During her time living in England, Suzanne, who was born in Toronto, Canada, worked in various theatre, film and television productions.
In this interview Suzanne recalls her time working at Elstree Studios in the Sixties on episodes of both The Saint and The Avengers.
Paul: What abiding memories do you have of working at Elstree Studios?
Suzanne: I remember being treated very well at the studios. The first time I was called Miss Lloyd it came as a bit of a surprise as first names are used in the states. It made me feel very special.
Paul: What recollections do you have of working with Roger Moore (now Sir Roger Moore) on the episodes that you appeared in of The Saint?
Suzanne: Roger was a delight as he was not temperamental and was very professional. He saw to it that everyone was okay but did not make a fuss of it. I enjoyed having lunch with him in the dressing room as he would tell me very funny stories about working in Italy where, at that time, everything was shot MOS (Motor Only Shot); so there was bedlam all round the shoot site!
Paul: What other memories do you have of working on The Saint at Elstree Studios?
Suzanne: The actors were professional and came in prepared so we were able to move at quite a clip. I only remember going overtime once. We had to 'shoot' on a Sunday and so I brought my daughter, Tracey, to the set. I remember that a photographer took a photo of Tracey and I on the set and this now sits on the grand piano of my daughter's home in Malibu.
The directors did not give any of us much feed back but then they didn't in the states either. As I watch the old shows they warm my heart and at the same time I find myself wincing as I watch an acting choice that could have been better executed. I enjoy constructive criticism from someone I respect and I needed it.
The crew stopped for tea not matter what was going on in front of the camera and that shocked me! Then I came to look forward to the warm brew being served and warming my tummy and invigorating me.
I became close with the hair stylist. She was a lovely, talented and supportive woman.
Paul: I particularly enjoy an episode of The Saint that you appeared in with Peter Wyngarde called The Man Who Liked Lions. What recollections do you personally have of working on this episode?
Suzanne: I loved working with Peter because my character was terrified of his character and he made that very easy for me!
I thought that the episode of was shot beautifully and as I had recently gone blonde for a film with Chabrol in Paris I wanted to see how I would photograph with that shade of hair.
I thought The Saint was excellent and I was glad I was asked to join them.
Paul: You also worked on the action TV series The Avengers at Elstree Studios with Patrick Macnee and Diana Rigg (now Dame Diana Rigg). What do you recall of working on this classic series?
Suzanne: I remember that I was stabbed in the leg during a fight sequence because the director was pushing the fight scene very hard. The knife drew blood but it did not pierce the leg to any great extent but it hurt more than it was dangerous.
I was also nearly knocked out during one shot and I could see great big black and orange dots before my eyes. My stand-in took care of me as I was concerned that I would not be able to see properly to drive home.
The incident for me was over by the next day but I made a promise to myself to never work with the director who worked on that episode again if it involved fight scenes.
Patrick Macnee was a sweetheart and the executive producers could not have been more wonderful. I loved The Avengers and was thrilled when I returned to the states to find it had such a strong following. I have, incidentally, followed Diana Rigg's career ever since The Avengers and think she is a fine actress.
My special thanks go to Suzanne Lloyd for her time and help and for taking part in this interview.
Suzanne Lloyd - Official Website:
For more information on Suzanne Lloyd, please visit her official website: www.suzannelloyd.com
© Paul Burton 2009
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