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Susan Blu
Susan Blu
Susan Blu
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Susan Blu, better known as Sue Blu, is an American voice-actress, voice-director, and casting-director in American and Canadian cinema and television. She most notably voiced Arcee in The Transformers: The Movie and Seasons 3 and 4 of The Transformers (she later reprised the role in Transformers: Animated). She is also known for playing the roles of Stormer/Mary Phillips and Lindsey Pierce in the 1980s animated series Jem. She also served as a casting and voice director for Handy Manny, for which she also guest-starred as Marion.

Key Information

Life and career

[edit]

Susan Blu graduated from Stephens College in Columbia, Missouri.[1] Her voice roles include Nanny Smurf on The Smurfs, Judge J.B. McBride on BraveStarr, Jessica Wray, Futura and Belfry on Ghostbusters, Aimee Brightower on Galaxy High, Kim on Fangface, Hiccup on Little Clowns of Happytown, Lofty, Paradise, Buttons and other minor characters on My Little Pony, the character Transmutate in the episode of the same name of the series Beast Wars, and one of Petrie (Jeff Bennett)'s siblings in The Land Before Time XII: The Great Day of the Flyers (2006). She also played Princess PawPaw on Hanna-Barbera's Paw Paws, the Sphinx on Tiny Toon Adventures, and provided the voice of Sibella from the television movie Scooby Doo and the Ghoul School (1988).

Blu has worked as a voice-director for the Ocean Group, a Canadian-based company most notable for providing the voice-actors for Viz Communications and Beast Wars series. She was the voice director for Beast Wars, a prequel (and sequel) of The Transformers, and the sequel, Beast Machines. She was the dialogue director on the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles 1987 TV series and was also the voice director on the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles 2003 TV series. She was the voice-director for Transformers: Animated and reprised her role of Arcee from The Transformers: The Movie and the original Transformers animated series. She also played the role of Vikki Grimm from the Army Men series. She is also the voice director and voice actor for The Magic School Bus. She worked as voice director for Transformers: Prime until Season 1, Episode 7, when the death of her partner Cynthia Songé forced her to turn the position over to Jamie Simone.

Blu's on-screen appearances include an appearance on the 1977 television series Three's Company, an appearance on the television series Knight Rider, and the role of Amanda Shepard in Friday the 13th Part VII: The New Blood (1988).

Personal life

[edit]

Blu is openly lesbian.[1] Blu's domestic partner, actress Cynthia Songé, died in Arroyo Grande, California, on May 19, 2010.[2] In 2013, Blu married Tania Themmen,[1] sister of Paris Themmen.[3]

Filmography

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Live-action television

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Single-episode roles in the following series

Television animation

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Film

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Video games

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Crew work

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References

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[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Susan Blu

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
Susan Blu (born Susan Maria Blupka; July 12, 1948) is an American voice actress, voice director, and casting director renowned for her contributions to animated television, films, and video games. Born in St. Paul, Minnesota, she began her career in the 1970s after moving to following discovery by a talent scout, initially appearing in live-action television guest roles on shows such as , , and , as well as starring as Amanda Shepard in the 1988 horror film Friday the 13th Part VII: The New Blood. Her voice acting portfolio spans over 90 roles, with iconic performances including Arcee in the Transformers animated series and films (1986–1990s), Sibella in (1988), Transmutate in Beast Wars: Transformers (1999), and additional characters in classics like , , and . Transitioning into directing and casting in the 1980s, Blu has overseen more than 1,000 episodes of animated content, including 145 episodes of Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles (1987–1996), series, (2006–), Star Wars: The Clone Wars (2008–2020), and other projects such as the feature films Stuart Little 3: Call of the Wild (2005) and (2006), and the series (2000–2003). She has also directed video games like Surf's Up (2007) and Open Season (2006), earning four Daytime Emmy nominations for Outstanding Children's Animated Program, including for (2017), (2014), and Transformers Prime (2011). Notably, her voice direction facilitated two Emmy-winning performances: Lily Tomlin as Ms. Frizzle in Season 1 (1995) and Henry Winkler in (2004). In addition to her on-camera and behind-the-scenes work, Blu co-authored the instructional book (2002) with Molly Ann Mullin and the late Cynthia Songe, drawing from her expertise in the industry. Her multifaceted career has established her as a pivotal figure in , blending performance with leadership in voice production across decades.

