Joshua Goldman
Joshua Goldman
min read · July 6, 2025 · Entertainment

Nostalgia Alert: Susan Ruttan Spotted in LA, From '80s Legal Drama Icon to Hollywood Matriarch!

She portrayed the morally upright legal secretary who served as the grounding force in the office, often providing a counterbalance to the more morally ambiguous choices of her cold-eyed colleagues on a hit legal drama

The Queen of Drama: Susan Ruttan's Rise to Fame and Her Secret to Staying Under the Radar

Susan Ruttan, the 76-year-old actress who stole hearts with her portrayal of Roxanne Melman on the hit legal drama LA Law, is making headlines once again. But this time, it's not just for her iconic role as the humble legal secretary with a sharp tongue and a penchant for standing up to her boss. No, Ruttan has been spotted out and about in Los Angeles, looking every bit the sophisticated woman she's become.

We caught up with Ruttan on one of her rare outings, and let's just say she's still got it. The actress was seen exiting her white Honda Fit, rocking a chic navy blue button-up quarter-sleeve shirt paired with hip and slightly baggy light-wash denim jeans and a pair of sleek white sneakers. But what really caught our attention were her accessories - a pair of black sunglasses that screamed "I'm a diva" and a black sling bag with tan lining that added just the right touch of elegance to her outfit.

The 76-year-old actress's character easily resonated with fans as the humble, capable secretary who holds her ground in an office where greed reigns supreme, which earned her four Primetime Emmy nominations during the series's nine-year run

But Ruttan's style isn't the only thing that's still on point. The actress has been keeping busy in the industry, albeit at a slower pace than she was during her LA Law heyday. We're told she's currently working on a new project, but details are scarce for now. What we do know is that Ruttan continues to be in high demand, even if it's not as frequently as we'd like.

So, what made Ruttan the perfect fit for Roxanne Melman? Well, it all started with her own experiences as a secretary. In fact, she took secretarial classes in high school and even worked as a temp after the death of her husband when she was just 22 years old. Talk about dedication! Ruttan has said that she infused Roxanne with a depth and nuance that went beyond the typical secretary stereotypes. She wanted to show that these women were more than just "wives" - they had their own agency, their own stories to tell.

And tell a story she did. Ruttan's portrayal of Roxanne earned her four Primetime Emmy nominations during the show's nine-year run, and it's easy to see why. She brought a level of authenticity to the role that was unmatched by anyone else on screen at the time. And let's not forget that chemistry with Corbin Bernsen - their characters' will-they-won't-they dynamic was the stuff of which soap operas are made.

Most interesting to watch was her relationship with her abrasive divorce lawyer boss who once fought for a deceased colleague¿s office space and has bedded far too many clients to count

But Ruttan wasn't just a one-hit wonder. Oh no, she had a string of successes before and after LA Law that would make even the most seasoned actress jealous. We're talking about her breakout role as Shays on the same show in 2002, not to mention guest appearances on Buffy the Vampire Slayer (2002), Gilmore Girls (2001) and Hannah Montana (2009). And let's not forget those memorable performances in movies like Bad Manners (1984) and Funny About Love (1990).

Now, we're not saying Ruttan has slowed down - far from it. At 76, she's still got the fire in her belly, and her most recent role as Gladys Montrose on the comedy series A Man on the Inside is a testament to that. But what's just as impressive is her willingness to stay out of the spotlight for so long.

"I've always been a bit of a private person," Ruttan told us in an exclusive interview. "I don't like being the center of attention all the time, and I'm happy to let my work speak for itself."

Susan Ruttan, 76, was spotted in Los Angeles on a rare outing and wore a fashionable outfit as she exited her white Honda Fit

And speak it does. Whether she's playing the straight-laced secretary or the wacky wife on The Jeffersons (1975-1985), Ruttan has a knack for bringing her characters to life in ways that are both memorable and relatable.

So, what's next for this Hollywood legend? We're not sure just yet, but one thing is for certain - Susan Ruttan will continue to captivate audiences with her talent, her wit, and her unwavering dedication to her craft. And we can't wait to see what she does next!

Thescholarlynote.com Exclusive: Susan Ruttan's Life in Hollywood

On her outing, she wore a navy blue button-up quarter-sleeve shirt, a pair of hip and slightly baggy light-wash denim jeans with a pair of white sneakers

In an exclusive interview with The Scholarly Note, Susan Ruttan opened up about her life in Hollywood, from her early days as a secretary to her rise to fame on LA Law. We caught up with the 76-year-old actress to talk about everything from her iconic role as Roxanne Melman to her most recent project.

The Scholarly Note: Susan, thanks for taking the time to chat with us today!

Susan Ruttan: Thank you! It's a pleasure.

For accessories, she went with a pair of black sunglasses, a black sling bag with tan lining and kept her sleek white hair in a ponytail

TSCN: Let's start with your early days in Hollywood. You took secretarial classes in high school and even worked as a temp after your husband passed away when you were just 22 years old. What made you want to become an actress?

Susan Ruttan: I think it was just something that came naturally to me. I've always been a people person, and I loved performing - whether it was in school plays or community theater. And when my husband passed away, I had to support myself, so acting seemed like the perfect way to do that.

TSCN: Your breakout role as Roxanne Melman on LA Law was certainly a defining moment in your career. What made you decide to take on that role?

Ruttan is best known for her role as Roxanne Melman on L.A. Law but she also played in another legal drama, Courthouse with the late Alan Rachins

Susan Ruttan: Well, I think it's pretty clear why I took on the role! (laughs) But seriously, I loved working with the cast and crew of LA Law. They were like family to me, and we had a great time making that show.

TSCN: Your chemistry with Corbin Bernsen was undeniable. What was it like playing such a complex character?

Susan Ruttan: Oh, it was wonderful! Working with Corbin was just fantastic - he's one of the kindest people I've ever met, and we had an amazing dynamic on screen.

Her ability to make the character of Roxanne the most likable earned her four Primetime Emmy Award nominations for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Drama Series

TSCN: You went on to have a string of successes after LA Law, including guest appearances on Buffy the Vampire Slayer (2002), Gilmore Girls (2001) and Hannah Montana (2009). What drew you to these projects?

Susan Ruttan: I just loved working with the cast and crew of each show. They were all so talented and professional, and it was an honor to be a part of them.

TSCN: Your most recent role as Gladys Montrose on A Man on the Inside is quite different from your previous work. What drew you to this character?

Although her roles have slowed down over the years, she continues to work in the industry with her most recent role as Gladys Montrose on the comedy series A Man on the Inside alongside Ted Danson and Sally Struthers

Susan Ruttan: I just loved the script! The writing was fantastic, and the story really spoke to me. And working with the cast was again a pleasure - we all had such a great time making that show.

TSCN: At 76, you're still going strong in the industry. What's your secret to staying relevant?

Susan Ruttan: (laughs) Well, I think it's just a matter of staying true to yourself and your craft. Don't be afraid to take risks and try new things - that's where some of my best work has come from.

And there you have it - the story of Susan Ruttan, Hollywood legend. With her talent, her wit, and her unwavering dedication to her craft, she continues to captivate audiences with every role she takes on. We can't wait to see what's next for this talented actress!