Suzanne Somers, Three’s Company Star, Dies at 76
Suzanne Somers, the actress best known for playing Chrissy Snow on the classic sitcom Three’s Company, died peacefully at her home on Sunday, October 15 at the age of 76.
Somers’ publicist R. Couri Hay confirmed the news in a statement, noting that Somers passed away “surrounded by her loving husband Alan Hamel, her son Bruce, and her immediate family.” She died just one day before her 77th birthday on October 16, which her family had planned to celebrate together.
Husband Writes Heartfelt Poem
The night before her passing, Somers’ husband of 46 years, Alan Hamel, presented her with a moving poem he had written for her upcoming birthday.
The poem expressed Hamel’s immense love for his wife, admitting “there are no words” to fully capture his feelings. He concluded by calling their relationship “‘us’, uniquely, magically, indescribably wonderful ‘us.'” Somers reportedly went to bed after reading the poem and died peacefully in her sleep.
Decades-Long Entertainment Career
Born Suzanne Marie Mahoney in San Bruno, California in 1946, Somers first emerged as an actress in the late 1960s. She landed bit parts in films like Bullitt and American Graffiti and made guest appearances on various television shows.
Her big break came in 1977 when she was cast as blonde bombshell Chrissy Snow on ABC’s Three’s Company, opposite John Ritter and Joyce DeWitt. Her bubbly persona made Chrissy an instant fan favorite, and Somers remained on the show until 1981.
She went on to star in the sitcom Step by Step from 1991 to 1998. She also became a Las Vegas entertainer, author, and entrepreneur promoting health and anti-aging products.
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Cancer Survivor
In 2000, Somers was diagnosed with breast cancer. She underwent a lumpectomy and radiation treatments and has spoken openly in recent years about her decision to forgo chemotherapy in favor of alternative treatments.
Earlier this year, Somers revealed she was battling cancer again but remained optimistic, telling ET, “I do my best not to let this insidious disease control me.”
Hollywood Pays Tribute
As news of Somers’ passing spread, many of her fellow stars expressed their sadness and paid tribute on social media.
“Suzanne and I were friends for decades. She was the sister I never had and my close confidant forever,” wrote Barry Manilow. Viola Davis called Somers “a joy and forever young,” while Khloe Kardashian said the news “hurts my heart.”
“What a wonderful person,” commented Bethenny Frankel after learning of the death. “I’m so, so sorry. Sorry to Suzanne’s family. What a tremendous loss.”
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Private Family Burial Planned
According to Suzanne Somers’ publicist, the actress will receive a private family burial this week. A memorial service is being planned for November to honor Somers’ life and decades-long career in Hollywood.
She is survived by her husband Alan Hamel, son Bruce Somers, stepchildren Stephen and Leslie Hamel, and six grandchildren.
The family has requested that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to the Suzanne Somers Institute for Anti-Cancer Research at Palm Springs Health, a cause Somers was passionate about in her later years. Her legacy of laughter and optimism on screen will live on for generations of fans around the world.
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