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This sharp no-nonsense secretary who gave her shady boss a run for his money on hit 80s legal drama spotted in LA… who is it?

BBG News

In the hit legal drama, she played the role of the ethically sound administrative assistant who maintained stability within the office. Frequently, she offered a contrast to the ethically uncertain decisions made by her fellow team members with their sharp gazes.

In the late ’80s and early ’90s, a show ran that portrayed a tough team of lawyers as they maneuvered through intricate legal and moral conflicts.

In a simple and engaging manner: The 76-year-old actress’s role as the humble, competent secretary struck a chord with viewers, depicting a character who stood firm amidst an office dominated by supreme greed. This quickly made her a beloved figure among fans, resulting in four Primetime Emmy nominations during the show’s nine-year duration.

What captured my attention most was her dynamic with her tough, divorced boss – a lawyer known for fiercely contesting for a late colleague’s workspace and having numerous clients, too many to keep track of.

During the ’90s and early 2000s, she additionally appeared as a guest star in popular television series like Gilmore Girls, Buffy the Vampire Slayer, and Hannah Montana.

Can you guess who she is?

It’s Susan Ruttan from LA Law! 

Instead of frequently being seen, the 76-year-old actress, often keeping her life private, was recently caught in Los Angeles during an uncommon public appearance.

Ruttan’s outfit was both classy and stylish as she exited her white Honda Fit. 

She wore a navy blue quarter-sleeved button-up shirt, fitted with a casual, slightly loose pair of light-washed denim jeans, and completed the look with white sneakers.

She chose a pair of black sunglasses, a black sling bag with a tan interior, and tied up her sleek white hair in a tail for the accessories.

Ruttan gained prominence for portraying the character of Roxanne Melman on L.A. Law, a modest legal secretary who didn’t shy away from challenging her superior, divorce attorney Arnie Becker, portrayed by Corbin Bernsen.

In the frequently unconventional courtroom scenes of L.A. Law, Roxanne was a distinctive character who offered a sensible perspective. Her earthy demeanor and pragmatic approach endeared her to viewers, particularly as she showcased the secretarial abilities she had developed prior to acting.

Ruttan revealed to Deseret News that she had studied secretarial courses in high school and worked as a temporary employee to sustain herself following the passing of her husband, Mel Ruttan Jr., at the age of 22, after being married for four years.

Based on this encounter, Ruttan gave Roxanne a richness that transcended common secretary stereotypes. Unlike many secretaries portrayed in media as passive and conforming to the ‘wife-like’ archetype, Roxanne bucked against her boss Becker’s expectations, creating an engaging dynamic between them.

As a devoted fan, I can’t help but acknowledge the groundbreaking impact of the series I follow. It cleared the path for a wave of legal dramas that emerged afterward, and it garnered numerous Emmy and Golden Globe awards due to its intricately crafted characters and gripping narratives.

As a devoted admirer, I can’t help but feel a surge of pride when I share that Ruttan has been honored with no less than four Primetime Emmy Award nominations in the category of Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Drama Series!

She would come back to play the role of Shays in 2002 for a L.A. Law reunion in a TV movie. 

Before gaining fame as Rosalind Shays, Ruttan initially garnered attention by portraying the cunning spouse of a competitor dry cleaner in The Jeffersons television series, airing from 1975 to 1985.

Following her triumph on L.A. Law, she subsequently appeared as a guest star in shows like Buffy the Vampire Slayer (2002), Gilmore Girls (2001), and Hannah Montana (2009).

In 1984, Ruttan demonstrated her acting adaptability with humorous roles in films such as the teen comedy “Bad Manners,” alternatively known as “Growing Pains,” and a captivating portrayal in the 1990 romantic comedy “Funny About Love,” featuring Gene Wilder.

Additionally, she assumed a more serious and intense character as the convicted murderer Genene Jones in the 1991 TV film titled “Deadly Medicine.

As a devoted admirer, I’d like to share that, despite a decline in her acting roles, at the impressive age of 76, Ruttan remains actively involved in the industry. Her latest role was just last year when she brought Gladys Montrose to life on the hilarious series A Man on the Inside.

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2025-07-06 18:33

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