Susan Lucci, the iconic actress celebrated for her legendary portrayal of Erica Kane on the enduring soap opera All My Children, continues to defy the passage of time with remarkable grace. On a recent Thursday evening, the seventy-nine-year-old star illuminated the red carpet at the American Heart Association Go Red For Women Red Dress Collection Concert, held at Jazz at Lincoln Center in New York City. Her appearance was nothing short of sensational, radiating vitality and elegance that captivated all in attendance.
A Dazzling Display of Style and Resilience
Lucci made a powerful fashion statement in a striking scarlet red gown, designed with a low-cut strapless neckline that elegantly cinched at the waist. She accessorised with a delicate diamond heart pendant necklace and matching hoop earrings, adding a touch of sparkle to her ensemble. Her hair was styled up, complemented by a dark red lipstick and a fresh tan, which together lent a youthful and vibrant look. This glamorous appearance holds profound significance, coming seven years after she endured a near-fatal heart attack in October 2018, a life-altering event that has since shaped her advocacy for cardiovascular health.
A Harrowing Health Scare and Timely Intervention
The actress's journey to recovery began one evening in October 2018, when she experienced discomfort radiating around her rib cage and shortness of breath. Initially hesitant to seek help due to the late hour, Lucci nearly dismissed the symptoms until a sharp pain in her left jaw—a known warning sign for heart events in women—prompted urgent action. Urged by her husband, she contacted her cardiologist, who immediately directed her to the emergency room. By morning, a stent had been implanted in a coronary artery that was 80% blocked, a procedure performed by Dr. Richard Shlofmitz, chairman of cardiology at St. Francis Hospital in Roslyn, New York. This timely intervention potentially averted a serious heart attack, with Dr. Shlofmitz noting that the blockage could have escalated within a year without treatment.
This was not Lucci's first encounter with cardiovascular issues; years earlier, doctors had discovered two other arteries with significant blockages of 90% and 75%. At that time, she had ignored mounting symptoms for weeks until crushing chest pain necessitated hospitalisation. The insertion of two stents—small wire mesh tubes that restore blood flow by widening clogged arteries—swiftly resolved the problem and likely saved her life. Reflecting on her recovery, Lucci shared that life returned to normal quickly, with her performing on stage just two days after being discharged from the hospital.
Personal Milestones and Enduring Legacy
Beyond her health battles, Lucci's personal life has been marked by deep love and loss. She was married to Helmut Huber for nearly fifty-three years, after meeting him while both worked at a hotel and becoming engaged within three weeks of dating. They wed in September 1969 and remained together until his passing in March 2022 at age eighty-four. Huber, an Austrian-born writer and producer, served as Lucci's manager throughout much of her career and was the CEO of their production company, Pine Valley Productions, named for the fictional town in All My Children. The couple shared two children, Andreas and Liza, and their bond was a cornerstone of Lucci's life and career.
In December 2024, Lucci honoured her late husband while accepting a Lifetime Achievement Award at the Daytime Emmy Awards in New York. During her emotional speech, she expressed gratitude for her son Andreas's presence in the audience and felt her husband's spiritual support. She credited Huber with playing an integral role in her achievements, stating that he had everything to do with her standing on stage that night. Lucci's career spanned decades, with her iconic role as Erica Kane beginning in 1970 and continuing until All My Children concluded in 2011, cementing her status as a television legend.
Today, Susan Lucci stands as a beacon of resilience, using her platform to raise awareness about heart health while continuing to inspire with her timeless beauty and unwavering spirit. Her story underscores the importance of recognising symptoms and seeking prompt medical care, offering hope and encouragement to many facing similar challenges.
