Susan Howard, born Jeri Lynn Mooney on January 28, 1942, in Marshall, Texas, is an American actress, writer, and political activist. She adopted the stage name Susan Howard, inspired by her father's nickname for her, Susie, and a family name.

Her family is of Irish ancestry from Cork, and she was recognized for her acting talent while growing up in Marshall. She won a University Interscholastic League award for Best Actress while in high school.

After graduating from Marshall High School in 1960, she attended the University of Texas for two years, where she studied drama and was a member of the Gamma Phi Beta sorority. She later moved to Los Angeles to become an acting student at the Los Angeles Repertory Company.

Her television career began with notable guest appearances on shows like "The Flying Nun" (1967), "I Dream of Jeannie" (1968), "Star Trek" (1968), "Bonanza" (1969), "Mannix" (1969), "Mission: Impossible" (1972), and "Columbo" (1972).

She played the first female Klingon, Mara, on the original "Star Trek" series and was the only one to ever speak. In 1974, she was cast as the co-star of the series "Petrocelli," for which she was nominated for both the Golden Globe and Emmy awards. Despite critical acclaim, the series was canceled in 1976.

In 1978, she appeared on "Dallas" as Donna Culver Krebbs. The producers liked her performance so much that her guest spot was expanded to an eight-year stint.

She has the distinction of being the only Dallas cast member to have written for the series, contributing episodes like "Sitting Ducks" and "The Ten Percent Solution". In 1987, the show decided not to renew her contract, a decision she attributed to her opposition to pro-abortion storylines involving her character.

Her personal life includes two marriages. She was married to actor Charles Howerton from 1962 to 1964, and they had one daughter, Lynn. In 1974, she married independent film executive Calvin Chrane, and they have lived in Boerne, Texas, since 1998. she is a member of the Writers Guild of America and continues to write for television.

In addition to her acting and writing career, she has been an active supporter of conservative causes, especially for gun rights. She was appointed by then-Governor George W. Bush to be a commissioner for the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department and serves on the board of directors for the National Rifle Association, where she chairs the Public Policy Committee.

Susan Howard and her husband Calvin Chrane have one daughter, Lynn, and two grandchildren, Daniel and Noelle.