Early life and education

Childhood and family background

Susan Blu was born on July 12, 1948, in St. Paul, Minnesota. Blu's childhood included personal challenges, including severe stemming from a stutter that lasted until she was 16 and required speech therapy. To navigate the teasing, she began experimenting with different voices and personas as a coping mechanism, an early creative outlet that ignited her passion for performance. Details on Blu's family remain limited in public records, with no widely documented information about her parents' professions or any siblings.

Academic background

She grew up in St. Paul, Minnesota, before pursuing higher learning. In the mid-1960s, Blu enrolled at , a private women's liberal arts institution in , renowned for its strong emphasis on . There, she focused her studies on theater, training to become a professional musical comedy actor through coursework and practical experience in stage productions. Her time at included active participation in extracurricular theater activities, which further developed her interest in and provided foundational skills in and voice work. Blu graduated from the college in 1968, concluding her formal academic background in the late 1960s.

Career

Early live-action roles

Susan Blu's professional began shortly after her graduation from in 1968, when she relocated to and secured her first job in a commercial. She supplemented her training with classes under renowned acting coach , whose workshops emphasized techniques drawn from theater traditions, helping her adapt to on-camera demands that required more subtle physical expressions compared to stage performances. This period marked her transition from academic and regional theater work to screen , where she faced the challenges of shorter times and the need to convey emotion through shots rather than broad gestures. Her early television appearances in the consisted primarily of minor guest roles that showcased her versatility in supporting parts. In 1974, she debuted on screen in the episode "Eighteen Hours of Fear," portraying Lover Girl, a character involved in a plot. The following year, Blu appeared in episode "The Lie" as Girl, a brief role in a storyline about a hit-and-run incident affecting the . These early gigs highlighted the competitive nature of Hollywood, where she auditioned extensively for small parts amid a growing pool of aspiring actors. By the late 1970s, Blu continued building her resume with more prominent guest spots. In 1978, she played Sandra in the episode "Will the Real ...," a comedic role as a woman mistakenly believing to be her boyfriend and claiming pregnancy, which added to the show's signature . These experiences involved quick rehearsals and , contrasting with the scripted precision of theater, and often required her to perform under live laughter. Entering the 1980s, Blu's live-action work included a 1985 appearance on in the episode "Sky Knight" as Stewardess Mary, a entangled in a high-tech scheme. Her most notable film credit came in 1988 with Part VII: The New Blood, where she portrayed Amanda Shepard, the mother of the film's telekinetic Tina Shepard; the role involved intense dramatic scenes amid the horror franchise's signature gore, filmed on location in Georgia with practical effects that demanded physical endurance from the cast. Behind the scenes, Blu recalled the grueling night shoots and the camaraderie among actors navigating the film's chaotic production schedule. This period represented a peak in her on-screen efforts before she increasingly shifted to opportunities in during the mid-1980s.

