Susanna Hoffs

Early Life

Susanna Lee Hoffs was born on January 17, 1959, in Los Angeles, California, to Tamar Ruth, a film director, and Joshua Allen Hoffs, a psychoanalyst. Growing up in a creative and intellectual environment, she was exposed to a mix of religious and secular influences, with her maternal grandfather being a rabbi. Hoffs began taking ballet classes as a child and started playing guitar in elementary school, learning from her uncle. She attended Palisades High School and later graduated with a degree in art from the University of California, Berkeley, where she also dabbled in dance, theater, and film.

Career

In 1981, Hoffs co-founded the Bangles with Debbi and Vicki Peterson. The band gained fame with their debut album, "All Over the Place," in 1984, followed by the critically acclaimed "Different Light" in 1986, which featured hits like "Manic Monday" and "Walk Like an Egyptian." Hoffs was the lead vocalist on many of the band's singles, solidifying her role as the face of the group. After the Bangles disbanded in 1989, she pursued a solo career, releasing albums such as "Susanna Hoffs" and "When You’re a Boy." Hoffs also ventured into acting, appearing in the film "The Allnighter" in 1987, directed by her mother.

Personal Life

Hoffs had a brief relationship with actor Michael J. Fox in 1986 and later dated Donovan Leitch until 1991. She married filmmaker Jay Roach in 1993, and they have two sons. Hoffs has expressed that it took several relationships to realize Roach was her ideal partner.

Legacy

Hoffs has left a significant mark on the music industry, inspiring other artists and bands. The Bangles are recognized as one of the most successful all-female rock bands, paving the way for future female musicians in rock. They were inducted into the Vocal Group Hall of Fame in 2000 and received the Icon Award at the 2015 She Rocks Awards, celebrating their lasting impact on music.