Dead at 76: Suzanne Somers, Star of “Three’s Company” and “Step by Step”

The actress Suzanne Somers, who was featured in such shows as Three’s Company and Step by Step, has passed away.

PEOPLE confirms Suzanne Somers passed away early Sunday. On Monday, she would have been 77 years old.

Suzanne Somers

The death of Suzanne Somers occurred at home in the wee hours of October 15th. She battled an aggressive form of breast cancer for almost 23 years,” Somers’ longtime publicist R. Couri Hay said in a statement released on behalf of the actress’s family.

“Suzanne was surrounded by her loving husband Alan, her son Bruce, and her immediate family,” the statement went on to say. On October 16th, her 77th birthday, her loved ones gathered to honor her. Instead, they plan to honor her exceptional life and express gratitude to her countless devoted fans.

Hay told PEOPLE in a separate statement that the “beautiful house” where Suzanne Somers spent her last moments was “one of her dreams.”

Her spokesperson said she was “very engaged right to the end,” adding, “There were all these plans and she was always working and dreaming and had brought her family into the business, and the grandchildren and step-children were all part of the business.”

A private family burial is scheduled for this week, and Hay said a memorial service will be performed in the fall.
Suzanne Somers told PEOPLE before her birthday that she planned to celebrate with family and friends.

The actress and entrepreneur said she would be spending her birthday with her “nearest and dearest,” which included her “beloved husband Alan [Hamel], our three children, Leslie, Stephen, and Bruce, [his wife] Caroline, plus our six wonderful grandchildren.”

Hamel, who married Suzanne Somers in 1977, spoke highly of her tenacity in the same interview.

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“Suzanne and I just returned home from the Midwest where Suzanne had six weeks of intensive physical therapy,” the former TV anchor said to PEOPLE. Suzanne’s incredible resolve and loyalty continue to astound me, even after all these years.
After being diagnosed with breast cancer in 2000, Somers revealed the disease had returned in a July Instagram post.

She captioned a photo of herself with Hamel, 87, with, “As you know, I had breast cancer two decades ago, and every once in a while it pops up again, and I continue to bat it down.” To address it, I have employed both conventional and alternative medicine. For me, this is hardly uncharted territory. I’m a fighter who knows how to suit up.
The actress thanked Hamel and her entire family for their unwavering support in the same tweet.

She continued, “Alan has been there for me every single day.” How much he has helped me is beyond words. To the extent it is conceivable, our relationship is stronger than ever. My beautiful relatives have been quite helpful in maintaining the company’s operations, ensuring that you continue to have access to all of the excellent goods. We appreciate your unwavering devotion and backing. Who you love and who loves you is all that matters, and I love you.
She played Sheriff Hildy Granger on She’s the Sheriff (1987–1989) in addition to her famous performances as Chrissy Snow on Three’s Company (1977–1981) and Carol Foster Lambert on Step by Step (1991–1998).

The actress was also well-known for her health and beauty business initiatives, including the ThighMaster exercise equipment, and her many books (she wrote more than 25).

Including Hamel, her 57-year-old son Bruce, her stepchildren Stephen and Leslie, and her six grandchildren, Somers’ “blended family” continues to live on.