Suzanne Somers, the beloved star of “Three’s Company,” lost her long battle with cancer on the eve of what would have been her 77th birthday.
Somers was surrounded by her family in her home on Sunday when she died, according to her longtime publicist, R. Couri Hay.
In a statement on behalf of the star’s family, Hay wrote on Instagram, “Her family was gathered to celebrate her 77th birthday on October 16th. Instead, they will celebrate her extraordinary life, and want to thank her millions of fans and followers who loved her dearly.”
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“Suzanne Somers passed away peacefully at home in the early morning hours of October 15th,” Hay said. “She survived an aggressive form of breast cancer for over 23 years. Suzanne was surrounded by her loving husband Alan, her son Bruce, and her immediate family.”
In July, Somers revealed on Instagram that her breast cancer had returned.
“Since I have been taking time off from work, many of you have asked for more details about my health,” she wrote. “As you know, I had breast cancer two decades ago, and every now and then it pops up again, and I continue to bat it down.”
“I have used the best alternative and conventional treatments to combat it,” she continued. “This is not new territory for me. I know how to put on my battle gear and I’m a fighter.”
“Alan has been by my side every step of the way,” she said of her husband. “I can’t even explain how much he has done for me. If it’s even possible, we are even closer than ever. My incredible family has been so supportive, and have helped so much by keeping the business running so you can still have access to all the wonderful products.”
“Thank you for the continued love and support,” Somers told her many fans. “It’s only about who you love and who loves you – and I love you!”
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Somers became an instant GenX icon with her portrayal of Christmas “Chrissy” Snow opposite the late John Ritter and Joyce DeWitt on “Three’s Company.”
She famously stood up to the network and demanded that she receive pay equal to that of Ritter for her work, and was dropped from the show. But Somers had the last laugh — and gained the respect of legions of women — when the popular sitcom crashed without her.
And who could forget Somers’s endorsement of Thighmaster in the early 1990s? A savvy businesswoman, she went on to build an empire around health and fitness.
(Video: YouTube)
Somers returned to television with popular roles in “She’s the Sheriff,” “Step By Step,” and “Serial Mom.”
Online, tributes to the vivacious celebrity poured in.
“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,” wrote #WalkAway founder Brandon Straka. “Suzanne was one of the people I looked to the last couple years for inspiration while fighting my own battles. A great lady who will be truly missed.”
“I just can’t believe she’s gone,” said Richard Grennel, former Acting Director of the United States National Intelligence, adding “@SuzanneSomers made everything better.”
“Devastated to hear about the passing of Suzanne Somers. A true icon and overall amazing human being,” wrote comedian and podcaster Adam Corolla. “You will be greatly missed, my friend.”
“May she RIP always a joyous person – condolences to family, fans and friends – Suzanne Somers,” added actor Robert Davi.
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
I just can’t believe she’s gone. @SuzanneSomers made everything better. pic.twitter.com/XFsJeT4rzd
— Richard Grenell (@RichardGrenell) October 16, 2023
May she RIP always a joyous person – condolences to family, fans and friends – Suzanne Somers https://t.co/ah9Xy9i1XB pic.twitter.com/2tCFRlhjUN
— Robert Davi (@RobertJohnDavi) October 15, 2023
“Somers will be buried in a private ceremony this week in Palm Springs,” NBC News reports. According to Hay, a memorial will follow next month.
Here’s a quick sampling of other responses to Somers’ passing from X:
My husband just delivered this news of Suzanne Somers’ death to me and gave me a hug, on account of my Three’s Company devotion. What a great lady. https://t.co/DxiwKSQAwK
— Mollie (@MZHemingway) October 15, 2023
I’m devastated to hear of the passing of my dear friend Suzanne Somers: a true superstar who was brilliant, kind, generous, funny & lovely in every way.
She also loved her country with her whole heart.
She was truly beautiful inside & out.
Rest In Peace, my sweet friend pic.twitter.com/WLMAoowxXv
— Monica Crowley (@MonicaCrowley) October 15, 2023
Suzanne Somers has passed away far too young at 76. Just the nicest person you’ll ever meet. RIP.
— Joe Concha (@JoeConchaTV) October 15, 2023
Suzanne Somers was a brilliant comic actor, who also was one of the first to speak up for equal pay.
One of my first jobs in PR was to work with her on her book.
We talked and talked about Threes Company which is like a dream to me.
This scene, always. pic.twitter.com/5qSpk2W44b
— Danny Deraney (@DannyDeraney) October 15, 2023
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Melissa Fine is the former executive editor of Casino Player, Strictly Slots, and Poker
Digest magazines. She is a UCLA graduate, news junkie, and dedicated Stargate SG-
1 fan. Melissa currently lives with her dog and two cats in a tiny town in the Sierra
Nevada foothills.
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