Iconic actress and sex symbol Suzanne Somers died at her home at the age of 76 Sunday morning, shocking the entertainment world. Somers, who starred in “Three’s Company” and “Step by Step,” battled breast cancer for over 20 years. She died peacefully, surrounded by family and friends at her Palm Springs home.
While the bubbly blonde actress will always be remembered as Chrissy Snow opposite John Ritter and others in the classic television sitcom Three’s Company, she was also an activist for more equal pay for female actors, an entrepreneur with her famous “Thighmaster” exercise tool, a writer as she published more than 25 books, and an inspiration to breast cancer survivors everywhere.
As word of her passing spread, her impact on others became apparent. Tributes continue to flood social media as scores of celebrities talk about Somers and the impact she had on their lives. It isn’t clear if her passing was unexpected or if she had been dealing with illness, but it certainly took many by surprise.
Some of her closest friends and costars took to social media to pay their respects. Somers’ Step by Step costar, Patrick Duffy, said of her: “As with everyone who knew her, I was stunned yesterday by the news that my dear and deep friend Suzanne had passed. For that brief moment it was unbelievable. But indeed she has passed. She beautifully passed through my life on this leg of her endless journey. My task now is to remain on the roadside as she continues on.”
The 74-year-old actor starred alongside Somers in the 1990s sitcom for seven seasons. One of the child stars on the show, Christine Lakin, talked about how Somers served as a second mother to her during the show’s run: “She was an icon yes, but she was also an inspiration in the early fight for equal pay in the entertainment industry. She was a 2nd mom of sorts to me in for formative years of my childhood. She had the best relationship with Patrick Duffy and the two of the them set the tone for what was an idyllic set experience.”
Somers is best known for her turn on the classic sitcom Three’s Company. The surprise hit launched her, John Ritter, and Joyce DeWitt to superstardom as three unlikely roommates living in Southern California. Ritter died in 2003. DeWitt, 74, said: “I’m sure Suzanne was greeted by Angels into the loving wisdom waiting for all of us on the other side, and I hope that will assist her family’s hearts in healing as they travel through this difficult time.”
Guns and Roses drummer Matt Sorum, who grew to know Somers and her husband Alan Hamel, also sent out a heartfelt tribute. He said: “Our dear friend Suzanne Somers has passed on but there is no way she will leave our hearts. We met Suzanne on moving to Palm Springs through a mutual friend and we instantly were drawn to her and her wonderful husband Alan Hamel.”
The messages continued from entertainers as diverse as Adam Carolla, Kathy Griffin, and Fran Drescher, among others. Suzanne Somers will always hold a place for people of a certain age, and Three’s Company lives on in syndication. Best wishes to her family during this hard time.
Featured image credit: By The Heart Truth – Suzanne Somers in Ina SoltaniUploaded by gohe007, Public Domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=138994533
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