Susanna Thompson: From Little Giants' Patty Floyd To The Arrowverse's Queen—Her Career Trajectory And Latest Updates

Few family sports comedies from the 1990s hold the same nostalgic power as Little Giants, and as the film celebrates its 30th anniversary in 2024, attention is once again turning to the talented cast who brought the underdog story to life. While the film is primarily remembered for the rivalry between Rick Moranis’s Danny O’Shea and Ed O’Neill’s Kevin O’Shea, the heart of the adult storyline rested on the shoulders of Susanna Thompson, who played the charming and supportive Patty Floyd.

Thompson’s role as Patty Floyd, the childhood friend and eventual love interest to Danny O’Shea, was a pivotal early step in a career that would span decades and include major roles in some of television’s most beloved dramas and sci-fi series. From the sidelines of the Pee-Wee Football League to the high-stakes politics of Starling City, her journey is one of impressive versatility and enduring presence in Hollywood.

Susanna Thompson: A Complete Biography and Notable Roles

Susanna Thompson is an American actress known for her compelling performances across film, television, and stage. Her ability to portray complex, often morally ambiguous characters has made her a standout figure in the industry, particularly in the realm of genre television. She was born on January 27, 1958, in San Diego, California.

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• Full Name: Susanna Thompson
• Date of Birth: January 27, 1958
• Place of Birth: San Diego, California, U.S.
• Education: Studied drama at San Diego State University.
• Debut Role: Her earliest credited screen work includes a 1991 episode of Silk Stalkings.
• Breakthrough Film Role: Patty Floyd in Little Giants (1994).
• Major TV Roles: Dr. Lenore Harker in Once and Again, Karen Sammler in Once and Again, The Borg Queen in Star Trek: Voyager, Moira Queen in Arrow, and Carol Preston in Timeless.
• Notable Film Roles: Little Giants (1994), Ghosts of Mississippi (1996), Random Hearts (1999), Dragonfly (2002), and Malignant (2021).
• Awards/Nominations: Thompson is a recipient of the San Diego Theatre Critics Circle Award for her stage work.

The Enduring Charm of Patty Floyd in Little Giants

The 1994 film Little Giants remains a cult favorite, a heartwarming tale of underdogs forming their own Pee-Wee football team to compete against the established, successful team coached by the town hero, Kevin O’Shea. Susanna Thompson's character, Patty Floyd, played a crucial role in grounding the adult storyline.

Patty Floyd is introduced as a strong, independent woman and the mother of Junior Floyd, the star quarterback who initially chooses to play for the "Giants" before joining the "Little Giants." She is the object of Danny O'Shea's (Rick Moranis) long-standing affection, providing the romantic tension that runs parallel to the sibling rivalry between the O'Shea brothers.

Patty Floyd: More Than Just a Love Interest

While some reviews at the time suggested the character was "a bit lost in the background," Patty Floyd was essential to the film's emotional core. She represented the possibility of a normal, happy life for Danny O’Shea, contrasting with his brother Kevin’s hyper-competitive and often condescending attitude. Her relationship with Danny is a classic ‘will they/won’t they’ arc, culminating in their reunion and the formation of a blended family unit at the end of the film.

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Thompson’s portrayal brought a warmth and down-to-earth quality to Patty, making her a believable figure in the small-town setting. Her character's son, Junior Floyd, eventually becomes the Little Giants' secret weapon, a key moment that directly ties Patty's personal life to the team's success. The film's 30th anniversary in 2024 has sparked a renewed interest in the entire cast, highlighting how Thompson’s performance helped solidify the movie's status as a nostalgic classic.

Susanna Thompson’s Post-Little Giants Career: From Star Trek to the Arrowverse

Following the success of *Little Giants*, Susanna Thompson’s career took a significant turn towards television, where she found her niche in complex, dramatic, and often genre-bending roles. Her versatility allowed her to seamlessly transition between period dramas and science fiction epics.

The Queen of Sci-Fi and Fantasy Television

Thompson has a notable history of playing powerful, often enigmatic figures in television's most popular franchises. One of her most iconic roles was as the Borg Queen in multiple episodes of Star Trek: Voyager. She took on the role from Alice Krige and brought a chilling, calculating presence to the collective's leader, solidifying her status within the sci-fi community.

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In the early 2000s, she was a recurring figure in the popular series Once and Again, playing Karen Sammler. She also appeared in the short-lived but critically acclaimed series Kings.

Her most famous and enduring television role to date is arguably Moira Queen in the CW series Arrow. As the mother of Oliver Queen (the Green Arrow), Moira was a central figure in the show's early seasons. Her character was a powerful, wealthy, and deeply complicated woman with a secret past, driving much of the series' core mystery and drama. Thompson's performance as Moira Queen earned her a massive new fanbase and showcased her ability to handle high-stakes, dramatic material with gravitas.

Recent Projects and Where is Susanna Thompson Now (2024/2025)

While her time as Moira Queen concluded dramatically, Susanna Thompson has continued to take on interesting projects, demonstrating her commitment to varied roles.

• Timeless (2016–2018): She played the recurring role of Carol Preston, the mother of main character Lucy Preston, adding another time-traveling, high-concept drama to her resume.
• Truth Be Told (2019): Thompson appeared in the Apple TV+ crime drama as Sybil Hackman, a role that brought her back to the world of grounded, contemporary drama.
• Malignant (2021): Her most recent feature film appearance was in the James Wan-directed horror film Malignant. Thompson played the role of Jeanne, showcasing her willingness to explore the horror genre and work with major modern directors. This project highlights that she remains active in the film industry and is not shying away from unique, high-profile pictures.

As of late 2024 and heading into 2025, Susanna Thompson’s official social media presence is minimal, which is typical for a veteran actress of her generation who prefers privacy. However, her inclusion in a major 2021 horror film and her consistent work throughout the 2010s confirm that she is not retired from acting. Fans of the *Little Giants* and *Arrow* star can anticipate her next role, whether it be a surprise appearance in a major streaming series or a new film, as she continues to build on a career defined by powerful, unforgettable performances.

The legacy of Patty Floyd, the woman who helped Rick Moranis’s character finally win, is a charming footnote in a career that has since conquered space, time, and the criminal underworld of the Arrowverse. Her journey is a testament to an actress who consistently chooses roles that challenge and showcase her depth.