37 Facts About Susan Berman

Early Life and Background

Susan Berman's life was filled with intrigue and drama from the start. Her background played a significant role in shaping her future.

1. Susan Berman was born on May 18, 1945, in Minneapolis, Minnesota.
2. Her father, David Berman, was a notorious mobster involved with the Las Vegas casino scene.
3. Susan's mother, Gladys Berman, passed away when Susan was just 12 years old.
4. After her mother's death, Susan was sent to a boarding school in California.
5. She later attended the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), where she majored in journalism.

Career and Achievements

Susan Berman's career was as colorful as her personal life. She made significant contributions to journalism and literature.

6. Susan began her career as a journalist, writing for publications like New York Magazine and the San Francisco Examiner.
7. She authored several books, including "Easy Street," a memoir about her life as the daughter of a mobster.
8. Berman also wrote for television, contributing to shows like "L.A. Law" and "The Sopranos."
9. She was known for her investigative journalism, often delving into crime and the mob.
10. Susan's work earned her a reputation as a fearless and talented writer.

Personal Life and Relationships

Susan Berman's personal life was as complex as the stories she covered. Her relationships and friendships were often intertwined with her career.

11. Susan married twice, first to Christopher Margulies and later to Paul Kaufman.
12. She had no children but was known to be very close to her goddaughter, Sareb Kaufman.
13. Berman maintained a close friendship with real estate heir Robert Durst, who would later become a central figure in her life story.
14. Susan was known for her vibrant personality and her ability to connect with people from all walks of life.
15. Despite her connections to the mob, she was often described as kind-hearted and generous.

The Mysterious Death

Susan Berman's death remains one of the most intriguing unsolved mysteries. Her murder brought her back into the spotlight and raised many questions.

16. Susan Berman was found dead in her Los Angeles home on December 23, 2000.
17. She had been shot in the back of the head, execution-style.
18. There were no signs of forced entry, suggesting she knew her killer.
19. Her murder occurred just before she was scheduled to be interviewed by police regarding the disappearance of Kathie Durst, Robert Durst's first wife.
20. The case remained unsolved for many years, with numerous theories circulating about the identity of her killer.

Connection to Robert Durst

The connection between Susan Berman and Robert Durst is one of the most compelling aspects of her story. Their friendship and its implications have been the subject of much speculation.

21. Robert Durst and Susan Berman met in the 1960s while attending UCLA.
22. They remained close friends for decades, with Berman often acting as Durst's confidante.
23. Susan was known to have helped Durst with his alibi following the disappearance of his wife, Kathie.
24. In 2015, Durst was arrested in connection with Berman's murder after being caught on tape allegedly confessing to the crime.
25. Durst's trial brought renewed attention to Berman's life and death, with many believing she knew too much about his secrets.

Legacy and Impact

Susan Berman's legacy extends beyond her tragic death. Her work and life continue to influence and inspire.

26. Susan's memoir, "Easy Street," remains a significant work in the genre of true crime literature.
27. Her investigative journalism set a high standard for others in the field.
28. Berman's life story has been the subject of documentaries, books, and television shows.
29. She is remembered for her courage in tackling difficult and dangerous subjects.
30. Susan's murder has led to increased awareness of the dangers faced by journalists and writers.

Interesting Tidbits

Beyond the well-known facts, there are many lesser-known details about Susan Berman's life that add depth to her story.

31. Susan was an avid animal lover and often rescued stray animals.
32. She had a passion for cooking and often hosted elaborate dinner parties for her friends.
33. Berman was known for her eclectic fashion sense, often wearing vintage clothing and unique accessories.
34. Despite her connections to the mob, she never engaged in criminal activities herself.
35. Susan was a regular at many of Los Angeles' most famous restaurants and nightclubs.
36. She had a deep interest in spirituality and often explored different religious practices.
37. Berman's life and death continue to be a source of fascination and speculation for true crime enthusiasts.

Final Thoughts on Susan Berman

Susan Berman's life was a mix of glamour and mystery. She grew up in a world of crime, thanks to her father, a notorious mobster. Despite this, she carved out her own path as a journalist and author. Her work shed light on the dark underbelly of organized crime, making her a respected figure in her field. Tragically, her life was cut short in 2000, a murder that remains unsolved. Her connection to Robert Durst, a real estate heir, added another layer of intrigue to her story. Berman's legacy lives on through her writings and the ongoing interest in her life and death. Her story reminds us of the thin line between truth and fiction, and how sometimes, reality is stranger than any story.