TRIBUTES to Suzanne Somers are pouring in after the Three's Company star died the day before her 77th birthday.
The TV actress died peacefully at her home in Palm Springs following a battle with an "aggressive form of breast cancer" that lasted over 23 years, her publicist confirmed.
The Step by Step star's publicist, R. Couri Hay, said to Page Six: "Suzanne was surrounded by her loving husband Alan, her son Bruce, and her immediate family.”
Friends and fans are taking to social media to pay tribute to the legend, as her Three's Company costar Joyce DeWitt shared a statement saying, in part: "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."
Suzanne's Step by Step costar and close friend Patrick Duffy also paid tribute to the star in a statement obtained by People, saying: "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 statement concluded.
Read our Suzanne Somers blog for the latest updates...
Three's Company costars buried the hatchet 30 years later
Despite their camaraderie on screen, some behind-the-scenes drama took place during season five of Three's Company that left Suzanne Somers and Joyce DeWitt at odds for decades.
Three's Company kicked off in 1977, bringing a never-before-seen sort of comedy show to the American living room.
But in 1981, contract negotiations turned sour, leading the famous castmates to not speak for years.
In 1980, Suzanne asked producers to pay her the same amount as her co-star John Ritter - who played Jack - and other male TV stars at the time.
She requested $150,000 an episode, nearly five times her previous salary of $30,000 an episode, People once reported.
More about Alan Hamel
Alan is a Canadian entertainer, producer, and television host.
He was born in Toronto, Ontario, Canada, in 1936 and attended Ryerson University majoring in Radio and Television Arts.
He began his career appearing on the show, Midnight Zone, but his career didn’t truly take off until he co-hosted the children’s television show, Razzle Dazzle, from 1961- 1964.
Alan then went on to host two game shows, The Wedding Party and The Anniversary Game.
What to know about Alan Hamel
Alan Hamel is a Canadian entertainer, producer, and television host who’s best known for his work on Razzle Dazzle and Anniversary Game.
In the late 1970s, he hosted The Alan Hamel Show, a popular daytime talk show on CTV. People magazine once considered him Canada’s leading TV talk show host.
Hamel and Somers often co-produced projects together after they tied the knot in 1977.
Known for her Thighmaster line
Although Suzanne is best known for her acting work, she became a very successful entrepreneur and businesswoman.
One of her most enduring business ventures was the ThighMaster line of fitness and exercise products.
While speaking of her success with the product, the actress told podcast HollywoodRaw: “I grew up poor. And I live a good life … $19.95 x 10 million, so kind of do the math. We’re probably at 15 million now”
Podcast co-host Dax Holt projected Suzanne’s ThighMaster earnings to be over $250,000.
Suzanne also said of the product’s popularity: “You have to have a passion about whatever you’re selling. It has to be a fit. I can’t sell baseball bats.”
“You have to have a passion about whatever you’re selling. It has to be a fit. I can’t sell baseball bats.”
Suzanne’s family will celebrate her life
According to the Step by Step actress’ publicist, Suzanne’s family was planning to reunite to celebrate her 77th birthday.
“Instead, they will celebrate her extraordinary life, and want to thank her millions of fans and followers who loved her dearly,” he told the outlet.
“A private family burial will take place this week, with a memorial to follow next month.”
Step by Step costar speaks out, part two
Patrick Duffy shared that he'll miss Suzanne Somers and remembered times they've spent together including "the phone calls, the emails, the visits, and the meals and laughter."
He added: "But the dialogue of deep and thoughtful, and silly and frivolous continues.
"My conversations with her now will be held solely through my daily Buddhist practice."
Step by Step costar speaks out
Following Suzanne Somers' death, her Step by Step costar and close friend, Patrick Duffy, has paid tribute to the star in a statement obtained by People.
“As with everyone who knew her, I was stunned yesterday by the news that my dear and deep friend Suzanne had passed,” Duffy shared.
“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.”
Adam Carolla pays tribute
Radio host Adam Carolla took to X, formerly known as Twitter, to remember Suzanne Somers, writing: “Devastated to hear about the passing of Suzanne Somers.
