Suzanne Somers, the beloved actress renowned for her role in the iconic series "Three's Company," has passed away at the age of 76.
Cancer, a relentless adversary she faced for over two decades, claimed her life, as reported by People magazine. Somers, who had displayed resilience and strength in her battle, "died peacefully at her home" in Palm Springs, California.
Her publicist disclosed that the actress, who lost her fight with aggressive breast cancer, passed away on the eve of her 77th birthday. The family's plans to celebrate her birthday on October 16 were replaced by commemorating her extraordinary life and extending gratitude to her countless adoring fans and followers.
Back in July, Suzanne Somers candidly shared on Instagram that her breast cancer had resurfaced. She acknowledged the familiar fear that cancer patients confront when the disease reappears, but her determination remained unshaken. As she stated in an interview with Entertainment Tonight, "This is a familiar battlefield for me, and I am very tough."
Suzanne Somers initially received a breast cancer diagnosis in 2000 and had previously grappled with skin cancer. Throughout her cancer journey, she garnered attention for her advocacy of an organic, chemical-free lifestyle as a means to combat the disease. Her reservations about chemotherapy, expressed in books and appearances on platforms like "The Oprah Winfrey Show," sparked controversy and debate, particularly with the American Cancer Society.
Suzanne Somers' journey to stardom commenced in the late 1960s and early 1970s with small acting roles. However, it was her role in the ABC series "Three's Company" that catapulted her to fame. In Latin America, the show was known as "Three are multitude," while in Spain, it was titled "Apartment for three." Within the series, Somers portrayed Chrissy Snow, one of two roommates who welcomed culinary student Jack Tripper, portrayed by John Ritter, into their apartment, with the twist being that he had to feign homos- to comply with the building's regulations.
The series, a major hit during its run from 1977 to 1984, faced a notable controversy when Somers demanded a significant salary increase. She sought to elevate her earnings from $30,000 per episode to match the $150,000 that other male stars, including John Ritter, received. Executives offered a mere $5,000 raise, leading to a dispute that resulted in her departure from the show in 1980. In her absence, various actresses stepped into her role.
Suzanne Somers, who also ventured into other TV series and shows in later years, found remarkable success as a businesswoman. Alongside her husband, Alan Hamel, she founded the healthy living company ThighMaster, amassing considerable wealth and establishing herself as a guru in the field of health and fitness.
