Suzanne Somers #102

Early Life and Career Beginnings

Suzanne Somers grew up in an Irish-American Catholic family in California. Her early life was marked by challenges, including an abusive alcoholic father. She began her career as a model and actress in the late 1960s, taking on minor roles in films and television shows. Her big break came when she was cast as Chrissy Snow on the sitcom Three's Company in 1977.

Breakthrough Role on Three's Company

Somers became a household name with her role as Chrissy Snow, the ditzy but lovable blonde on Three's Company. The show was a major hit, and Somers' comedic timing and sex appeal made her one of the most popular television stars of the late 1970s and early 1980s. However, her time on the show ended in controversy. In 1980, Somers demanded a significant salary increase, seeking to be paid on par with her male co-star, John Ritter. The network refused, and after a highly publicized contract dispute, Somers was fired from the show.

Post-Three's Company Career

After leaving Three's Company, Somers struggled to find steady work in Hollywood. However, she reinvented herself as a fitness and health advocate. She became a spokesperson for the ThighMaster, an exercise product that became wildly successful in the 1990s, and she wrote a series of best-selling books on health, fitness, and wellness.

Somers also returned to television with roles in the sitcom Step by Step, which aired from 1991 to 1998, and she hosted several talk shows and infomercials. Her role as Carol Foster-Lambert on Step by Step helped her regain her status as a beloved television personality.

Legal Troubles and Controversies

Somers faced legal challenges throughout her career, particularly regarding her business ventures. In 1997, she and her husband, Alan Hamel, were sued by their former manager, Jay Bernstein, who claimed he was owed a share of the profits from the ThighMaster. The case was settled out of court, but it highlighted the complexities of Somers' business dealings.

In addition to her legal issues, Somers was also a controversial figure due to her promotion of alternative medicine. She advocated for hormone replacement therapy, organic foods, and other non-traditional health treatments, which drew criticism from some in the medical community who argued that her recommendations were not always scientifically supported.

Later Life and Legacy

Despite the controversies, Suzanne Somers remained a popular and influential figure in entertainment and health advocacy. She continued to write books, appeared on television, and promoted various health and wellness products. Somers was known for her entrepreneurial spirit and her ability to reinvent herself throughout her career.

Suzanne Somers passed away on October 15, 2023, just one day before her 77th birthday, after a long battle with cancer. Her legacy includes her iconic role on Three's Company, her successful health and wellness empire, and her resilience in the face of personal and professional challenges.