Suzanne Somers, Actress and Fitness Guru, Dies at 76
Suzanne Somers — actress, author and fitness guru — has died. She was 76.
Somers passed away on Oct. 15, following a 23-year-battle with breast cancer. The news was confirmed in a press statement released to People by the star’s longtime publicist R. Couri Hay, according to Variety.
“Suzanne Somers passed away peacefully at home in the early morning hours of October 15th. She survived an aggressive form of breast cancer for over 23 years,” the release read. “Suzanne was surrounded by her loving husband Alan, her son Bruce, and her immediate family. 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.”
Somers began her career as an actress, gaining stardom from her role in the sitcom “Three’s Company” in the ’70s and “Step By Step” in the ’90s. However, her largest claim to fame was her role as a fitness guru, beginning when she starred in advertisements for the ThighMaster — which she began using as thigh exercise equipment, as opposed to its original upper body exercise origins — in 1991. Since 1992, Somers continued her business empire with her own namesake fashion and jewelry line on the Home Shopping Network, according to Barrons.
In the early 2000’s and 2010’s, Somers grew her range of businesses with cookware, in addition to a line of organic skincare, bodycare and makeup.
Outside of lifestyle products, Somers was also a bestselling author with more than 25 books, which ranged from personal memoirs to health and fitness guides.
Somers is survived by her husband Alan Hamel, son Bruce Hamel, stepsons Stephen and Leslie Hamel, and her six grandchildren.
About the Author:
Aaron Royce is the Digital Editor for Footwear News, where he writes stories on trending news, celebrity style, collaborations and in-depth profile interviews. Prior to joining Footwear News, Aaron wrote and interned for publications including PAPER, Grazia and the Daily Front Row. He currently holds a B.S. in mass communications from Virginia Commonwealth University.