
1965–1980
The latchkey kids. Raised during divorce, recession, and the end of the Cold War. Skeptical, self-reliant, media-literate. They invented indie culture, grunge, and the early internet — then watched the Boomers take credit.
Susan was born in 1971, placing them squarely in the Generation X. The events that shaped this generation — economic uncertainty, the end of the Cold War, and the rise of personal computing — shaped the world they entered and the choices available to them.
#1 When Susan Was Born
The biggest hits of 1971
#1 Movie
Fiddler on the Roof
Best Picture
The French Connection
#1 TV Show
Marcus Welby, M.D.
Susan's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1971Born
Voting age lowered to 18 in the US
Gas: $0.36/galHome: $18,100Min wage: $1.60/hrPresident: Richard Nixon"Joy to the World" — Three Dog NightBest Picture: The French Connection
1976Started school
Apple Computer founded; US bicentennial
Gas: $0.59/galHome: $29,300Min wage: $2.30/hrPresident: Gerald Ford"Silly Love Songs" — WingsBest Picture: Rocky
1984Became a teenager
Apple Macintosh introduced
Gas: $1.13/galHome: $59,800Min wage: $3.35/hrPresident: Ronald Reagan"When Doves Cry" — PrinceBest Picture: Amadeus
1987Could drive
Black Monday stock market crash
Gas: $0.90/galHome: $72,400Min wage: $3.35/hrPresident: Ronald Reagan"Walk Like an Egyptian" — The BanglesBest Picture: The Last Emperor
1989Could vote
Berlin Wall falls; Tiananmen Square protests
Gas: $1.00/galHome: $79,100Min wage: $3.35/hrPresident: George H.W. Bush"Look Away" — ChicagoBest Picture: Driving Miss Daisy
1992Turned 21
LA riots after Rodney King verdict
Gas: $1.13/galHome: $84,300Min wage: $4.25/hrPresident: George H.W. Bush"End of the Road" — Boyz II MenBest Picture: Unforgiven
2001Turned 30
September 11 attacks transform the world
Gas: $1.46/galHome: $126,400Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"Hanging by a Moment" — LifehouseBest Picture: A Beautiful Mind
2011Turned 40
Osama bin Laden killed; Arab Spring sweeps the Middle East
Gas: $3.53/galHome: $138,400Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Rolling in the Deep" — AdeleBest Picture: The Artist
2021Turned 50
January 6 Capitol breach; COVID vaccines roll out globally
Gas: $3.01/galHome: $298,900Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Joe Biden"Levitating" — Dua LipaBest Picture: CODA
2026Age 55 today
Gas: $3.91/galPresident: Donald Trump
Key Achievements
- Portrayed Sandra Beeman, a pivotal role exploring marital strain and espionage, on the critically acclaimed series 'The Americans.'
- Played the recurring role of Ellen Dunham, a wealthy and influential socialite, on the Showtime drama 'Billions.'
- Performed as a dancer and actress in the original Broadway cast of the revival of 'Chicago,' playing June.
- Appeared in a wide range of film and TV, from 'The Forgotten' to 'Person of Interest,' showcasing her versatility.
Did You Know?
She is a founding member of the dance company 'The Actors’ Gang' in Los Angeles.
She performed as a dancer at the 1996 Academy Awards ceremony.
She choreographed the dance sequences for the 2002 film 'The Good Girl,' starring Jennifer Aniston.
She played a small role as a KGB agent in the film 'The Adjustment Bureau.'
“The body tells a story before a single word is spoken.”
