“Three’s Company” star Suzanne Somers has died at the age of 76 following a 23-year-long battle with breast cancer. The actress died early Sunday morning surrounded by her family, just one day before her 77th birthday.
Suzanne Somers’s Death Confirmed
Television sitcom fans mourn the loss of “Three’s Company” and “Step By Step” actress Suzane Somers. Her longtime publicist, R. Couri Hay, confirmed the legendary actress’s death.
According to People, Hay said, “Suzanne Somers passed away peacefully at home in the early morning hours of October 15. She survived an aggressive form of breast cancer for over 23 years,” he said. “Suzanne was surrounded by her loving husband, Alan [Hamel], her son, Bruce, and her immediate family.”
Hays also noted that Suzanne Somers’s family had planned to gather on Monday, October 16, to celebrate what would have been the “Three’s Company” star’s 77th birthday. “Instead, they will celebrate her extraordinary life. They want to thank her millions of fans and followers who loved her dearly,” he said.
Three’s Company Star Suzanne Somer’s Led a Remarkable Life
Suzanne Somers led a remarkable life. She was an actress, author, singer, successful businesswoman, and health spokesperson. Her television fans remember her best on “Three’s Company.” Somers starred alongside the late John Ritter (Jack Tripper) and Joyce DeWitt (Janet Wood) as the simple-minded and light-hearted Chrissy Snow.
She first began her acting career in the late ’60s and early ’70s with small bit parts such as in the hit film “American Graffiti.” She later went on to take guest roles in the popular television series “The Rockford Files” and” The Six Million Dollar Man.” As well as “Starsky and Hutch,” “One Day at a Time,” and “The Love Boat,” to name a few.
In 1977, Suzanne Somers landed the role of Chrissy Snow in “Three’s Company.” In 1980, Suzanne was fired from “Three’s Company” after the network denied her huge salary increase demands from $30k per episode to $150k. Her salary dispute also caused many issues between herself and her former co-stars.
During the early 1990s, Suzanne became the spokeswoman in a series of infomercials for the “Thighmaster.” She also took on another starring role as Carol Foster Lambert alongside “Dallas” star Patrick Duffy in “Step By Step.”
Suzanne Somers Health Battles
In April 2000, the former “Three’s Company” actress was diagnosed with stage II breast cancer. Following a lumpectomy, Suzanne decided to forgo chemo and use a fermented mistletoe extract, Iscador.
Somers often publicly shared her views on alternative health choices and cancer treatments. The American Cancer Society repeatedly criticized her for her views and advocacy of the Wiley Protocol, which has been “scientifically unproven and dangerous.” In July 2023, the “Three’s Company” star Suzanne Somers publicly announced that her breast cancer had returned.
Somers died on October 15, 2023, one day before her 77th birthday, after courageously fighting more than a two-decade battle with the disease. Page Six reports that Suzanne Somers died in her sleep with her husband of 46 years, Alan Hamel, by her side.
Besides her beloved husband, Alan Hamel, Suzane Somers is survived by her son, Bruce Somers, stepchildren Stephen and Leslie Hamel, and six grandchildren.
A private family burial will occur this week, and a memorial will be held in November.
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