PALM SPRINGS, CA. (THECOUNT) — Suzanne Somers’ career followed a remarkable trajectory, rising from humble beginnings to early television appearances, then sitcom stardom, business success, and work as an author and wellness advocate. Over nearly five decades, she became a household name, starred in hit television shows, launched the ThighMaster and influenced generations of viewers with her acting, writing, and wellness advocacy.
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Early Life and Childhood
Born Suzanne Marie Mahoney on October 16, 1946, in San Bruno, California, Somers grew up in a Catholic, working-class household in the San Francisco Bay Area. Her parents emphasized discipline, modesty, and traditional values. From an early age, she showed outgoing, determined traits that would shape her professional life.
Young Motherhood and Early Career
At age 19, Somers became pregnant and married Bruce Somers in 1965. They had one son, Bruce Somers Jr. The marriage ended in divorce, leaving her to raise her child largely as a single mother. She supported herself through modeling and commercial work while pursuing acting opportunities in Los Angeles.
Early Television Exposure and Bit Roles
Somers first gained national recognition through her appearance on The Dating Game in the 1960s, which provided initial visibility in Hollywood. She then moved to Los Angeles, landing small roles and guest appearances on series including The Rockford Files, and briefly appearing in George Lucas’ 1973 film American Graffiti. These early roles allowed her to build experience and connections in the industry.
Breakout Role on Three’s Company
In 1977, Somers was cast as Chrissy Snow on the ABC sitcom Three’s Company, starring alongside John Ritter and Joyce DeWitt. The show quickly became one of the most-watched comedies of the late 1970s. The role launched her to national fame. Her portrayal of the cheerful, comedic roommate made her a household name and a cultural icon.
That same year, she married Canadian television producer Alan Hamel, beginning a partnership that would last over 45 years. The simultaneous start of her breakout television career and her long-term marriage marked 1977 as a defining moment in her life.
1980 ABC Salary Dispute
In 1980, Somers requested a pay increase to match Ritter, leading to a widely publicized salary dispute. Negotiations failed, her screen time was reduced during the fifth season, and she was ultimately written out of the show. The dispute remains one of the most cited examples of television contract conflicts.
Vegas Performances and She’s the Sheriff
After leaving Three’s Company, Somers performed in Las Vegas and took guest roles and television movies to maintain her profile. From 1987 to 1989, she starred in CBS’ She’s the Sheriff, her first leading role post-sitcom. The series highlighted her comedic talent and kept her visible on network television.
ThighMaster and Entrepreneurial Success
In the early 1990s, Somers launched the ThighMaster, a home fitness device marketed through television infomercials. Somers famously marketed the ThighMaster in infomercials, turning it into a fitness behemoth. The product became a commercial phenomenon, generating an estimated $300 million in related revenue. This cemented her reputation as a businesswoman and fitness entrepreneur.
Return to Television: Step by Step
In 1991, she returned to network television as Carol Foster Lambert on ABC’s family sitcom Step by Step, co-starring with Patrick Duffy. The series ran for seven seasons, introducing her to a new generation and reaffirming her status as a television mainstay.
Publishing Career and Health Advocacy
Somers wrote over two dozen books covering diet, aging, hormone therapy, and wellness, with multiple titles appearing on bestseller lists. She openly advocated bioidentical hormone replacement therapy and alternative health approaches, drawing both public attention and debate from medical professionals.
Breast Cancer Diagnosis and Public Updates
Somers was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2000 and underwent treatment, publicly sharing her journey.
Despite her illness, in 2020, Somers competed on Dancing with the Stars, introducing herself to a new generation of viewers. Her appearance showcased her energy, determination, and continued presence in entertainment decades into her career.
In 2021, Somers revealed the disease had returned. Her family provided periodic updates in 2022 and 2023 prior to her death in October 2023. The actress, author, and entrepreneur whose career spanned nearly five decades, died October 15, 2023, at her home in Palm Springs, California. She was 76.
Legacy
Across nearly five decades, Suzanne Somers’ career spanned early reality television, breakout sitcom fame, contract disputes, live performances, entrepreneurship, television comebacks, bestselling publishing, and health advocacy. She is remembered for her comedic talent, business acumen, resilience, and her ability to continually reinvent herself in the entertainment industry.
Her influence remains in classic network television, direct-to-consumer fitness products, wellness publishing, and popular culture. Suzanne Somers’ life is a testament to persistence, adaptability, and reinvention in American entertainment history.