Suzanne Somers was an American actress, author, and businesswoman. She played the television roles of Chrissy Snow on Three’s Company (1977–1981) and Carol Foster Lambert on Step by Step (1991–1998).
If you grew up in the 1970s or 1990s, you probably saw Suzanne Somers on TV and in your exercise regimen. She was more than just a performer. Suzanne was a bestselling author, health advocate, cultural icon, and all-around force. Suzanne knew how to stay current and authentic whether she was becoming the queen of infomercials with the ThighMaster, redefining herself with health and wellness books, or entertaining audiences as Chrissy Snow on Three’s Company.
Let’s take a pleasant trip down memory lane and explore the amazing life of Suzanne Somers, including her early hardships, ascent to fame, steadfast support of wellness, and legacy.
Her Early Life and Education: From Chaos to Confidence
There wasn’t always glamour and flash in Suzanne’s story. She was raised in a strict Catholic home with modest means, and her life was anything but idyllic. Her home life was frequently unstable, and her father battled alcoholism. Though it also gave Suzanne the grit she would need later in life, this difficult environment left deep emotional scars.
Her undiagnosed dyslexia was a major factor in her struggles in school. She thought she was “dumb” for years. She didn’t realize she just had a different perspective on the world until she was an adult. She completed Capuchino High School and briefly attended San Francisco College for Women in spite of these obstacles. However, life had other ideas. She dropped out of school to raise her son, Bruce Jr., at the age of 19.
Although these formative years were difficult, they endowed Suzanne with a special strength and unadulterated, unrefined fortitude that would characterize her on- and off-screen persona.
Quick Bio/Wiki
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Suzanne Marie Somers |
| Date of Birth | October 16, 1946 |
| Place of Birth | San Bruno, California, United States |
| Date of Death | October 15, 2023 |
| Age at Death | 76 years old |
| Zodiac Sign | Libra |
| Nationality | American |
| Ethnicity | Irish-American |
| Religion | Raised Roman Catholic |
| Parents | Frank Mahoney (father), Marion Mahoney (mother) |
| Siblings | 3 (Suzanne was the third of four children) |
| High School | Capuchino High School |
| College | San Francisco College for Women (briefly attended) |
| Learning Challenges | Diagnosed with dyslexia later in life |
| Teen Motherhood | Became a mother at 19 |
| First Husband | Bruce Somers Sr. (1965–1968) |
| Son | Bruce Somers Jr. |
| Second Husband | Alan Hamel (married 1977–2023) |
| Stepchildren | Stephen and Leslie Hamel |
| Breakout TV Role | Chrissy Snow in Three’s Company (1977–1981) |
| Other Major Role | Carol Foster Lambert in Step by Step (1991–1998) |
| Movie Appearance | American Graffiti (1973) – “Blonde in T-Bird” |
| Fitness Icon | Creator and promoter of the ThighMaster |
| Books Authored | 25+ (Health, aging, hormones, cancer, memoirs) |
| Infomercial Success | Sold over 10 million ThighMasters |
| Estimated Net Worth | $100 million at time of death |
| Primary Income Sources | Acting, book sales, product endorsements, health brands |
| Height | Approximately 5′6″ (167 cm) |
Suzanne Somers Age
Before dying on October 15, 2023, one day short of her 77th birthday, Suzanne, who was born in San Bruno, California, on October 16, 1946, led a full and active life. It’s difficult to believe she was in her mid-seventies because she infused everything she did with such vitality and energy.
Suzanne continued to preach about living life on your terms, looked beautiful, and exuded confidence even in her later years. She proudly wore her age as a badge of honor, never as a limitation.
Suzanne Somers Career: Breaking Through Hollywood’s Glass Ceiling
Let’s go back to 1977. On Three’s Company, Suzanne is cast as Chrissy Snow. She became well-known almost immediately after that gig. Although Chrissy was vivacious, endearing, and yes, a bit ditzy, Suzanne gave the part a depth and sweetness that made her stand out. However, behind the scenes? Things weren’t quite so cheerful.
After four seasons, Suzanne took an unprecedented step by calling for equal compensation. Her co-star John Ritter was making much more money, so Suzanne demanded the $150,000 per episode she was due. Instead of simply rejecting her, the network wrote her off the show.
