Introduction
Susan Lucci has spent most of her life in the spotlight, but the most public challenge she has faced recently has been personal. After the death of her husband of 52 years, Helmut Huber, the actress turned to writing to process her loss and share her journey.
At a Glance
- Lucci’s husband, an Austrian-born producer, died in 2022 at 84.
- She released a memoir, La Lucci, on Feb. 3 to chronicle grief and healing.
- The book follows her 40-plus-year tenure as Erica Kane on All My Children, which ended in 2011.
- Why it matters: Lucci’s candid reflection offers a rare look at how a public figure copes with private sorrow.
Grief and a New Book
After Huber suffered a stroke and passed away a month later, Lucci described the aftermath as “completely lost.” She said the isolation felt intense, even though she had a supportive circle. The experience prompted her to write La Lucci, a follow-up to her 2011 memoir All My Life: A Memoir.
The writing process began “in the middle of the night.” Lucci kept a pen and paper beside her bed, ready to capture sudden ideas or emotions that surfaced while she slept. She noted that many words came to her in dreams, and waking writing was a “rough” healing experience.
> “I felt like half a person,” Lucci said. “I could hardly remember that I was an actress. It didn’t mean anything to me. I thought, ‘Do I do that? Really?’ I thought at that time I probably will never go in front of a camera or go on stage again.”
The memoir details her life before and after the show, her marriage, and how she has begun to find joy again through work, travel, friends, and especially time with family and grandchildren.
Life with Helmut Huber
- Marriage: Married at age 22 after eight months of dating.
- Children: Daughter Liza (50), former actress on Passions; son Andreas (45).
- Huber’s Interests: Classically trained chef, loved fast driving, skiing, golf, and cooking European comfort food.
- Personal Touches: He called her “Susie” and often shared coffee in the mornings.
Lucci expressed deep affection for Huber, saying, “Everything. It’s hard to say one thing. I just miss him, miss his presence, miss sharing things together, like coffee in the morning.”
Healing Through Memory
Grief still surfaces, especially during holidays or when surrounded by people who would have shared a meal with him. Lucci acknowledges that these moments come less frequently now, and she approaches them without resistance.
She credits Huber’s mantra, spoken in his “adorable” Austrian accent, for sustaining her: “After the rain, the sun she shines.” Lucci says the phrase continues to help her, describing him as her rock.
> “They still help me,” she said. “His words stick with me. He was really my rock.”
Book Details
| Title | La Lucci |
|---|---|
| Author | Susan Lucci |
| Publisher | Blackstone Publishing |
| Release Date | Feb. 3 |
| Format | Hardcover, paperback, ebook |
| Pre-order | Available at major retailers |
Key Takeaways
- Lucci’s memoir offers an intimate look at the grieving process after a long-time partnership.
- She balances vulnerability with resilience, drawing strength from memories and a supportive community.
- The book’s release on Feb. 3 coincides with her upcoming 80th birthday, marking a new chapter in her life.
Conclusion
From a career defined by a beloved soap-opera character to a personal journey of loss and renewal, Susan Lucci demonstrates how public figures can confront private grief head-on. Her memoir invites readers to witness the healing that can emerge when one confronts sorrow with honesty and hope.