Voice acting roles

Susan Blu emerged as a prominent voice actress in the , gaining recognition for her breakthrough roles in popular animated series and films. She voiced the Autobot warrior in The Transformers: The Movie (1986) and subsequent seasons of The Transformers television series, portraying a tough yet compassionate female lead inspired by the strong-willed style of actress . In Jem and the Holograms (1985–1988), Blu lent her voice to Stormer, the level-headed leader of the rival band The Misfits, infusing the character with emotional depth and resilience. Additionally, as Nanny Smurf (also known as Granny Smurf) in (1981–1989), she brought a warm, nurturing maternal presence to the ensemble, contrasting her more action-oriented performances. Throughout the late 1980s and 1990s, Blu continued to showcase her versatility in other notable animated projects. She voiced Judge J.B. McBride, a stern and authoritative law figure, in (1987–1988), emphasizing her ability to convey commanding authority. In (1990–1992), Blu provided the quirky, mischievous voice for Sphinxy, adding to the show's comedic ensemble of young cartoon characters. Her role as the tragic, gender-fluid Transformer Transmutate in Beast Wars: Transformers (1996–1999) highlighted her skill in delivering emotionally complex, empathetic performances within the evolving Transformers franchise. Blu’s voice acting career demonstrated a remarkable evolution in style and range, transitioning from the empowered, tough female protagonists of the 1980s—like Arcee and Stormer—to more supportive, maternal figures such as Nanny Smurf, while maintaining a distinctive clarity and emotional nuance across genres. This versatility contributed to the cultural landscape of 1980s and 1990s animation, where her characters became enduring icons that influenced generations of viewers, shaping perceptions of strong women and diverse personalities in children's media. Her work in these eras not only entertained but also paved the way for greater representation of multifaceted female roles in animated storytelling.

Voice directing and casting work

Susan Blu transitioned into voice directing and casting in the late 1980s, leveraging her experience as a voice actress to guide ensembles in animated productions. She served as dialogue director for the 1987 Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles , where she coordinated the ensemble including core turtle voices like and . Her work continued with the 2003 revival, selecting talents such as and to refresh the characters for a new generation. She also handled casting and directing duties for later projects, including Beast Wars: Transformers in 1996, where she served as voice director for the series produced by Mainframe Entertainment, overseeing the Canadian-based Ocean Group voice cast. She continued in this role for the sequel series in 1999, directing performances that contributed to the franchise's evolution in CGI animation. In the 2000s, Blu's portfolio expanded with high-profile projects, including Transformers: Animated (2007–2009), where she acted as both voice and casting director, reprising her role as Arcee while assembling a cast featuring stars like David Kaye and Bumper Robinson. She initially directed Transformers: Prime (2010–2011), guiding the first 11 episodes with voices including Peter Cullen and Jeffrey Combs before passing the role to a successor. Additionally, Blu was voice director for Handy Manny (2006–2010), overseeing 77 episodes and casting performers like Wilmer Valderrama to bring the tool-themed characters to life. Blu's direction earned recognition for eliciting standout performances, including two Daytime Emmy Award-winning efforts: Lily Tomlin's portrayal of Ms. Frizzle in (Season 1, 1994–1995), which won Outstanding Performer in an Animated Program, and Henry Winkler's role as Norville in (2003), also securing the same honor. Her approach to voice direction emphasized precise talent selection to match character nuances, drawing on her acting background to foster and emotional depth in sessions, as evidenced by her guidance of diverse ensembles across franchises.

Personal life

Romantic relationships

Susan Blu was married to actress and voice-over artist Cynthia Songé, with whom she co-founded Blupka Productions Inc., a voice-over school for actors, and co-authored the book : A Guide to Commercial and Animation Voice-Over Excellence with Molly Ann Mullin. The couple ran the school together. Songé died on May 19, 2010, in , following a brief illness, leaving Blu to grieve deeply and temporarily pause her professional work. Blu has been openly lesbian, reflecting on her journey of self-acceptance in a 2014 interview where she stated, “I knew I was gay,” and affirmed, “I’m out now and I’m very proud of who I am and what I am.” She has discussed overcoming personal challenges related to her , including in her youth, and emphasized the importance of authenticity in her public life. Following Songé's death, Blu found love again and married Tania Themmen, sister of actor , in August 2013 in . The two met when Blu was referred to Themmen's massage services for chronic issues, leading to a relationship that began through exchanges. Blu has shared her gratitude for this second chance at partnership, noting, “I still love , and I miss her every day, but I’m so glad that I was able to find love again.”

