Who Is Suzanne Somers? A Journey of Resilience and Success
Suzanne Marie Somers, born on October 16, 1946, in San Bruno, California, was an American actress, author, and businesswoman who made a significant impact on the entertainment and health and wellness industries. Throughout her career, she portrayed iconic television roles, authored numerous books, and became a prominent figure in the promotion of health and fitness products, most notably the ThighMaster. While Suzanne Somers achieved considerable success, her life was marked by challenges, including a tumultuous childhood and personal health struggles. In this comprehensive exploration of Suzanne Somers' life and career, we delve into her early years, rise to fame, and her enduring influence on various aspects of American culture.
Early Life and Struggles
Suzanne Marie Mahoney, the third of four children, was born into a working-class Irish-American Catholic family on October 16, 1946. Her parents were Marion Elizabeth (née Turner), a medical secretary, and Francis Mahoney, a laborer and gardener. Suzanne's early life was far from idyllic, as her father, an alcoholic, was abusive, causing her to live in constant fear for her safety. These challenging circumstances were further complicated by Suzanne's struggle with bedwetting, which persisted until the age of 12 and resulted in additional mistreatment from her father.
Suzanne initially attended Mercy High School in Burlingame, California, but her educational journey was marked by difficulties. Her dyslexia and her father's tumultuous behavior made it challenging for her to excel academically. She often fell asleep in class, hindering her ability to focus and learn. Despite these challenges, Suzanne's talents shone through when she performed the lead role in a school production of H.M.S. Pinafore. However, her expulsion at the age of 14, prompted by writing sexually suggestive notes to a boy, signaled the beginning of her turbulent teenage years.
One particularly traumatic incident during her adolescence was the altercation with her father. At the age of 17, after her father violently ripped her prom dress, he demeaned her, claiming she was 'nothing.' In an act of self-defense, Suzanne struck her father in the head with a tennis racket. These events left emotional scars and played a pivotal role in shaping her future.
In 1964, Suzanne Somers graduated from Capuchino High School in San Bruno, where she won the 'Best Doll Award' for her role in the senior musical 'Guys and Dolls.' She also actively participated in organizing her class's senior ball. After high school, she briefly attended Lone Mountain College, a school run by the Catholic Society of the Sacred Heart order. However, her educational pursuits were abruptly halted in 1965 when she discovered she was pregnant, leading to her marriage to the child's father, Bruce Somers.
Suzanne's early adulthood was marked by a series of challenges, including low self-esteem and legal troubles. She faced arrest for check fraud, and her car was impounded. Despite these adversities, Suzanne Somers displayed remarkable resilience, which would become a defining characteristic of her life and career.
Early Career
Suzanne Somers embarked on her journey into the entertainment industry during the late 1960s and early 1970s, taking on small acting roles. She made appearances on talk shows to promote her book of poetry and secured bit parts in movies, such as her role as the 'Blonde in the white Thunderbird' in 'American Graffiti.' These early opportunities led to appearances on 'The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson,' where she began to make her mark.
In the early 1970s, she featured in the American version of the sitcom 'Lotsa Luck,' based on the British series 'On the Buses.' Her role as the femme fatale garnered attention, and she also made uncredited appearances in 'Magnum Force' in 1973 and 'The Rockford Files' in 1974. In 1977, Suzanne played a passenger on the first episode of 'The Love Boat' and made a guest appearance in a 1976 episode of 'One Day at a Time.'
"Three's Company": The Breakthrough
The turning point in Suzanne Somers' career came when she was cast in the iconic role of Christmas 'Chrissy' Snow on the hit ABC sitcom 'Three's Company.' The series, which aired from 1977 to 1981, was based on the British sitcom 'Man About the House.' It revolved around two single women, portrayed by Somers and her co-star Joyce DeWitt, living with a single man, played by John Ritter, who pretended to be gay to bypass the landlord's policy prohibiting single men sharing an apartment with single women.
'Three's Company' was an immediate success in the Nielsen ratings, solidifying Suzanne Somers' status as a television star. The show's popularity even led to a short-lived spin-off series called 'The Ropers,' inspired by the British sitcom 'George and Mildred' and starring Norman Fell and Audra Lindley.
As the series entered its fifth season in late 1980, Suzanne Somers demanded a substantial salary increase. She sought to match the compensation paid to John Ritter, as well as a share of the show's profits, a request driven by her second husband, Alan Hamel. However, negotiations did not go as expected. ABC was only willing to offer a $5,000 per episode raise, leading to a contentious dispute. As a result, Suzanne Somers refused to appear in several episodes of the season, citing various reasons, including a broken rib.
