Beloved actress Suzanne Somers, known for her iconic roles in the sitcoms "Three's Company" and "Step by Step," has passed away at the age of 76 after a courageous battle with cancer. Her longtime publicist, R. Couri Hay, confirmed the news, stating that Suzanne died peacefully at her home in Palm Springs in the early morning hours of October 15th. The actress was surrounded by her loving husband, Alan Hamel, her son Bruce, and her immediate family during her final moments.
Suzanne's passing comes just a day before what would have been her 77th birthday on October 16th. Instead of celebrating her birthday, her family will now gather to celebrate her extraordinary life and express their gratitude to her millions of devoted fans and followers. They are deeply moved by the outpouring of love and support they have received during this difficult time.
According to Hay, a private family burial is scheduled to take place this week, followed by a memorial service in November to commemorate Suzanne's life and legacy. The details of the memorial service have yet to be announced.
Suzanne's husband, Alan Hamel, recently spoke about her incredible resilience and determination, even after five decades together. He expressed his admiration for her unwavering commitment to fighting her illness and her ability to bounce back time and time again. Suzanne's battle with cancer began in 2000 when she was first diagnosed with breast cancer. She bravely fought against the disease for over 23 years, utilizing both alternative and conventional treatments to combat it.
In July of this year, Suzanne revealed on Instagram that her breast cancer had returned. She assured her fans that she was prepared to face this challenge head-on, stating that she knew how to put on her battle gear. She expressed her gratitude for her husband's unwavering support and the love and assistance of her incredible family. Despite her health struggles, Suzanne remained positive and focused on providing her fans with access to her popular product line.
Suzanne's contributions to the entertainment industry were significant. She captured the hearts of audiences worldwide with her portrayal of the lovable and naive Chrissy Snow on "Three's Company" and the dedicated mother Carol Foster Lambert on "Step by Step." Beyond her acting career, Suzanne also became a well-known infomercial spokeswoman for the Thighmaster and authored several self-help books, including the best-selling "Ageless: The Naked Truth About Bioidentical Hormones" in 2006.
News of Suzanne's passing has shaken the entertainment community, with stars like Goldie Hawn and Olivia Munn expressing their sadness and disbelief on social media. Goldie Hawn took to Instagram to share her sorrow, while Olivia Munn simply commented with a heartbreak emoji on a post announcing Suzanne's death. Reality star Bethenny Frankel echoed their sentiments, expressing her sadness at the loss of the beloved actress.
Suzanne Somers leaves behind a lasting legacy as a talented actress, a resilient fighter, and an inspiration to many. She is survived by her devoted husband Alan, her three children Leslie, Stephen, and Bruce, as well as six grandchildren. Her impact on both the entertainment industry and the lives of those who loved her will never be forgotten.
