Suzanne Somers, a multifaceted personality, was an actress, author, singer, entrepreneur, and businesswoman. With a net worth of $100 million, she left behind a legacy that is remembered and cherished by many. Here’s a closer look into the life and times of this remarkable woman.
How Did Suzanne Somers Begin Her Career?
Born as Suzanne Marie Mahoney in San Bruno, California, Somers faced challenges early in life. With a troubled childhood and a short-lived marriage at 19, she showed immense resilience. Suzanne started gaining attention in 1969 as a prize model on the show Anniversary Game. The platform introduced her to Canadian TV personality Alan Hamel, who later became her spouse. Her early roles in ‘American Graffiti’, ‘The Rockford Files’, and ‘The Six Million Dollar Man’ marked the onset of an illustrious career.
What Made Suzanne Somers a Household Name?
Suzanne’s rise to global stardom began with the sitcom ‘Three’s Company’, where she portrayed the iconic character of Chrissy Snow. Despite controversies surrounding her exit due to salary disputes, her popularity did not wane. Suzanne’s demand for pay equality showcased her spirit and stance against gender disparity in Hollywood. She continued to shine with performances in other shows like ‘She’s the Sheriff’ and ‘Step by Step’.
Why Was Suzanne Somers Controversial in the Healthcare Arena?
Diagnosed with breast cancer in 2000, Suzanne chose alternative medicine over chemotherapy. She opted for mistletoe extract, Iscador, followed by radiation therapy after surgical removal of the tumor. Her views on non-traditional cancer treatments and opposition to water fluoridation often attracted criticism. Despite challenges, Suzanne was a strong advocate for bioidentical hormone replacement therapy and discussed these topics extensively in her self-help books.
What Was Suzanne Somers’ Relationship with Playboy?
Suzanne’s relationship with Playboy was intricate. She first posed for the magazine to pay a medical bill, leading to much controversy. After her exit from ‘Three’s Company’, she posed a second time in 1984, hoping it would rejuvenate her career. Suzanne’s interactions with Playboy highlighted her determination to control her narrative and the images portrayed of her.
How Did Suzanne Somers Achieve Entrepreneurial Success?
Beyond her roles on screen, Suzanne was a formidable entrepreneur. The Thighmaster, a product she endorsed, earned over $100 million in sales, largely due to her promotional efforts. She leveraged her fame, turning it into a lucrative business model, which eventually led to her induction into the Direct Marketing Response Infomercial Hall of Fame in 2014.
Where Did Suzanne Somers Live?
Over the years, Suzanne owned numerous lavish homes in Southern California. One of her significant properties was a sprawling mansion spanning 73 acres in Palm Springs, which she and her husband listed for sale in 2008. By 2021, the property, reduced to 20 acres, sold for $8.5 million.
Suzanne Somers’ journey was one of persistence, innovation, and breaking barriers. From acting to entrepreneurship, she showed that with determination and talent, one could conquer multiple domains. As fans and admirers remember her, Suzanne’s story serves as an inspiration, proving that challenges can be overcome with the right spirit.