In the aftermath of the conflict with ABC, Suzanne Somers was fired from 'Three's Company,' and her contract was terminated. She then sued the network for $2 million, claiming that her credibility in the entertainment industry had been damaged. The lawsuit was eventually settled by an arbitrator, who awarded Somers only $30,000 for a single missed episode for which she had not been paid. This chapter of her career brought to light the issue of gender pay disparity in the industry, as Somers contended that she was fired for asking to be paid on par with popular male television stars.
After "Three's Company"
Following her departure from 'Three's Company,' Suzanne Somers continued to make strides in the entertainment industry and ventured into new projects. In 1983, she and her production company, Hamel/Somers Productions, signed a deal with Columbia Pictures Television.
Suzanne Somers' personal life took an unexpected turn when she reconciled her friendship with John Ritter, her former 'Three's Company' co-star, after 20 years of not speaking to each other. This heartwarming reconnection happened shortly before Ritter's untimely death in 2003.
In 1980 and 1984, Suzanne Somers appeared in two Playboy cover-feature nude pictorials. The first set of nude photos was taken in 1970 by Stan Malinowski when she was a struggling model and actress. At the time, she did a test photoshoot for the magazine and was initially accepted as a Playmate candidate in 1971. However, she declined to pose nude before the actual shoot, fearing that it would be challenging for her son to see his mother posing nude, considering he was 14 at the time. A legal dispute followed after Playboy published the photos from the 1970 Malinowski shoot without her permission. Somers ultimately sued Playboy, and the matter was settled for $50,000, with at least $10,000 of it being donated to Easterseals.
The second nude pictorial, taken by Richard Fegley and published in December 1984, was Somers' attempt to regain her popularity after the controversy surrounding her departure from 'Three's Company' in 1981. This time, she agreed to the photoshoot after discussing it with her family, including her then-18-year-old son, who viewed the second pictorial.
In the 1980s, Suzanne Somers transitioned into a career as an entertainer, headlining at prominent Las Vegas venues, such as the MGM Grand (now Horseshoe Las Vegas) for two years, and later, the Las Vegas Hilton (now Westgate Las Vegas) for an additional 2.5 years. Her performances even extended to entertaining U.S. servicemen overseas in the early 1980s, a testament to her dedication to her craft and her support for the military.
From 1987 to 1989, Somers starred in the sitcom 'She's the Sheriff,' which aired in first-run syndication. In this series, she portrayed a widow with two young children who decides to take over her late husband's role as the sheriff of a Nevada town. The show ran for two seasons, showcasing her versatility as an actress.
In 1990, Somers returned to network television, making numerous guest appearances and starring in made-for-TV movies. Her resilience and determination to remain in the entertainment spotlight were evident as she continued to explore various aspects of her career.
Later Career
One of the standout moments in Suzanne Somers' later career was her return to series television in September 1991 with the sitcom 'Step By Step,' co-starring with Patrick Duffy. The show became a success, airing on ABC's youth-oriented TGIF lineup. Her role in 'Step By Step' further solidified her status as a beloved television personality.
In the early 1990s, Somers became the spokeswoman for the ThighMaster, an exercise device that gained immense popularity. She appeared in a series of infomercials promoting the product, which became a household name. In 2014, she was inducted into the Infomercial Hall of Fame, recognizing her significant contributions to the industry.
Suzanne Somers' journey also encompassed a foray into autobiographical storytelling. In 1991, a two-hour biographical film titled 'Keeping Secrets,' based on her first autobiography of the same title, was broadcast on ABC. The movie delved into Somers' tumultuous family life, upbringing, and her subsequent rise to fame. Her willingness to share her life's story with the public endeared her to her audience, who appreciated her candid and open approach.
In 1994, Suzanne Somers launched her own daytime talk show titled 'Suzanne Somers.' Despite its relatively short run of one season, the show allowed her to engage with her audience and share her thoughts on various topics.
The success of 'Step By Step' continued, with the series moving to CBS for its final season in 1997, solidifying Somers' status as a television icon.
From 1997 to 1999, she co-hosted the revised version of 'Candid Camera' alongside Peter Funt, when CBS revived the classic show. This project demonstrated her enduring appeal and adaptability as a television personality.
In the 2000s, Suzanne Somers took a unique turn in her career by becoming a prominent figure on the Home Shopping Network, where she spent more than 25 hours per month selling household items, clothing, and jewelry, many of which she designed herself. This endeavor showcased her business acumen and entrepreneurial spirit.
