Suzanne Somers, the beloved actress renowned for her iconic role as Chrissy Snow on the hit television series “Three’s Company,” has passed away at the age of 76. Succumbing to a prolonged battle with breast cancer, Somers breathed her last on a poignant Sunday morning in Palm Springs, surrounded by her devoted family, including her husband Alan Hamel and son Bruce.
The Somers family, who had intended to gather for Suzanne’s 77th birthday celebration on October 16th, now mourns the loss of a vibrant and tenacious personality. In a statement provided by her longtime publicist, R. Couri Hay, the family expressed gratitude to the millions of fans who cherished Somers and acknowledged the outpouring of love and support.
Suzanne Somers had bravely fought breast cancer for over 23 years, sharing her journey with fans. In a July Instagram post, she revealed the return of her cancer, stating, “Like any cancer patient, when you get that dreaded, ‘It’s back,’ you get a pit in your stomach. Then I put on my battle gear and go to war.” She faced criticism for her advocacy of a chemical-free and organic lifestyle in addressing cancer, challenging conventional treatments such as chemotherapy.
Born in 1946 in San Bruno, California, Somers started her career in the late 1960s with a memorable role in George Lucas’s “American Graffiti.” Her breakthrough came with “Three’s Company,” where she portrayed the ditzy blonde alongside John Ritter and Joyce DeWitt. However, a salary dispute in 1981 led to her departure from the show, causing a rift with her co-stars.
Undeterred, Somers leveraged the setback to explore new avenues. From a Las Vegas act to hosting a talk show and becoming an entrepreneur, she diversified her career successfully. In the 1990s, she returned to network television with “Step by Step” and served as the spokesperson for the iconic “Thighmaster.”
Suzanne Somers will be remembered not only for her contributions to the entertainment industry but also for her resilience and entrepreneurial spirit.
