Joshua Goldman
Joshua Goldman
min read · July 12, 2025 · Entertainment

Rediscovering Suzanne Rogers: The Iconic Redhead at 81

This 70s soap star showed off her famous red curls during a rare outing on her birthday this week. On Wednesday, July 9, she was seen picking up some takeout for a low-key 81st birthday celebration at home alongside a close collaborator on her show

Soap Opera Icon Suzanne Rogers Turns 81: A Life of Glamour, Drama, and Enduring Fame

In a rare public appearance, TV legend Suzanne Rogers stunned onlookers with her signature red curls, albeit in a more subdued style, as she celebrated her 81st birthday in Los Angeles. The actress, known for her iconic role as Maggie Horton Kiriakis (formerly Simmons) on the long-running soap opera Days of Our Lives, looked every bit the vivacious beauty that has captivated audiences for over five decades.

Rogers' low-key birthday celebration was a far cry from the glamorous red carpet appearances that once defined her career. Instead, she opted for a more understated look, pairing nude stiletto pumps with a chocolate brown boatneck top and matching knit cardigan. Her flowing white pants, adorned with a leaf-inspired pattern, added a touch of whimsy to her overall ensemble. Oversized, ombré-tinted sunglasses shielded her eyes from the California sun as she stepped out for takeout at a local BBQ restaurant.

The actress looked nearly unrecognizable minus her iconic Farrah Fawcett-inspired blowout and bombshell auburn red curls. Can you guess who she is?

Rogers' close collaborator on Days of Our Lives, Richard Bloore, joined her for the celebration, and it's clear that their working relationship has blossomed into a lasting friendship. The two have shared countless scenes together over the years, with Rogers bringing Maggie to life in a role that has spanned an astonishing 51 seasons.

But Rogers' career extends far beyond her beloved soap opera stint. She first gained fame as a Rockette at Radio City Music Hall and went on to appear in numerous Broadway productions before making the transition to television. Her breakout role on Little House on the Prairie cemented her status as a rising star, and she soon found herself working alongside other industry heavyweights on shows like Knight Rider, Quincy, M.E., and Love, American Style.

Rogers' personal life has been just as dramatic as her on-screen exploits. She was previously married to actor Sam Groom from 1980 to 1982, but it's clear that the years have not diminished her sparkle. As she celebrated her birthday, Rogers seemed radiant and at peace, with a hint of mischief in her eyes.

She's Suzanne Rogers! The award-winning TV star is known for her multi-decade career on the long-running series Days of Our Lives

The actress has faced her share of challenges throughout her career, including a rare muscle disease called myasthenia gravis that forced her to take a hiatus from acting in 1984. But Rogers is nothing if not resilient, and she bounced back with renewed determination, going on to win her first and only Daytime Emmy Award in 1979 for outstanding supporting actress in a drama series.

As she marked the 51st anniversary of her portrayal of Maggie Horton last year, Rogers reflected on the character's evolution over the years. "My character has grown," she explained. "She knows who she is now. And she's not relying on anyone to make her whole." It's clear that Rogers' own life experiences have informed her performances, and she continues to inspire fans with her remarkable talent and enduring spirit.

As the actress embarks on a new chapter in her life, it's clear that Suzanne Rogers remains an icon of glamour and sophistication. With a career spanning over five decades and countless memorable roles under her belt, she is an inspiration to anyone who has ever dreamed of making it big in show business.

The vivacious beauty was spending time with the longtime costume designer for Days of Our Lives, Richard Bloore, on her birthday

TheScholarlyNote.com exclusively brings you this exclusive look at the life and career of one of television's most beloved stars. Stay tuned for more updates on Suzanne Rogers' remarkable journey!

Fun Facts:

  • Suzanne Rogers was born Suzanne Crumpler, but adopted the stage name after being inspired by Ginger Rogers.
  • She first appeared on Days of Our Lives in 1973 as Maggie Horton Simmons and has been a part of the show ever since.
  • Rogers is known for her iconic red curls, which have become an integral part of her image.
  • The actress was diagnosed with myasthenia gravis in 1984 but underwent remission shortly thereafter.
  • In addition to her work on Days of Our Lives, Rogers has appeared in numerous other TV shows and Broadway productions.

For her birthday look, Rogers was as glamorous as ever, looking half of her age as she strutted through the city in nude stiletto pumps

Photos:

  • Suzanne Rogers celebrates her 81st birthday in Los Angeles
  • Rogers steps out for takeout at a local BBQ restaurant with close collaborator Richard Bloore
  • The actress looks stunning in nude stiletto pumps and a chocolate brown boatneck top
  • Oversized, ombré-tinted sunglasses shield Rogers' eyes from the California sun

Note: TheScholarlyNote.com is proud to bring you this exclusive article on Suzanne Rogers. We are not responsible for any errors or inaccuracies that may have been reported in other sources.

She looked effortlessly chic as she paired a chocolate brown, boatneck top with a matching knit cardigan

She paired the set with flowing, white pants covered in a brown, leaf-inspired pattern and a cream-colored camera bag

She also modeled oversize, ombré-tinted sunglasses during her birthday outing in sunny Los Angeles

She appeared to be sporting natural makeup for her day in the city as she stepped out from a BBQ restaurant and headed to her car

This comes after she recently celebrated the 51st anniversary of her continuous portrayal of her character Margaret 'Maggie' Horton Kiriakis (formerly Simmons) on Days of Our Lives last year. That March, the show's official Instagram account shared a video of the actress talking about her character

For the same role, she previously won her first and only Daytime Emmy Award in 1979 for outstanding supporting actress in a drama series. She first portrayed the character in 1973 and has been making appearances in every season minus a short hiatus in 1984; pictured May 1979 at the Emmys

The renowned actress, who boasts an award-winning, decades-spanning career on television, was last seen stepping out for a low-key shopping trip on another rare outing earlier this year back in March

In 1984, the Virginia-born redhead revealed she was diagnosed with myasthenia gravis, a rare muscle disease that causes muscles under voluntary control to feel weak and get tired quickly, according to the Mayo Clinic

The disease greatly impacted how much she could work, but the actress reportedly underwent remission shortly thereafter

Last year, on the anniversary of her first appearance, she said about portraying Maggie Horton over the years. 'My character has grown,' she explained. 'She knows who she is now. And she's not relying on anyone to make her whole'

Rogers also appeared in other shows and acting in episodes of Knight Rider; Little House on the Prairie; Quincy, M.E.; and Love, American Style

The former Rockette got her start at Radio City Music Hall as well as numerous Broadway productions

The actress, who was born Suzanne Crumpler, once said her stage name was inspired by Ginger Rogers, whom she previously cited as her inspiration for pursuing a career in the entertainment industry