Later years and activities

In 2011, Susan Blu stepped down as voice director for Transformers: Prime after the death of her wife, Cynthia Songé, in 2010, which led to a period of deep grief and depression that interrupted her professional commitments mid-season. She took over a year off from directing multiple animated projects to cope, marking a significant pause in her extensive career behind the scenes. Following this hiatus, Blu's involvement in new voice acting and directing roles has been limited, particularly after 2020, with no major credits listed in recent years, indicating a shift toward semi-retirement while maintaining a low-profile presence in the industry. She continues to operate Blupka Productions, her voice-over training company based in , , where she serves as animation dialogue director and offers workshops for aspiring actors. Residing in , Blu has expressed interest in advocating for greater LGBTQ+ representation in , including pitching ideas for shows featuring gay characters to enhance visibility in the medium. Blu remains engaged with fans through convention appearances, celebrating her legacy roles like Arcee from the Transformers franchise. In 2023, she made her first UK convention debut at TFNation in Birmingham, participating in panels such as "Finding Your Voice" alongside fellow voice actors and signing autographs for attendees. That year, she also attended BotCon in , and The Hero Con, fostering interactions that highlight her enduring impact on enthusiasts. In 2024, she appeared as a special guest at CybFest NW, a Transformers fan event in .

Filmography

Live-action television

Blu began her live-action television career with guest appearances in the , transitioning to more roles in the 1980s before focusing primarily on voice work.
  • Kojak (1974, episode: "Eighteen Hours of Fear") as Lover Girl
  • The Brian Keith Show (1974, episode: "The Titanic Sails Again") as Gloria
  • The Waltons (1975, episode: "The Lie") as Girl
  • Three's Company (1978, episode: "Will the Real ...") as Sandra
  • Simon & Simon (1983, episode: "The Skeleton Who Came Out of the Closet") as Sally
  • Whiz Kids (1984, episode: "The Lollypop Gang Strikes Back") as Miss Wilson
  • St. Elsewhere (1984, episode: "Playing God: Part 2") as Receptionist
  • Simon & Simon (1984, episode: "The Disappearance of Harry the Hat") as Doctor's Receptionist
  • Newhart (1985, episode: "Out with the New, Inn with the Old") as Customer #2
  • Knight Rider (1985, episode: "Sky Knight") as Stewardess Mary
  • Simon & Simon (1986, episode: "The Blue Chip Stomp") as Toby Heinz's Secretary

Animated television

Susan Blu's contributions to animated television span over four decades, encompassing recurring lead roles, supporting characters, and guest appearances in numerous series, often highlighting strong female figures or ensemble casts in adventure and fantasy genres. Her earliest notable role was as Kim Carlton, a recurring main character and member of the teen detective team, in Fangface (1978–1980). In The Plastic Man Comedy/Adventure Show (1979–1981), she provided recurring voices for Kim and Sally Jones across 16 episodes. Blu voiced additional characters in Scooby-Doo and Scrappy-Doo (1979–1980), contributing to the ensemble in multiple episodes. From 1981 to 1989, she portrayed Nanny Smurf as a recurring maternal figure in , appearing in various episodes including "Lost Smurf" (1988). She also offered additional voices in (1981–1983). In The Transformers (1984–1987), Blu voiced the recurring Autobot warrior , particularly prominent in seasons 3 and 4, establishing the character as a key ally in ' fight against the . A major recurring role came as Stormer (Mary Phillips), the blue-haired keyboardist of The Misfits, in Jem (1985–1988), spanning the full series run. During the mid-1980s, she voiced Princess Paw Paw, a recurring lead in the Paw Paw tribe, in Paw Paws (1985–1986) across 21 episodes. Blu played Flim-Flam, the recurring con-artist sidekick, in (1985), appearing throughout the 13-episode series. In (1986), she provided the recurring voice for Aimee Brightower, a supporting student character. Her role as Dreamchip Gemstone, a recurring jewel thief in the kids' ensemble, featured in (1986–1988). Blu voiced Galadria, a recurring Spectral Knight, in the 13-episode series Visionaries: Knights of the Magical Light (1987). As Judge J.B. McBride, she had a recurring authority figure role in BraveStarr (1987–1988). In the 1990s, she contributed additional voices to Toxic Crusaders (1991–1993). Later, in Beast Wars: Transformers (1996–1999), Blu guest-starred as Transmutate in the episode "Transmutate" (1997), a unique non-binary fuzor character. She also voiced Una in select episodes of the same series. In the 2000s, Blu appeared as Marion the Librarian in guest spots across two episodes of (2006–2008). Reprising her iconic character, she voiced in recurring appearances in (2007–2009). Additional voices included in (2007 TV series), a guest role. In more recent years, Blu provided the guest voice for Sibella in OK K.O.! Let's Be Heroes (2017–2019). She voiced Gobal in the animated short Young Brutus and the Seagulls (2018). She voiced Councilor 3, a recurring yokai council member, in Rise of the Teenage Mutant Turtles (2018–2020).

