“Remembering Suzanne Somers: Honoring the Legacy of ‘Three’s Company’ Actress”

Suzanne Somers: Remembering a Trailblazing Actress

A Star Ascends

Suzanne Somers, the beloved actress known for her roles in TV comedies like “Three’s Company” and “Step by Step,” has passed away at the age of 76. Her longtime publicist, R. Couri Hay, confirmed that Somers died peacefully at her home on October 15th after surviving an aggressive form of breast cancer for over 23 years. She was surrounded by her loving husband Alan, her son Bruce, and her immediate family.

Born on October 16, 1946, in San Bruno, California, Somers began her acting career in the late ’60s and early ’70s with small roles in films like “Bullitt” and “Magnum Force.” She gained recognition with her memorable appearance in the George Lucas-directed “American Graffiti.” However, it was her role as Chrissy Snow on the hit sitcom “Three’s Company” that catapulted her to stardom and made her a household name.

A Trailblazer and a Sex Symbol

“Three’s Company,” based on the British sitcom “Man About the House,” revolved around the hilarious exploits of three single roommates living together platonically. Somers’ portrayal of the ditzy but lovable Chrissy Snow endeared her to audiences and established her as a sex symbol of the era. The show ran for eight successful seasons between 1977 and 1984, spawning several spinoff series.

During the show’s fifth season, Somers made headlines by demanding equal pay to her male co-star John Ritter. She asked for a raise from $30,000 an episode to $150,000, citing Ritter’s reported salary. When the producers refused her request, Somers claimed health issues and declined to appear in two episodes. However, her popularity couldn’t be denied, and the controversy only added to her fame.

A Bump in the Road

Despite her immense success, Somers faced setbacks after her departure from “Three’s Company.” Widely criticized in the press, she found it challenging to secure acting roles, aside from occasional TV movies. Somers starred in the short-lived sitcom “She’s the Sheriff” and headlined a series of one-woman shows in Las Vegas in the 1980s.

To supplement her income, Somers became the commercial spokesperson for the Thighmaster in 1990. The product, though often parodied, achieved remarkable sales success. Somers went on to leverage her entrepreneurial spirit by establishing her own successful lines of personal products.

A Second Act and a Lasting Legacy

Ten years after her departure from “Three’s Company,” Somers secured another significant television role in the ABC sitcom “Step by Step.” The show, which ran for seven seasons until 1998, centered around a blended family and starred Somers alongside Patrick Duffy.

In addition to her acting career, Somers battled breast cancer multiple times. She bravely shared her experiences with the disease, becoming an inspiration and advocate for others. Somers also authored numerous books, including memoirs, health and wellness guides, cookbooks, and poetry collections.

Remembering Suzanne Somers

Suzanne Somers’ impact on the entertainment industry cannot be overstated. Her iconic roles, vibrant personality, and resilience in the face of adversity endeared her to millions of fans worldwide. While her demanding nature during her time on “Three’s Company” may have caused controversy, it also paved the way for subsequent discussions on gender pay disparity in Hollywood.

Despite the challenges she faced, Somers embraced her entrepreneurial spirit and left a lasting legacy beyond the world of acting. Her advocacy work, successful business ventures, and unwavering spirit in the face of cancer demonstrate the exceptional strength and resilience she possessed.

A Time for Reflection and Celebration

As we mourn the loss of Suzanne Somers, it is essential to remember her extraordinary life and the joy she brought to countless people. Her family, who had gathered to celebrate her 77th birthday, will now honor her legacy instead. We join them in expressing our gratitude to her millions of fans and followers who loved her dearly.

A private family burial will take place this week, followed by a memorial next month, allowing her friends, colleagues, and fans to come together to pay tribute to the remarkable woman we’ve lost.

Suzanne Somers will forever remain in our hearts and minds as a trailblazer, an inspiration, and a symbol of resilience.