“A true icon and overall amazing human being.
“You will be greatly missed, my friend.”
Suzanne Somers and Joyce DeWitt reunited on talk show
In Joyce's interview on Suzanne Somers Breaking Through, Joyce was asked why she decided to appear on the talk show.
She said: "It’s time. I think that you gave me the opportunity to make sure that I walk my talk for the last 30-odd years.
"Whenever something about Three’s Company comes up, I have relentlessly said that it is my opinion that the only reason Three’s Company is worth remembering is that it created an opportunity for all of us to laugh together, to celebrate joy.
"Even if we hadn’t seen each other in a very long time, you are giving me that opportunity to walk my talk."
Inside Suzanne Somers and Joyce DeWitt’s feud, part two
However, the two later reunited during Suzanne's talk show, Suzanne Somers Breaking Through.
While introducing Joyce, Suzanne said: "It’s been over 30 years since Joyce and I have seen each other, so I have to admit I’m a little nervous."
During their conversation, the two discussed the money disagreement: "In a group of serious actors, I probably pissed you all off. If I did, I’m really sorry. I just really needed money at the time."
Inside Suzanne Somers and Joyce DeWitt's feud
Suzanne Somers and Joyce DeWitt acted together on Three's Company for four seasons beginning in 1977.
However, in 1980, Suzanne was fired from the American sitcom after her request for the same paycheck as her co-star, John Ritter was denied.
Suzanne asked that she receive $150,000 per episode instead of $30,000.
Suzanne revealed ABC's reaction: "The show’s response was, 'Who do you think you are?' They said, ‘John Ritter is the star.'"
When the firing occurred, it ended the friendship between Suzanne and Joyce.
Alan Hamel's poem to Suzanne, continued
Alan wrote: “THE CLOSEST VERSION IN WORDS ISN’T EVEN CLOSE. IT’S NOT EVEN A FRACTION OF A FRACTION OF A FRACTION. UNCONDITIONAL LOVE DOES NOT DO IT.
"I’LL TAKE A BULLET FOR YOU DOESN’T DO IT. I WEEP WHEN I THINK ABOUT MY FEELINGS FOR YOU. FEELINGS… THAT’S GETTING CLOSE, BUT NOT ALL THE WAY.”
The poem concluded: “I’M BACK TO FEELINGS. THERE ARE NO WORDS. THERE ARE NO ACTIONS. NO PROMISES. NO DECLARATIONS.
"EVEN THE GREEN SHADED SCHOLARS OF THE OXFORD UNIVERSITY PRESS HAVE SPENT 150 YEARS AND STILL HAVE FAILED TO COME UP WITH THAT ONE WORD. SO I WILL CALL IT, ‘US’, UNIQUELY, MAGICALLY, INDESCRIBABLY WONDERFUL ‘US.’”
Alan Hamel's final poem to Suzanne
Suzanne's husband Alan Hamel wrote a poem for Suzanne and read it to her the night before she died.
People obtained a copy of the poem, which began: “LOVE I USE IT EVERY DAY, SOMETIMES SEVERAL TIMES A DAY. I USE IT AT THE END OF EMAILS TO MY LOVING FAMILY. I EVEN USE IT IN EMAILS TO CLOSE FRIENDS. I USE IT WHEN I’M LEAVING THE HOUSE.”
After describing what love means, Alan wrote: “I COULD GO ON AD INFINITUM, BUT YOU GET IT. WHAT BRAND OF LOVE DO I FEEL FOR MY WIFE SUZANNE? CAN I FIND IT IN ANY OF THE ABOVE?
"A RESOUNDING NO!!!! THERE IS NO VERSION OF THE WORD THAT IS APPLICABLE TO SUZANNE AND I EVEN USE THE WORD APPLICABLE ADVISEDLY.”
Barry Manilow pays tribute
Singer Barry Manilow paid tribute to Suzanne Somers, saying that she was, "the sister I never had and my close confidant forever."
He added in an interview with People: "We shared triumphs and heartaches. Her fame in so many fields overshadowed her real talent as one of our greatest comedic actors, a loving mother, an amazing homemaker, and one of the world’s best cooks.
