Suzanne Somers

Suzanne Somers 1977

Suzanne Somers aboard USS Ranger (CV-61), 1981

Suzanne Somers USO 2

Suzanne Somers in Ina Soltani (2)

Suzanne Somers (handprints in cement)

Suzanne Somers 3 way poncho at Walgreens in downtown Palo Alto, CA

Suzanne Somers is an American actress, author, singer, businesswoman, and health spokesperson. She was born on October 16, 1946, in San Bruno, California. Somers is best known for her television roles as Chrissy Snow on Three's Company and as Carol Foster Lambert on Step by Step. Beyond her acting career, she has become a prominent author of self-help books, particularly in the fields of health, diet, and alternative medicine.

Early Life

Suzanne Somers was born Suzanne Marie Mahoney in San Bruno, California. She faced a challenging childhood marked by her father's alcoholism. Despite these early struggles, she excelled in the arts and was a popular student. After a brief marriage at the age of 19, she began pursuing a career in acting and modeling.

Career

Television

Suzanne Somers' breakthrough came in 1977 when she was cast as Chrissy Snow, a ditzy secretary, on the ABC sitcom Three's Company. The show was a huge success and made her a household name. However, her tenure on the show ended in 1981 due to a contract dispute. She then made several appearances in made-for-TV movies and guest spots on other shows before returning to prominence with another sitcom, Step by Step, which aired from 1991 to 1998.

Author

Somers has written numerous books, many of which focus on health and wellness topics, including diet, fitness, and hormone therapy. Her book, The Sexy Years, discusses the benefits of bioidentical hormone replacement therapy, a topic on which she has become a vocal advocate.

Entrepreneur

In addition to her acting and writing, Somers has launched a successful business career. She has developed and marketed a line of fitness equipment, beauty products, and jewelry. Her brand emphasizes natural and environmentally friendly products.

Personal Life

Suzanne Somers has been married to Alan Hamel since 1977. She has one child from her first marriage and two stepchildren from her marriage to Hamel. Somers has been open about her struggles with breast cancer, which she was diagnosed with in 2000. She opted for alternative treatments, which has been a controversial but integral part of her advocacy for alternative medicine.

Legacy

Suzanne Somers has left an indelible mark on both the entertainment industry and the world of health and wellness. Her advocacy for alternative health practices, while sometimes controversial, has sparked discussions about women's health issues, particularly around menopause and aging. Her career in television has spanned decades, and she remains a beloved figure for her roles in Three's Company and Step by Step.