Hey there, friends. Let’s talk about Susan Lucci, the iconic actress who just celebrated her 75th birthday on December 23. Now, this isn’t just another birthday. It’s a big one, and while Susan’s got plenty to celebrate, the day came with a bittersweet twist. Her mom, Jeanette, who lived to the ripe old age of 104, passed away last summer. “I miss her tremendously,” Susan shares in a heartfelt moment. It’s clear that Jeanette’s presence in Susan’s life was monumental, and now she carries those memories forward.
You know, when you think about Susan Lucci, one thing stands out—she’s got this incredible energy that seems to defy time. And she credits a lot of that to her mom. “She was a registered nurse who believed in prevention,” Susan says. Jeanette taught her daughter the importance of taking care of yourself, and Susan has carried that lesson into her own life. Her advice? “Do the best with what you’ve got. Get up off the couch, take it day by day, and do what works for you.” Simple, right? But powerful. It’s about embracing life and not letting it pass you by.
Staying Fit and Focused
For Susan, staying healthy isn’t just about working out; it’s a lifestyle. The former All My Children star keeps herself in top shape with frequent Pilates workouts. She swears by a Mediterranean-style diet filled with fresh veggies, fruit, and fish. But it’s not all about physical fitness—Susan’s also made wellness a priority in her life. In a candid chat with Closer Weekly, she talks about how she’s gotten more in touch with her spiritual side over the years. “I think keeping an open heart and open mind has been very helpful to me,” she shares. It’s about finding balance and meaning in life.
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But let’s be real for a second. Life doesn’t always go as planned. Back in 2018, Susan faced a health scare that could have changed everything. She underwent heart surgery after a large blockage in her main artery almost caused a massive heart attack. “Mine was caused by a calcium buildup,” Susan explains, something she inherited from her father. It was a wake-up call for her, and she learned a valuable lesson: stress plays a real role in our health. “Physical exercise, in addition to keeping you physically healthier, is a great way to de-stress,” she says. And she’s put that into action.
The Power of Pilates
Susan discovered Pilates, and it’s become a cornerstone of her routine. She practices it six times a week, trying different forms to keep things interesting. “I do several forms. I love my Pilates Pro Chair because it gives me cardio at the same time, but I also work out with a mat and a vinyl ball,” she says with enthusiasm. Susan’s not just maintaining her current fitness level; she’s looking for ways to step it up this year. “I intend to keep it up,” she adds, showing that her commitment to wellness is unwavering.
Turning 75 is a big deal, and Susan admits it takes her breath away. But she’s not afraid of aging. In fact, she’s embracing it. “I hope there is some wisdom that comes from life experience that is settling in,” she reflects. There’s a sense of peace in her words, like she’s accepting the journey and all it brings. It’s inspiring to see someone so graceful and full of life at this stage.

— Reporting by Katie Bruno
For more on this story, pick up the latest issue of Closer magazine, on newsstands now.


