I’m a certified avid fan of Suits. I’ve watched the badass lawyers Mike Ross and Harvey Specter tackle and resolve legal and personal conflicts weekly since the show’s premiere in 2011.
Suffice it to say that I’ve become all too familiar (not to mention heavily invested) with the show’s characters and story.
So, imagine my surprise at the sudden announcement of Elaine A. Zane’s passing in season 5, episode 10, “Faith” of the series.
That said, anyone recently catching up on the show may wonder who Elaine A. Zane was and what role she played in Suits. Well, here’s your answer.
Who Was Elaine A. Zane?
Elaine A. Zane with her husband, Dr. Sheldon Zane (Shelly)
Elaine A. Zane was a Bostonian woman born in Massachusetts. While her exact date of birth is unknown, we know she died at the age of 78 in 2015.
She was a devoted wife, an affectionate mother, and a great friend to many.
When Elained passed, she left behind a loving husband, Dr. Sheldon Zane (Shelly), to whom she was married for 57 years, spent on the sunny shores of Miami.
The couple has four wonderful children, Steven, Debrah, Bonnie, and Mindy, all successful in their careers.
Elaine loved traveling and has been to many places around the globe, including Antarctica, Africa, and Alaska. Her desire for adventure took her snorkeling, skiing, and various fascinating activities.
She was also passionate about capturing her exploits, as shown by the countless photographs she left behind for her family to cherish.
A believer in the importance of family and friendships, Elaine committed most of her life to sustaining the people she loved.
Surrounded by her friends growing up and a devoted family until her passing, no one can say Elaine hasn’t lived her entire life.
What Role Did She Play In Suits?
Suits” Faith (TV Episode 2015)
While one episode was dedicated to her passing, Elaine A. Zane didn’t appear in the legal drama series Suits.
She was, however, the mother of Bonnie Zane, the show’s casting director.
Her daughter, Bonnie, was among the most important people behind the program. She was the one who chose many of Suits’s main characters, including Gabriel Macht, Meghan Markle, Patrick J. Adams, and Sarah Rafferty.
In short, without Bonnie Zane, you and I wouldn’t enjoy the series as much as we did.
Due to her massive contribution to the show’s success, the creator and forerunner Aaron Korsch felt compelled to honor Bonnie’s mother by dedicating one episode to her name.
In an interview with The Hollywood Reporter, Korsch revealed that putting Elaine’s name on the credit scene was Gabriel Macht’s idea (Harvey Specter’s actor).
“She [Bonnie Zane] is our casting director and a beloved member of the Suits family,” Korsch said. “Bonnie did not know about it, but she’s a huge part of the show.”
Besides Suits, the award-winning casting director also contributed to countless hit TV shows and films between 2000 and the present, including The Purge (2019), Brand New Cherry Flavor (2021), and Chucky (2021 to 2023).
How Did Elaine A. Zane Die?
Elaine A. Zane, Bonnie Zane’s mother, died after a long and bold battle against cancer. She passed away on August 4, 2015, surrounded by her friends and family.
She now rests at Lakeside Memorial Park in Miami, which she called home for several decades.
Suits Fan Reacts to Her Elaine A. Zane’s Sudden Death
Mike Ross and Harvey Specter
Of course, Suits fans were saddened by the news of Elaine’s passing and conveyed their love and support to the bereaved family.
“I do not know you or your family, but I watch Suits and realize what an amazing woman you must have been,” one comment said.
“From the depth of my heart, I offer my deepest condolences to Bobbi and the family. The most beautiful episode of Suits so far has been dedicated to her,” wrote another.
Final Thoughts
Elaine A. Zane proved that everything good you do in life ripples outwards and back again. While primarily known for her daughter’s contribution to the show, her story quickly inspired many and is worthy of emulation.
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