In the summer of 2005, Suzanne Somers made her Broadway theatre debut with a one-woman show titled 'The Blonde in the Thunderbird.' The show featured a collection of stories about her life and career, aiming to run until September. However, due to poor reviews and disappointing ticket sales, it was canceled in less than a week. Somers' response to the harsh reviews generated considerable controversy when she compared her treatment by critics to the treatment of soldiers in the Iraq War.
In 2012, Suzanne Somers embarked on an online talk show titled 'Suzanne Somers Breaking Through' on CafeMom. Several episodes featured a heartwarming reunion and reconciliation with her former 'Three's Company' co-star, Joyce DeWitt. The two had not seen nor spoken to each other in 31 years, making their reconnection a heartwarming moment in her career.
In the fall of 2012, 'The Suzanne Show,' hosted by Somers, aired for a 13-episode season on the Lifetime Network. The show featured various guests covering a wide range of topics related to health and fitness, showcasing her commitment to promoting a healthy lifestyle.
Suzanne Somers continued to stay relevant in the public eye and remained active in various forms of media and entertainment. On February 24, 2015, she was announced as one of the stars participating in the 20th season of 'Dancing with the Stars,' partnered with professional dancer Tony Dovolani. Although she and Dovolani were eliminated in the fifth week of the competition, her participation marked another chapter in her enduring career.
In May and June 2015, Somers starred in 'Suzanne Sizzles' at the Westgate Las Vegas, demonstrating her continued appeal as a performer.
Medical Views and Advocacy
Suzanne Somers was not only known for her entertainment career but also for her outspoken advocacy of various medical and health-related topics.
One of her notable stances was in support of bioidentical hormone replacement therapy. Her book 'Ageless' included interviews with 16 practitioners of bioidentical hormone therapy, with a focus on the Wiley protocol. This approach faced criticism from some in the medical community. A group of seven doctors practicing bioidentical hormone therapy expressed concern, deeming the protocol scientifically unproven and potentially dangerous. Despite this criticism, Somers was invited to 'The Oprah Winfrey Show,' where she was praised by Oprah Winfrey for her views. This led to a considerable amount of both positive and negative press coverage.
Personal Life
Suzanne Somers' personal life was marked by a series of challenges and triumphs that shaped her into the resilient and multifaceted woman she became.
She married Bruce Somers in 1965, and together they had a son, Bruce Jr., in November 1965. The marriage, however, ended in divorce in 1968. Following the divorce, she embarked on a new chapter in her life, working as a prize model on the game show 'The Anniversary Game,' which was hosted by Alan Hamel. Despite the initial professional connection, Somers and Hamel began dating, sparking a romantic relationship. Their affair ultimately led to an abortion, as Alan Hamel was already married. They decided to get married in 1977.
Suzanne Somers had a turbulent personal life, as her family faced various challenges. In 1971, her six-year-old son was struck by a car, resulting in a traumatic experience for both her and her child. The incident prompted her to seek therapy to address the emotional scars and pain.
In 1977, Somers and Alan Hamel purchased a house in Palm Springs, California. They called this property their home for several decades, ultimately selling it in 2021 for a substantial sum of $8.5 million. The sale marked the end of an era in their personal lives, as they parted ways with a place that held many memories.
Tragedy struck in January 2007 when a wildfire in Southern California destroyed their home in Malibu, California. This devastating event was a challenging moment for Somers, who had to cope with the loss of her home and belongings.
Health and Death
Suzanne Somers' health journey was marked by various medical challenges and personal resilience. In her 20s, she battled hyperplasia, a condition characterized by an overgrowth of cells, which can be a precursor to cancer. This early health scare likely influenced her later dedication to advocating for alternative healthcare options.
In April 2000, Somers received a breast cancer diagnosis, leading her to undergo a lumpectomy and radiation therapy. Her willingness to share her cancer journey with the public helped raise awareness about the disease and the importance of early detection and treatment.
In 2018, reports emerged that Suzanne Somers underwent an experimental stem-cell therapy to regrow the breast she had lost to cancer. This innovative approach to healthcare illustrated her determination to explore unconventional treatments and maintain her quality of life.
Unfortunately, in 2020, Suzanne Somers suffered a fractured hip when she jumped out of a private tram en route to her house. This incident highlighted her ongoing commitment to an active lifestyle.
Suzanne Somers' battle with breast cancer resurfaced in 2023, as the disease returned earlier in the year. She continued to confront her health challenges with grace and courage.
Regrettably, Suzanne Somers passed away at her home in Palm Springs, California, on October 15, 2023, just one day before her 77th birthday. Her battle with breast cancer ultimately led to her untimely death. Her funeral took place three days later, with her interment at Desert Memorial Park.
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