Celebrity

‘Three’s Company’ star Suzanne Somers succumbs to decades-long cancer struggle, leaving fans ‘heartbroken’

Matthew Hart
Oct 16, 2023
In 1977, Somers marked the pinnacle of her career when she stepped into the iconic role of Chrissy Snow on the ABC sitcom Three's Company. Source: Getty Images.

Actress Suzanne Somers, renowned for her roles in Three’s Company and Step By Step, has sadly passed away one day shy of her 77th birthday.

The news of Somers’ passing was confirmed by her publicist R Couri Hay who also verified that she had been battling breast cancer.

“Suzanne Somers passed away peacefully at home in the early morning hours of October 15th. She survived an aggressive form of breast cancer for over 23 years,” he said in a statement to People.

“Suzanne was surrounded by her loving husband Alan, her son Bruce, and her immediate family.

“Her family was gathered to celebrate her 77th birthday on October 16th.

“Instead, they will celebrate her extraordinary life, and want to thank her millions of fans and followers who loved her dearly.”

 

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A post shared by Suzanne Somers (@suzannesomers)

Born in San Bruno, California on October 16, 1946, Somers’ early career featured a diverse array of smaller roles in films such as American Graffiti and an episode of The Rockford Files to a memorable appearance in Magnum Force. She even graced the small screen in guest-starring roles on shows like The Love Boat and The Six Million Dollar Man.

However, it was 1977 that marked the pinnacle of her career when she stepped into the iconic role of Chrissy Snow on the ABC sitcom Three’s Company. Her portrayal of Chrissy, a lovable and somewhat dim-witted character, struck a chord with audiences, making the show a massive hit. Despite her undeniable talent, her tenure on the show was marred by a contract dispute and a lawsuit against ABC over salary disputes, which resulted in her exit from the program.

Following her Three’s Company era, Somers ventured into various projects, from infomercials promoting the Thighmaster to a brief return to television with the syndicated sitcom She’s the Sheriff and later the successful Step By Step. In 1991, she starred in a biopic, Keeping Secrets, based on her life, shedding light on her tumultuous upbringing and her subsequent rise to stardom.

She continued to make strides in the entertainment industry, co-hosting Candid Camera and venturing into Broadway with The Blonde in the Thunderbird.

In 2012, she hosted online and televised talk shows, including The Suzanne Show. Her career reached yet another high note when she took on the challenge of Dancing with the Stars.

As news of her passing broke, heartfelt tributes from fellow actors and fans flooded social media, where they expressed their admiration and cherished memories of Somers.

Somers is survived by her husband, Alan Hamel, and son Bruce.

 

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