Fans worldwide are mourning the loss of legendary actress Suzanne Somers after she lost her battle to cancer on Sunday, October 15. The ‘Three’s Company’ star passed away at the age of 76 surrounded by family in her California home, just one day before her 77th birthday.
Her publicist released an official statement revealing that she had been fighting an aggressive form of breast cancer for over 23 years – although it wasn’t her first experience with the disease. During an interview this past July, Somers revealed that she had actually been fighting off-and-on bouts of cancer since 1977 when she rose to fame as Chrissy Snow on ‘Three’s Company’.
RIP Suzanne Somers. So sad to hear this news.
Suzanne was a great conservative Patriot, a great television icon, a brave champion for women in entertainment, a survivor of a brutal industry, and a very inspirational human being.
Suzanne was one of the people I looked to the… pic.twitter.com/F9IjtqeKfe
— Brandon Straka (@BrandonStraka) October 15, 2023
Once a fresh-faced actress from Northern California with only a few minor roles under her belt, Suzanne Somers hit it big in 1977 when she secured the part of Chrissy Snow on ‘Three’s Company’, instantly becoming a sex symbol and earning recognition for her acting chops. After five successful seasons, however, contract disputes caused her departure from the show in 1981.
This did not stop her momentum; throughout the 80s and 90s, she starred in multiple TV movies and made guest appearances on shows like ‘Full House’.
In 1991 came another major career milestone: She landed a starring role alongside Dallas alum Patrick Duffy as Carol Foster Lambert on ABC’s ‘Step By Step’, which ran until 1997. In addition to this role being incredibly successful for Suzanne professionally, it also earned her millions through Thighmaster informercials during its run.
After seven seasons, Susanne decided to step away from acting entirely in 2001 – but even two decades later (and despite any health issues), she is remembered fondly as one of television’s most recognizable figures.
Throughout all these struggles – both personal and professional – Suzanne was supported by husband Alan (whom she married in 1977), son Bruce (who was born before her marriage) and close friends/family members who were present at home just days before as they anticipated celebrating Suzanne’s upcoming 77th birthday.
The family will now be celebrating what would have been their loved one’s special day by holding private burial services this week followed by a memorial service some time next month.
