What Happened to Susan Victoria Lucci?
Susan Lucci is an iconic American actress best known for her role as Erica Kane on the daytime soap opera "All My Children," a character she portrayed for over four decades. After the show's conclusion, she continued acting in various television projects, became a vocal advocate for women's heart health following her own cardiac events, and recently released a new memoir in 2026 while also returning to film.
Quick Answer
Susan Lucci, celebrated for her legendary portrayal of Erica Kane on "All My Children," remains active in entertainment and advocacy as of April 2026. She recently released her second memoir, "La Lucci," in February 2026, detailing her life, career, and personal losses. Lucci also returned to acting with a role in the black comedy film "Outcome," which premiered on April 10, 2026. Additionally, she continues her prominent work as a national ambassador for the American Heart Association's Go Red for Women campaign, raising awareness about women's heart health after experiencing her own cardiac issues in 2018 and 2022.
📊Key Facts
📅Complete Timeline15 events
Born in Scarsdale, New York
Susan Victoria Lucci was born in Scarsdale, New York, to Jeanette and Victor Lucci.
Marries Helmut Huber
Susan Lucci married Austrian-born chef and food-service manager Helmut Huber. Their marriage lasted 52 years.
Debuts as Erica Kane on All My Children
Lucci began her iconic role as Erica Kane on the ABC daytime drama 'All My Children,' a character she would play for the show's entire network run.
First Daytime Emmy Nomination
Lucci received her first nomination for the Daytime Emmy Award for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series for her work on 'All My Children.'
Hosts Saturday Night Live
Susan Lucci hosted NBC's 'Saturday Night Live,' famously parodying her Emmy losing streak in her monologue.
Wins First Daytime Emmy Award
After 18 nominations, Lucci finally won the Daytime Emmy Award for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series, a highly anticipated and celebrated moment.
All My Children Concludes Network Run
The ABC network run of 'All My Children' ended, marking the conclusion of Lucci's 41-year portrayal of Erica Kane.
Publishes Autobiography 'All My Life: A Memoir'
Lucci released her first New York Times bestselling autobiography, reflecting on her life and career.
Stars in 'Devious Maids'
Lucci began starring as Genevieve Delatour in the Lifetime comedy-drama series 'Devious Maids,' which ran until 2016.
First Heart Health Scare
Lucci experienced chest pains, leading to the discovery of a 90% blockage in her main coronary artery and a 75% blockage in another, requiring stent placement.
Husband Helmut Huber Passes Away
Lucci's husband of 52 years, Helmut Huber, died at the age of 84.
Second Heart Health Scare
Lucci experienced similar heart symptoms, leading to the discovery of another 75% blocked artery and a second stent procedure.
Receives Lifetime Achievement Emmy
Lucci was honored with a Lifetime Achievement Award at the 50th Daytime Emmy Awards.
Releases Second Memoir 'La Lucci'
Lucci's second memoir, 'La Lucci,' was released, offering an intimate look into her life, career, and personal experiences, including her grief and heart health journey.
Film 'Outcome' Premieres
Lucci returned to acting in the black comedy film 'Outcome,' directed by Jonah Hill and starring Keanu Reeves and Cameron Diaz, which premiered on Apple TV+.
🔍Deep Dive Analysis
Susan Victoria Lucci, born on December 23, 1946, in Scarsdale, New York, rose to unparalleled fame as Erica Kane on ABC's "All My Children." Her career began with minor roles before she landed the part of the rebellious teenager Erica Kane in 1970, a role she would inhabit for the show's entire 41-year network run. Erica Kane became one of the most popular and iconic characters in American soap opera history, earning Lucci the moniker "Daytime's Leading Lady". Despite numerous nominations, Lucci famously endured 18 Daytime Emmy Award losses for Outstanding Lead Actress before finally winning in 1999, an event that became a significant cultural moment in television history.
Beyond daytime television, Lucci leveraged her widespread recognition into primetime appearances, including guest roles on "Dallas," "Hot in Cleveland," and "Army Wives". She also starred in several made-for-TV movies and hosted "Saturday Night Live" in 1990. After "All My Children" concluded its network run in 2011, Lucci continued her television career by hosting the true-crime series "Deadly Affairs" from 2012 to 2014 and starring as Genevieve Delatour in the Lifetime comedy-drama "Devious Maids" from 2013 to 2016. Her entrepreneurial ventures also saw her launch "The Susan Lucci Collection" of beauty and activewear products, including hair care, perfumes, and lingerie, often sold through QVC.
A significant turning point in Lucci's personal life and public advocacy came with her experiences with heart disease. In 2018, she suffered a 90% blockage in her main coronary artery and a 75% blockage in another, requiring stent placement. In 2022, she experienced similar symptoms, leading to the discovery of another 75% blocked artery and a second stent procedure. These events prompted her to become a national ambassador for the American Heart Association's "Go Red for Women" campaign, advocating for women to prioritize their heart health and recognize symptoms, which can differ from men's.
Lucci also faced personal loss with the death of her husband of 52 years, Helmut Huber, in March 2022 at the age of 84. She has openly discussed her grief and journey toward healing. As of April 2026, Lucci remains professionally active. Her second memoir, "La Lucci," which delves into her life, career, and the aftermath of her husband's passing, was released on February 3, 2026. She also made a return to acting after a seven-year hiatus, appearing in Jonah Hill's black comedy film "Outcome" alongside Keanu Reeves and Cameron Diaz, which premiered on Apple TV+ on April 10, 2026. Lucci continues to reside in her cherished Long Island home and has hinted at ongoing discussions regarding a potential "All My Children" reboot.
What If...?
Explore alternate histories. What if Susan Victoria Lucci made different choices?