"I will miss her dearly and hope that she is now out of pain and at peace.”
The two had been friends for over 40 years and were neighbors in Palm Springs.
Suzanne teased 'exciting things' were happening
In one of her final posts on Instagram, Suzanne wrote: "Good morning!!! It’s October which means, it’s my birthday month!!" she shared excitedly. "So many exciting things happening."
In the comments section, fans shared their sympathy.
"I'm so sorry to hear of the loss of the beautiful (Suzanne) - I loved her when I was a kid, and loved watching her videos here on IG as an adult," one person reminisced. "Her beautiful smile and laughter will be missed."
Another added: "I’m so sorry to hear about Suzanne. She was an icon."
Suzanne on DWTS
Suzanne Somers was featured on season 20 of Dancing With The Stars.
She was paired with pro Tony Dovalni and was eliminated on Disney Night.
Suzanne said in an interview with the Hollywood Reporter at the time: "Every so often, I love facing a challenge that scares me, and Dancing With The Stars is my present challenge."
Joyce DeWitt speaks out
Joyce DeWitt, Suzanne Somers' costar on her breakout show, Three's Company, has spoken out after her death.
She said in a statement to People: "My heart goes out to Suzanne’s family."
"They are a very close family — deeply connected and caring one to the other. I can only imagine how difficult this time is for all of them."
"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."
Suzanne's fight with breast cancer
Suzanne was first diagnosed with breast cancer over 20 years ago.
Due to her diagnosis, she began promoting organic skin care, cleaning goods, and hormones.
Her daughter-in-law Caroline Somers confirmed her cause of death was breast cancer.
Suzanne Somers' early life
Suzanne was born Suzanne Marie Mahoney on October 16, 1946, in San Bruno, California.
She grew up in a working-class household and attended public high school after being kicked out of a Catholic school for writing love letters, per The New York Times.
Suzanne attended Lone Mountain College before dropping out in 1965 after discovering that she was pregnant.
She quickly married the baby's father, Bruce Somers.
Suzanne was ahead of her time
Suzanne Somers spoke up for equal pay long before it was popular.
While starring in Three's Company, she demanded to be paid equally to her costar, John Ritter.
The dispute caused her to lose her job after the show's fifth season.
She told The New York Times in 1982: “I’ve been playing what I think is one of the best dumb blondes that’s ever been done, but I never got any credit."
"I did it so well that everyone thought I really was a dumb blonde."
Celebrating Suzanne on GMA
Good Morning America celebrated the life of Suzanne Somers this morning.
"I'm really excited to see where my life is going to take me," she told GMA back in the 1970s.
She also opened up on a more recent episode of GMA about fighting for equal pay on the set of Three's Company.
GMA also gave her credit for her work in the health and fashion industries.
Suzanne passed in Palm Springs
A source shared with Page Six that Suzanne Somers passed away next to her husband, Alan, at their home in Palm Springs, California.
“She died in her new ‘all green home’ in Palm Springs, in her sleep with her loving husband by her side,” they said.
Suzanne Somers shared final picture in July
Suzanne took to her Instagram to address her fight in an incredibly brave post when her cancer came back.
Suzanne had captioned it: “Since I have been taking time off from work, many of you have asked for more details about my health.
“As you know, I had breast cancer two decades ago, and every now and then it pops up again, and I continue to bat it down.
“I have used the best alternative and conventional treatments to combat it.
“This is not new territory for me. I know how to put on my battle gear and I’m a fighter.”
Suzanne fought skin and breast cancer
In late July, Suzanne’s husband of 46 years, Alan, told Page Six that the TV icon’s breast cancer had returned.
Suzanne was diagnosed with skin cancer when she was in her 30s, and then found herself fighting breast cancer in her 50s.
Suzanne is survived by her stepchildren
In addition to her son, Bruce Jr., Suzanne is the stepmother of Stephen and Leslie Hamel.
Stephen and Leslie are Alan Hamel’s children. Suzanne and Alan tied the knot in 1977.
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