Sue Chadwick

Chadwick, Sue
June 17, 1914 - November 13, 2010
Sue Chadwick, longtime Hollywood publicist, dies at 96.

Dorothy Sue Clark Chadwick, a successful publicist who represented Ralph Edwards Productions and his shows "This Is Your Life" and "Truth or Consequences" for over 60 years, died in Hollywood on November 13, 2010. She was 96.

Born in Iowa Park, TX, Sue came from a family of doctors and educators. Two of her uncles founded Texas Christian University. Sue graduated from college in just two years and worked briefly as a teacher, then as a newspaper editor. When she learned that MGM was making a movie about wildcatting she got the job as technical advisor. The picture was "Boomtown," and Sue began a long friendship with its star, Clark Gable, who called her "that big-eyed girl from Texas."

During World War II, Sue worked for the Armed Forces Radio Service and was awarded a Presidential Citation. Shortly before V-J Day, an Air Corps bomber pilot named Jim Chadwick was assigned to the AFRS unit. They were married in 1947 and formed The Chadwick Co. Sue always said that Jim did the work and she did the talking. Among their clients were Janet Leigh, Cameron Mitchell, Arlene Dahl, Howard Duff and Bill Conrad. They also represented "The Alan Young Radio Show" and "Smile Time" with Steve Allen and June Foray, along with the Cigar Institute of America. Every month Sue sent cigars to George Burns.

Then came the suggestion that changed Sue's life. A friend told her that Ralph Edwards was looking for West Coast representation for "Truth or Consequences," the hottest show on the air at the time. Ralph had appeared on "Command Performance" which Sue represented. He remembered her and said, "You do business like I do. The account is yours." That was the beginning of an over 60-year association. During that time she helped pull off one of the most successful promotional stunts ever when the city of Hot Springs, New Mexico, officially changed its name to Truth or Consequences, NM.

Sue was Director of Standards and Practices and Station Relations for Metromedia Producers for 13 years; she was the rep on the "Merv Griffin Show" and many others. She retired in 1985, but when her husband Jim died in 1990, Ralph suggested she go back to work. At the time of her death, Sue was still a consultant to Ralph Edwards Productions.

A longtime member of Pacific Pioneer Broadcasters, Sue served as Newsletter and Programs Editor and was a member of the Board of Directors.

Sue's son, Robert, passed away in 2008. As per her wishes, no memorial service for Sue is planned.