Is Suzanne Somers Still Alive? Actress & Author Life Update

Suzanne Somers was a beloved American actress, author, and wellness advocate whose career spanned decades in television, publishing, and health entrepreneurship. Best known for her role as the bubbly and lovable Chrissy Snow on the hit sitcom Three’s Company, Somers later reinvented herself as a wellness expert and New York Times best-selling author. Over the years, she became a household name through her work in fitness, hormone health, and aging well. However, as of today, many fans still ask: Is Suzanne Somers still alive?

This article provides a clear and respectful answer while exploring Suzanne Somers’ life, health journey, career highlights, personal experiences, and the lasting legacy she left behind.


Is Suzanne Somers Still Alive in 2025?

No, Suzanne Somers is not alive. She passed away on October 15, 2023, at the age of 76.

Somers died peacefully at her home in Palm Springs, California, just one day before her 77th birthday. Her family confirmed her passing, noting that she was surrounded by loved ones and had battled a long-term recurrence of breast cancer. Her death marked the end of a vibrant and influential life in both the entertainment and health industries.


Early Life and Path to Stardom

Suzanne Marie Mahoney was born on October 16, 1946, in San Bruno, California. She grew up in a working-class Irish-American family and overcame a challenging childhood marked by domestic difficulties and personal trauma. After marrying young and having her son Bruce Jr., she later divorced and began to pursue work as a model and actress.

Her first brush with fame came in the early 1970s with small acting roles. One of her earliest notable appearances was a brief but iconic role as the mysterious blonde in the Thunderbird in American Graffiti (1973). From there, her screen presence and charisma led to increasingly prominent roles on television.


Breakthrough Role in Three’s Company

Suzanne Somers shot to stardom in 1977 when she was cast as Chrissy Snow, the ditzy but sweet roommate on the ABC sitcom Three’s Company.

Highlights of Her Time on the Show:

  • Starred alongside John Ritter and Joyce DeWitt
  • The show became a massive hit and cultural phenomenon
  • Somers’ comedic timing and on-screen charm made her a fan favorite

However, in 1980, after four seasons, Somers was famously fired from the show following a salary dispute. She had asked for pay equal to that of her male co-star John Ritter. The network refused, leading to her departure and years-long estrangement from her castmates.

Despite the controversy, her role as Chrissy Snow remains one of the most memorable and beloved characters in television history.


Reinvention and Career Beyond Sitcoms

After leaving Three’s Company, Suzanne Somers faced industry blacklisting but ultimately reinvented herself as a multifaceted entrepreneur and entertainer.

Television and Stage:

  • Starred in She’s the Sheriff (1987–1989)
  • Headlined the sitcom Step by Step (1991–1998), which aired for seven seasons on ABC and later CBS
  • Performed in Las Vegas as a singer and stage entertainer

Author and Wellness Advocate:

  • Wrote over 25 books, including multiple New York Times best-sellers
  • Topics ranged from bioidentical hormones and anti-aging to cancer, weight loss, and nutrition
  • Titles include Ageless, Breakthrough, and Knockout

Her books sparked both praise and controversy for promoting alternative health strategies, particularly around hormone replacement therapy and natural medicine. Still, she built a devoted following among readers seeking holistic health solutions.


The ThighMaster Phenomenon

Suzanne Somers became a household name again in the 1990s through her wildly successful endorsement of the ThighMaster, a compact home exercise device.

Key Facts:

  • Sold over 10 million units
  • Commercials became pop culture staples
  • Positioned Somers as a leading figure in home fitness

She eventually became part-owner of the company and credited much of her financial success to smart business decisions made around this brand.

Her status as a fitness and wellness icon in midlife and beyond made her an enduring figure in conversations about aging and self-care.


Personal Life and Family

Suzanne Somers was married to Alan Hamel, a Canadian television host, for over 45 years. The couple’s long-lasting relationship was often described as passionate, committed, and deeply affectionate.

She had one son, Bruce Somers Jr., from her first marriage. Bruce became a successful entrepreneur and often worked behind the scenes in his mother’s business ventures.

Somers was also a proud grandmother and frequently expressed joy in her close-knit family life. Her deep spirituality, love of nature, and emphasis on gratitude were guiding values in her personal and professional life.


Health Journey and Battle with Cancer

Suzanne Somers was first diagnosed with breast cancer in 2000. She opted for a lumpectomy and radiation, and controversially declined chemotherapy, instead pursuing alternative treatments, including Iscador (mistletoe extract), supplements, and lifestyle changes.

She publicly shared her health choices in interviews and books, igniting debates in the medical community but also receiving support from fans who appreciated her candor and holistic approach.

Over the years, her cancer remained in remission, but it returned in the 2020s. In July 2023, she confirmed that her cancer had recurred and that she was continuing her battle privately, surrounded by her family.

She passed away peacefully in October 2023, with tributes pouring in from fans, celebrities, and wellness communities around the world.


Legacy and Cultural Impact

Suzanne Somers’ influence extends far beyond acting. She is remembered as a trailblazer in multiple industries: television, health, publishing, and women’s wellness.

Her Lasting Contributions:

  • Advocated for women’s health and empowerment
  • Helped change conversations around aging, menopause, and hormone health
  • Built a personal brand rooted in resilience and reinvention
  • Inspired millions with her transparency about illness, beauty, and reinvention

Though sometimes polarizing in her views, she always remained committed to sharing what worked for her and encouraging others to take control of their health.

Her story also remains a powerful example of career reinvention after public rejection—a lesson in perseverance and self-determination.


Tributes and Public Response

After her death, tributes came in from across the entertainment and wellness industries. Former Three’s Company castmates, including Joyce DeWitt, expressed their sadness and reflected on Somers’ legacy with affection and respect.

Fans remembered her as:

  • A TV icon of the 70s and 90s
  • A wellness pioneer
  • A graceful and resilient woman who overcame both personal and professional adversity

She is frequently honored in retrospectives of television history and is remembered for her advocacy of living vibrantly, regardless of age.


Frequently Asked Questions

Is Suzanne Somers still alive in 2025?

No. Suzanne Somers passed away on October 15, 2023, at the age of 76 after a long battle with breast cancer.

What was Suzanne Somers best known for?

She was best known for her role as Chrissy Snow on Three’s Company and as a bestselling author and wellness advocate.

How did Suzanne Somers die?

She died of complications from recurrent breast cancer, surrounded by her family in her Palm Springs home.

Was Suzanne Somers married?

Yes. She was married to Alan Hamel from 1977 until her death in 2023.

Did Suzanne Somers have children?

Yes. She had one son, Bruce Somers Jr., and several grandchildren.

What books did Suzanne Somers write?

Some of her best-known books include Ageless, Knockout, Sexy Forever, and Breakthrough, focusing on natural health, hormone balance, and anti-aging.


Conclusion

So, is Suzanne Somers still alive? No—but her legacy is very much alive. From sitcom stardom to health entrepreneurship, Suzanne Somers embodied reinvention, optimism, and empowerment. She was a cultural icon who refused to be defined by one chapter of her life, instead embracing every phase with purpose and authenticity.

In 2025, her work continues to resonate with fans old and new. Whether through reruns of Three’s Company, her groundbreaking health books, or her messages about thriving at every age, Suzanne Somers remains a source of inspiration, laughter, and strength.

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