16th October, 2023
By Victoria Oluwayemi
Suzanne Somers, the vibrant blonde actress celebrated for her portrayal of Chrissy Snow on the popular TV series “Three’s Company,” has passed away at the age of 76.
Her family confirmed her death in a statement released by her long-standing publicist, R. Couri Hay.
Surrounded by her husband, Alan Hamel, her son Bruce, and other close family members, Suzanne Somers passed away on a Sunday morning in Palm Springs, California. The family had originally planned to celebrate her 77th birthday on October 16th, but instead, they are now commemorating her extraordinary life and expressing their gratitude to her devoted fans.
In July, Suzanne Somers shared on her Instagram that her breast cancer had returned. She expressed her determination to fight the disease once again, reflecting her longstanding battle with breast cancer since her initial diagnosis in 2000, along with previous struggles against skin cancer.
Her unconventional approach to cancer treatment, emphasizing a chemical-free and organic lifestyle, had garnered both support and criticism, particularly her opposition to chemotherapy.
Born in 1946 in San Bruno, California, Somers faced a tumultuous childhood with an alcoholic and abusive father. She married at a young age, and her early career in modeling led to her encounter with Alan Hamel, whom she married in 1977.
Suzanne Somers entered the acting scene in the late 1960s, with her first credited role in the Steve McQueen film “Bullitt.” However, she gained widespread recognition when cast as the blonde in the white Thunderbird in George Lucas’s “American Graffiti” (1973), a role that involved her silently mouthing the words “I love you” to Richard Dreyfuss’s character.
Her audition for the role was a pivotal moment in her life, as she later described it. She later attempted a one-woman Broadway show called “The Blonde in the Thunderbird,” which received mixed reviews.
During the 1970s, she appeared in several television shows, including “The Rockford Files,” “Magnum Force,” and “The Six Million Dollar Man.” However, her most iconic role came in “Three’s Company,” which aired on ABC from 1977 to 1984. In the show, she portrayed the ditzy blonde character, forming a memorable trio with John Ritter and Joyce DeWitt in the popular roommate comedy.
Suzanne Somers took a stand for equal pay during her time on “Three’s Company,” requesting a raise from $30,000 to $150,000 per episode, which was met with resistance from the show’s producers. As a result, she was gradually phased out and eventually fired, leading to a rift with her co-stars, particularly John Ritter. Despite the initial animosity, she later reconciled with Ritter and DeWitt.
Her departure from “Three’s Company” opened the door to new opportunities, including a Las Vegas act, hosting a talk show, and becoming an entrepreneur. She gained fame as the spokesperson for the “ThighMaster” in the 1990s.
Suzanne Somers also authored numerous books on various topics, including aging, menopause, beauty, wellness, sex, and cancer.
In the days leading up to her death, Suzanne Somers remained in high spirits, surrounded by family, and even gave an interview to People Magazine discussing her plans for her upcoming birthday, expressing her love for cake.
Suzanne Somers’ husband, Alan Hamel, lauded her determination and commitment, even after five decades of togetherness.