Susan Brewer is best known to the public as the first wife of legendary actor Peter Fonda, but her life story reaches far beyond a famous marriage. An artist by profession and a deeply private individual by nature, Susan Brewer lived through the golden era of Hollywood while choosing a quieter, more grounded path. As the mother of actors Bridget Fonda and Justin Fonda, she occupies a unique place in American entertainment history, bridging generations of a celebrated film family.
This biography-style profile explores Susan Brewer’s life in depth, from her early roots in Pennsylvania to her years in Hollywood, her role as a mother, her creative pursuits, and her lasting legacy as a woman who valued individuality over fame.
Quick Bio
| Field | Details |
| Full Name | Susan Jane Brewer |
| Date of Birth | May 12, 1939 |
| Age (as of 2026) | 86 years old |
| Birthplace | Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, United States |
| Nationality | American |
| Height | Approximately 5 feet 6 inches (167 cm) |
| Hair Color | Brown (later gray) |
| Eye Color | Brown |
| Education | Privately educated; art-focused studies |
| Profession | Artist, occasional film actress |
| Family | Former spouse: Peter Fonda; Children: Bridget Fonda, Justin Fonda |
| Net Worth (Estimated) | $1–2 million |
| Known For | Being Peter Fonda’s first wife; mother of Bridget Fonda; artist and creative figure |
Early Life & Education
Susan Jane Brewer was born on May 12, 1939, in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, into a family that valued culture, intellect, and independence. Her father, Chauncey Marble Brewer Jr., and her mother, Mary Alice Sweet, provided a stable and thoughtful upbringing during a time when America was emerging from the Great Depression and heading into World War II. Both traditional American values and a quiet encouragement of creativity shaped Susan’s childhood.
From an early age, Susan showed an interest in visual expression. Drawing, painting, and design were not simply hobbies but ways for her to understand the world. Those close to her later recalled that she possessed a reflective personality, preferring observation over attention. This trait would remain constant throughout her life, even during her years in the Hollywood spotlight.
Her educational background was largely private, and although specific institutions have not been widely documented, it is known that she pursued studies in art and creative expression. Unlike many who gravitated toward Hollywood fame, Susan’s education nurtured her independence and reinforced her desire for a life that balanced creativity with personal authenticity.
Personal and Family Life
Susan Brewer’s personal life became public knowledge largely because of her marriage to Peter Fonda, a rising star and member of one of Hollywood’s most famous families. The couple married on October 8, 1961, in Santa Monica, California. At the time, Peter Fonda was carving out his own identity separate from his father, Henry Fonda, and Susan was entering a world that blended artistic rebellion with celebrity culture.
Their marriage lasted for thirteen years, a significant span given the pressures of fame during the 1960s and early 1970s. Together, they had two children, Bridget Fonda, born in 1964, and Justin Fonda, born in 1966. Susan’s role as a mother was central to her identity, and she worked to provide stability for her children even as Hollywood life swirled around them.
The couple was frequently seen at social and industry events, including notable film gatherings such as the 1969 Midnight Cowboy preview. Despite these appearances, Susan never fully embraced the celebrity lifestyle. Friends and observers often noted that she seemed more comfortable behind the scenes, supporting her family rather than seeking recognition.
Susan and Peter divorced in April 1974. Following the divorce, Peter Fonda went on to marry Portia Rebecca Crockett in 1975. While the end of the marriage marked a major life change, Susan remained closely connected to her children and focused on maintaining a private, grounded family environment.
Career Journey
Susan Brewer’s professional life followed a nontraditional path, especially when compared to the typical Hollywood narrative. Her primary identity has always been that of an artist. While she did not pursue widespread commercial success, her work reflected a deep commitment to personal expression and creative integrity.
She also made a few minor forays into acting, appearing in films such as Lovely But Deadly (1981) and Time Walker (1982). These roles were modest and did not signal an attempt to build a full acting career. Instead, they stand as brief intersections between her artistic world and the film industry that surrounded her family.
Susan’s decision not to aggressively pursue acting was intentional. At a time when many sought fame, she prioritized creative freedom and family responsibilities. Her career journey illustrates that success can be defined on one’s own terms, not solely by public recognition or financial gain.
