Suzanne Somers, the beloved actress renowned for her portrayal of Chrissy Snow on the classic TV sitcom “Three’s Company,” has passed away at the age of 76. She had been battling breast cancer for over two decades and passed away at her home in Palm Springs, California, surrounded by her family, including her husband, Alan Hamel, and her son, Bruce.
Her family shared in a statement that they had been preparing to celebrate her 77th birthday on October 16th but would now commemorate her remarkable life. Suzanne Somers had bravely faced breast cancer since her diagnosis in 2000 and had also battled skin cancer. She was known for her unconventional approach to treating cancer, advocating for a chemical-free and organic lifestyle. Her stance against chemotherapy had drawn some controversy and criticism from organizations like the American Cancer Society.
Born in 1946 in San Bruno, California, Somers began her acting career in the late 1960s. She had a memorable role in George Lucas’s 1973 film “American Graffiti,” driving a white Thunderbird and famously mouthing the words “I love you” to Richard Dreyfuss’s character.
However, it was her iconic role in “Three’s Company” on ABC from 1977 to 1984 that made her a household name. She played the ditzy blonde alongside John Ritter and Joyce DeWitt in the popular sitcom. Her departure from the show in 1981 was marked by a contract dispute; she had requested a substantial raise to match Ritter’s salary but was ultimately let go, and her character was replaced.
After leaving “Three’s Company,” Suzanne Somers pursued a diverse career, including a Las Vegas act, authoring books, hosting a talk show, and venturing into entrepreneurship. She became widely recognized as the spokesperson for the “Thighmaster” in the 1990s.
Somers returned to network television in the 1990s, most notably with “Step by Step,” part of ABC’s TGIF lineup. Her life also inspired a biopic titled “Keeping Secrets,” which she starred in. Throughout her career, she remained a beloved figure in the world of entertainment and pop culture.
Suzanne Somers’ passing marks the end of a remarkable career that spanned several decades and left an indelible mark on the entertainment industry.