The Unsaid Truth Of Suzanne Somers: On October 15, 2023, the world bid farewell to Suzanne Somers, a multifaceted talent who parlayed a thriving acting career into a highly profitable health and wellness empire. Somers’ journey into the limelight commenced with a role that required no dialogue but made a lasting impact in the film “American Graffiti.” This marked the beginning of a journey that led her through guest spots on various television series until she landed the role that would change her life: Chrissy Snow in the popular and risqué sitcom, “Three’s Company.” The show became a massive hit, and Somers quickly emerged as its breakout star, though a contract dispute ultimately led to her departure at the height of its success. She subsequently starred in “She’s the Sheriff,” which had a brief run, but found more enduring success in the 1990s with the family sitcom “Step By Step.”
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The Untold Truth Of Suzanne Somers
Following this, Somers chose to shift her focus from Hollywood to concentrate on building her business empire, reinventing herself as a fitness leader. She harnessed the power of home-shopping TV channels like QVC, marketing her own line of clothing, jewelry, and other products. Later, she rebranded herself as a wellness guru and, as she grew older, as an expert in longevity. Throughout these transformations, she remained a beloved and enduring celebrity, penning numerous books, including several New York Times bestsellers.
Despite distancing herself from acting, her fans continued to support her, making her a beloved figure in the entertainment industry. As the world mourns the loss of this beloved celebrity, it’s worth delving into some lesser-known aspects of Suzanne Somers’ life.
The Unusual Audition for “American Graffiti”
Suzanne Somers initially gained recognition in the film “American Graffiti.” However, her audition for the film almost never happened. She faced a dilemma when she couldn’t afford the 50-cent toll to attend her casting session in San Francisco. She bluffed her way past the toll booth, but when she arrived at the audition, she was greeted by a room full of blondes. Despite these challenges, she landed the role due to a chance encounter with George Lucas, who had selected her photo from hundreds of others and wanted to meet her.
Early Struggles and Arrest
Before finding success in Hollywood, Suzanne Somers faced significant challenges. She married at a young age due to an unplanned pregnancy, but the marriage didn’t last long. She later moved to San Francisco to pursue a modeling career, but financial difficulties forced her to write bad checks. In 1970, she was arrested for writing bad checks totaling around $100, but she avoided jail time by repaying the money, which took about a year.
Author of Poetry
Before her acting career took off, Suzanne Somers published a book of poetry titled “Touch Me: The Poems of Suzanne Somers” at the age of 23. This endeavor led her to cross paths with key figures in the entertainment industry and eventually paved the way for her entry into television.
Last-Minute Casting for “Three’s Company”
Suzanne Somers’ role as Chrissy Snow in “Three’s Company” was almost lost due to last-minute casting. The show’s president, Fred Silverman, struggled to find the right actor for the role even on the day before production was set to begin. He fast-forwarded through audition tapes and rediscovered Somers from her appearances on “The Tonight Show.” She was hired the next day and became an essential part of the show’s success.
Contract Dispute and Firing
Despite her success in “Three’s Company,” Somers faced a contract dispute over her salary, earning significantly less than her co-star John Ritter. When she asked for a raise to be paid fairly, the network offered only a minor increase. She was eventually fired, leading to a media narrative that portrayed her as ungrateful and difficult to work with. This marked a challenging period in her career as she struggled to find work and faced backlash in the industry.
Successful Transition to Las Vegas
After her departure from “Three’s Company,” Suzanne Somers transitioned to performing in Las Vegas. She began by headlining at the Celebrity Room in the MGM Grand, where she sang, danced, and interacted with the audience in her own nightclub act. Despite being new to this type of performance, she quickly adapted and developed a strong connection with her audience. Her success in Las Vegas eventually led to her return to television.
Thighmaster Success
Suzanne Somers’ collaboration with investors on marketing the Thighmaster, a fitness device originally designed for skiers, became a tremendous success in the early 1990s. She appeared in numerous television infomercials as the pitchwoman for the product, turning it into a pop-culture phenomenon. Despite some jokes about the product on late-night television, the Thighmaster’s sales were impressive. Somers, along with her husband Alan Hamel, eventually became the outright owners of the Thighmaster brand, and it reportedly generated substantial earnings.
Friendship with Patrick Duffy
During her return to television in the 1990s with the sitcom “Step By Step,” Suzanne Somers formed a close friendship with her co-star Patrick Duffy. Duffy, who had not previously worked in TV comedy, regarded Somers as a mentor. She provided him with valuable guidance and advice to help him find his comedic footing. Their friendship extended beyond the screen, and they remained dear friends throughout their lives.
Reinvention as a Wellness Guru
Suzanne Somers shifted her focus from acting to building her own brand in the wellness industry. This transformation began with her venture into vitamins, supplements, organic cosmetics, and skincare products. She authored over 20 books, where her message evolved to focus on staying healthy and vibrant while aging. She inspired others to make choices that would enhance their well-being as they grew older.
Dancing With the Stars
In 2015, at the age of 68, Suzanne Somers accepted an invitation to compete on “Dancing With the Stars.” Her decision to participate was motivated by her desire to face challenges that pushed her beyond her comfort zone. Although her journey on the show was relatively short, she viewed it as an opportunity for personal growth and enjoyed the experience.
Battle with Cancer
In 2001, Suzanne Somers received a breast cancer diagnosis, which she confronted with courage and a unique approach. Instead of opting for traditional treatments like radiation, chemotherapy, or drugs, she embarked on an alternative path focused on living a chemical-free life and taking hormones. She attributed her successful battle against cancer to these choices.
Openness About Her Sex Life
Suzanne Somers, known for her advocacy of vibrant senior life and healthy aging, was candid about her active sex life with her husband, Alan Hamel, even into her 70s. She openly discussed how hormone supplements had intensified her desire and how she and her husband maintained a passionate and loving relationship, defying societal expectations about aging and intimacy.
Overcoming a Serious Accident
In 2020, Somers faced a significant setback when she fell down a flight of stairs, sustaining multiple injuries, including a broken neck, spine, hip, pelvis, and knee. She underwent surgery to realign her vertebrae and had to relearn how to walk during her recovery. Her resilience and positive outlook allowed her to overcome this challenging experience.
Cancer Recurrence
In July 2023, Suzanne Somers announced that her breast cancer had recurred after more than a decade of being cancer-free. She shared her determination to confront the disease and continue battling it. She emphasized the importance of remaining positive and grateful for life’s blessings.
Suzanne Somers’ life was marked by remarkable achievements, personal struggles, and an unwavering commitment to wellness and a positive outlook on aging. Her diverse career, resilience in the face of adversity, and openness about her personal life left a lasting impact on both the entertainment industry and the wellness community. Her legacy lives on through her work and the inspiration she provided to many.