This Sunday marked the passing of actress Suzanne Somers, the iconic blonde lead from the beloved television series 'Three's Company,' succumbing to cancer at the age of 76, as reported by People magazine.
Her publicist shared that Somers "passed away peacefully at her residence" in Palm Springs, California, in the early hours of the day, after valiantly battling aggressive breast cancer for more than 23 years. Tragically, her demise occurred on the eve of her birthday.
Born in San Bruno, California, Somers commenced her career in the late 1960s and early 1970s with minor roles, but it was her role in the ABC series 'Three's Company' that catapulted her to stardom.
In the show, Somers portrayed Chrissy Snow, one of two roommates (the other being Janet Wood, played by Joyce DeWitt) who decides to lease the third room to culinary student Jack Tripper, portrayed by John Ritter. Tripper must feign being gay to adhere to building regulations.
A highly popular show during its run from 1977 to 1984, Somers faced a tumultuous exit in 1980 amid a salary dispute. Seeking an increase from her $30,000 per episode earnings to match the $150,000 earned by her male co-stars, including Ritter, executives only offered her a $5,000 raise. After refusing to participate in two episodes, ABC terminated her contract, leading to various actresses filling her role in subsequent seasons.
Despite the challenges, Somers continued to make appearances in other series and television shows. However, her success was revitalized as a businesswoman when she co-founded the healthy living company ThighMaster with her husband, Alan Hamel. This venture not only garnered millions of dollars but also established Somers as a wellness guru.
The actress turned entrepreneur authored twenty books, several of which became bestsellers, predominantly focused on women's well-being. Her legacy extends beyond the screen, leaving an indelible mark on both the entertainment industry and the realm of health and wellness.
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