Was it a blow to your career? Perhaps. Suzanne, however, remained strong. She turned around.
Reinvention Queen: ThighMaster, Wellness, and Fitness
Suzanne is responsible if you have ever squeezed a ThighMaster between your knees in the 1990s. She opened new doors when the acting ones began to close. Suzanne shifted her focus to wellness, positioning herself as a strong supporter of aging in a healthy and natural way.
She wrote more than 25 books, the majority of which were bestsellers, on topics ranging from aging and cancer treatments to hormone therapy and weight loss. Her reputation as a thought leader and more than just an actress was solidified by films like Ageless, Sexy Forever, and Knockout.
She was also a sensation in the infomercial industry. More than 10 million ThighMasters were sold. Indeed, she herself used it on a daily basis. Suzanne never sold anything she didn’t personally support because she firmly believed in her goods.
What Was Suzanne Somers’ Net Worth?
The estimated net worth of Suzanne at the time of her death was $100 million, which may surprise you. Her own hustle was the source of that fortune, not sitcom reruns.
- Skincare lines
- Book sales
- Vitamins and supplements
- Speaking gigs
- Endorsements
- Fitness products
On her terms, she established an empire. No handouts from Hollywood. Just hustle and a pure spirit of entrepreneurship.
A Struggle with Cancer and the Decision to Live Her Own Way
In 2000, Suzanne received her first diagnosis of breast cancer. She did not receive chemotherapy, but she did receive radiation and surgery. She chose a more comprehensive strategy instead, one that involved hormone balancing, organic food, and supplements.
This choice caused controversy. She was criticized for being careless. Suzanne, however, remained steadfast. She attributes her health to her lifestyle choices and has been cancer-free for more than 20 years.
Her cancer returned in July 2023. As expected, she handled it bravely and gracefully while surrounded by love and family. She died quietly at her Palm Springs home.
Suzanne Somers Relationships
Although Suzanne’s first marriage to Bruce Somers didn’t last long, they did have a son that she loved very much. What transpired next was a Hollywood romance. She worked as a prize model for Canadian TV host Alan Hamel’s game show, The Anniversary Game, in the late 1960s. They were married in 1977 because they clicked right away.
Their nearly 50-year marriage became the benchmark for Hollywood unions. In addition to being her spouse, Alan was also her manager, business associate, and steadfast pillar of support. There was an obvious bond between them, and Suzanne frequently attributed her lack of emotional stability as a child to Alan.
Suzanne referred to Alan as her everything, her rock, and her safe haven, even during her fight with cancer.
Suzanne Somers Height and Weight
You can tell Suzanne had a strong presence without knowing her exact numbers. In case you were wondering, she was around 5’6″ (some say 5’7″) tall and had a toned, slender body all of her life. She credited regular exercise, bioidentical hormone therapy, and organic living for her youthful appearance and good health.
But let’s face it, Suzanne was truly beautiful from the inside out. Her intense dedication to health and self-love was evident in her radiant skin, bright eyes, and contagious smile. She demonstrated that she lived up to her words.
Final Thoughts
As a pioneering sitcom star, bestselling author, entrepreneur, and vocal supporter of women’s wellness, Suzanne Somers leaves behind a multifaceted legacy. She maintained a fiercely independent voice that spoke to millions of people, despite the fact that her medical beliefs, such as her support for bio-identical hormones and alternative cancer therapies, were contentious and criticized by mainstream health authorities.
From battling for pay equity on a popular show in the 1970s to creating her own brand in the health industry, she broke stereotypes. She continued to be active, hopeful, and outspoken about living her life as she saw fit until the very end. Although Three’s Company may have been the catalyst for her rise to fame, her brand expanded and endured.
Frequently Asked Questions
What was Suzanne Somers best known for?
She was most famous for her role as Chrissy Snow on Three’s Company and later became a wellness guru and infomercial star.
Did Suzanne Somers have children?
Yes, she had one son, Bruce Jr., from her first marriage.
What was her approach to cancer treatment?
She chose a holistic path, using organic food, bioidentical hormones, and supplements rather than traditional chemotherapy.
How much was Suzanne Somers worth when she died?
Her estimated net worth was around $100 million, thanks to her books, products, and business ventures.
Who was her husband?
She was married to Alan Hamel for nearly 50 years. He was her lifelong partner in every sense of the word.
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