Films

Susan Blu's film career encompasses a mix of live-action and roles, predominantly in animated features, where she lent her voice to memorable characters in theatrical and releases. Her breakthrough in animation came with the role of , the Autobot warrior, in the 1986 animated feature The Transformers: The Movie, a pivotal entry in the Transformers franchise that showcased her ability to portray strong, heroic female characters. In live-action, Blu portrayed Amanda Shepard, the mother of the film's telekinetic protagonist, in the 1988 slasher horror film Friday the 13th Part VII: The New Blood, marking one of her notable non-animated performances in a theatrical release. Returning to voice work, she provided voices for Petrie's siblings in the animated film XII: The Great Day of the Flyers (2006), contributing to the long-running dinosaur adventure series with her versatile ensemble performances. Blu also appeared in additional voices for several high-profile animated films, including the theatrical release Cars (2006), where she supported Pixar's ensemble cast in the world of anthropomorphic vehicles. Other representative credits include voicing Sibella in the direct-to-video Scooby-Doo and the Ghoul School (1988), a spooky adventure in the Scooby-Doo universe, and additional voices in G.I. Joe: The Movie (1987), an animated action feature based on the popular toy line. In direct-to-video projects like Stuart Little 3: Call of the Wild (2005), while primarily serving as voice director, her oversight influenced the production without a credited acting role.
YearTitleRoleType
1986The Transformers: The Movie (voice)Animated theatrical
1987G.I. Joe: The MovieAdditional Voices (voice)Animated theatrical
1988Sibella (voice)Animated
1988 Part VII: The New BloodAmanda ShepardLive-action theatrical
2006 XII: The Great Day of the FlyersPetrie's Siblings (voice)Animated
2006Additional Voices (voice)Animated theatrical

Video games

Susan Blu began contributing to video games in the late , primarily through in action-adventure titles, where she brought her experience from to . Her roles often featured strong female characters, adapting performances originally developed for television animations into dynamic game environments that required expressive delivery for gameplay cues and cutscenes. She is particularly noted for voicing Vikki Grimm, a resourceful reporter and ally in the series, starting with the 1999 entry where the character aids the protagonist in plastic soldier battles. This role spanned multiple installments, showcasing Blu's versatility in portraying determined, action-oriented figures in a whimsical war setting between toy armies. Blu also reprised her iconic role as from The Transformers animated series in several s, adapting the Autobot warrior's voice for 3D action sequences and narrative-driven campaigns. These appearances bridged her legacy with gaming, emphasizing Arcee's leadership and combat prowess in Cybertronian conflicts. Her other credits include a mix of lead and supporting voices, often in ensemble casts for licensed properties. Below is a chronological list of her confirmed roles:
YearTitleCharacter(s)
1999Army Men: Sarge's HeroesVikki
2000Army Men: Sarge's Heroes 2Vikki Grimm
2000Army Men: Air Attack 2Vikki / Bombshell
2001Portal RunnerVikki Grimm
2004Astro BoyZoran / Denkou
2005X-Men Legends II: Rise of ApocalypseAdditional Voices
2007Transformers: The GameArcee
2010Transformers: War for CybertronArcee
2012Transformers: Fall of CybertronArcee

References

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