Dame Janet Suzman, DBE (born 9 February 1939) is a South African/British actress who enjoyed a successful early career in the Royal Shakespeare Company, later replaying many Shakespearean roles, among others, on TV. In her first film Nicholas and Alexandra (1971), her performance as the Empress earned nominations for several awards. Suzman has since starred in a wide range of classical and modern drama, as well as directing many productions, both in England and South Africa. She is a niece of the late South African politician and outspoken anti-apartheid campaigner, Helen Suzman.