Life Challenges and Turning Points
Like many who live in the shadow of fame, Susan Brewer faced challenges that were both public and deeply personal. Her marriage to Peter Fonda coincided with a turbulent era marked by cultural upheaval, substance experimentation, and intense media scrutiny. Maintaining a sense of self within that environment required resilience.
The 1974 divorce was a significant turning point. As a single mother of two children who would later become public figures themselves, Susan had to navigate life outside the protective structure of a high-profile marriage. This period demanded emotional strength, adaptability, and a renewed sense of independence.
Another challenge was maintaining privacy in a family where fame was almost hereditary. Susan consciously stepped back from public life, choosing a quieter existence that allowed her children to grow with some degree of normalcy. This decision, while limiting her public profile, ultimately shaped her legacy as a devoted and protective parent.
Current Life and Career
In her later years, Susan Brewer has lived largely out of the public eye. She is believed to continue engaging with art on a personal level, though she no longer participates in public exhibitions or film projects. Her lifestyle reflects simplicity, privacy, and reflection rather than public performance.
Susan does not maintain a known social media presence, a choice consistent with her lifelong preference for discretion. While many figures connected to Hollywood embrace digital platforms, Susan represents an earlier generation that values personal boundaries over public engagement.
Her current life is best described as peaceful and private, centered on family connections, creative reflection, and the quiet satisfaction of having lived life on her own terms.
Net Worth and Financial Status
Susan Brewer’s estimated net worth is between $1 million and $2 million. This figure reflects a combination of divorce settlement arrangements, personal assets, and limited earnings from artistic and film-related work. Unlike many associated with Hollywood dynasties, Susan has never pursued extravagant wealth or a lavish lifestyle.
Her financial status suggests comfort rather than excess. She has consistently prioritized stability and independence, aligning her financial choices with her values rather than the expectations of celebrity culture.
Public Image and Media Presence
Public perception of Susan Brewer is largely shaped by her association with Peter Fonda and her role as Bridget Fonda’s mother. However, those who look more closely often describe her as an emblem of quiet strength and authenticity.
Media portrayals tend to frame her as a private, artistic woman who resisted Hollywood’s more superficial demands. She is often remembered fondly as someone who witnessed a transformative era in American cinema without allowing it to define her identity.
Her reserved personality, creative sensibility, and commitment to family have contributed to a respectful, if understated, public image.
Fun Facts and Anecdotes
Susan Brewer once attended some of the most iconic Hollywood events of the 1960s, yet preferred casual conversations to red-carpet attention. Despite being surrounded by fame, she reportedly found inspiration in everyday moments rather than celebrity culture.
Another lesser-known fact is her connection to American business history through her maternal grandmother’s marriage to Noah Dietrich, a prominent businessman and adviser to Howard Hughes. This unusual family link adds another layer to her already multifaceted background.
Friends have often described Susan as someone who listens more than she speaks, an observer who values depth over display.
Conclusion
Susan Brewer’s life story is a reminder that not all meaningful journeys are lived in the spotlight. As an artist, mother, and former Hollywood insider, she navigated fame without surrendering her individuality. Her choices reflect resilience, independence, and a quiet confidence that allowed her to shape a fulfilling life on her own terms.
Though history may remember her primarily as Peter Fonda’s first wife, Susan Brewer’s true legacy lies in her devotion to creativity, family, and personal authenticity. In an industry defined by visibility, her story stands out for its dignity and restraint.
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(FAQs)
Who is Susan Brewer?
Susan Brewer is an American artist best known as the first wife of actor Peter Fonda and the mother of actors Bridget Fonda and Justin Fonda.
When did Susan Brewer marry Peter Fonda?
Susan Brewer married Peter Fonda on October 8, 1961, and they divorced in April 1974.
Do Susan Brewer and Peter Fonda have children?
Yes, they have two children together, Bridget Fonda and Justin Fonda, both of whom pursued acting careers.
What is Susan Brewer’s profession?
Susan Brewer is primarily an artist, with minor acting roles in films during the early 1980s.
What is Susan Brewer’s estimated net worth?
Her estimated net worth is between $1 million and $2 million, reflecting a comfortable but private lifestyle.