Suzanne Somers | Biography

• By Stone Palmer
• Original : February 04, 2025

Who is Suzanne Somers?

Suzanne Somers is an iconic American actress, author, and businesswoman best known for her role as Chrissy Snow on the hit sitcom "Three’s Company," which aired from 1977 to 1984. Born on October 16, 1946, in San Bruno, California, Somers rose to fame while portraying the bubbly and naïve blonde. Her successful stint on the show helped pave the way for a flourishing career in entertainment, where she became a popular talk show host and a successful entrepreneur, especially in health and beauty. After leaving "Three’s Company," she capitalized on her fame through various business ventures, including a Las Vegas act and a long-standing line of health products.

Throughout her life and career, Somers has often spoken about the business aspects of being an actress, which were highlighted during her contentious contract negotiations during the fifth season of "Three's Company." In 1980, she became embroiled in conflict with the show's producers when she requested equal pay with her male co-stars, which resulted in her dismissal from the series. However, she credits her experience on the show as a significant driver in her career. Over the years, she has authored several books and has maintained a strong public presence, making her a respected figure in both the entertainment industry and the world of wellness.

Early Life and Education

Suzanne Somers was born on October 16, 1946, in San Bruno, California, to Frank and Marion Somers. Growing up in a working-class family, she faced various challenges during her childhood. Her father worked as a laborer, and her mother was a homemaker. Despite these circumstances, Somers developed a passion for performing arts at a young age. She participated in school plays and community theater, showcasing her talent and determination to succeed in life. This early exposure to acting set the stage for her future career in entertainment.

After graduating from high school, Somers pursued further education at San Francisco State University, majoring in psychology before transitioning to a career in modeling and acting. During her college years, she honed her skills and gained confidence in front of the camera. She later moved to Los Angeles, where she continued to seek acting opportunities. Her perseverance paid off in the early 1970s when she landed a role in the television series "The Rockford Files," which marked the beginning of her ascent in Hollywood. These formative experiences laid the foundation for Somers' successful career, ultimately leading her to iconic roles, most notably as Chrissy Snow on "Three’s Company."

Career Breakthrough with Three's Company

Suzanne Somers rose to prominence in the late 1970s when she was cast as Chrissy Snow in the groundbreaking sitcom "Three’s Company". Premiering in 1977, the show quickly became a cultural phenomenon, renowned for its comedic portrayal of social conventions. Somers’s character, a bubbly, naive blonde, resonated with audiences and played a key role in the show’s success. Despite being a prominent face of the show, her tenure would be marred by contract disputes, leading to her firing during the fifth season, which highlighted broader issues of gender pay disparity in Hollywood.

After her departure from "Three's Company", Somers leveraged her fame to build a multifaceted career that included roles in Las Vegas shows, television hosting, and entrepreneurship in the health and beauty industry. She authored several books, focusing on health and wellness, reflecting her personal journey and experiences in the entertainment industry. Somers’s ability to transform a challenging situation into a thriving career exemplified her resilience and business acumen, showcasing her evolution as not just an actress but a savvy entrepreneur committed to empowering women through her work and message.

Behind the Scenes Drama and Resilience

Suzanne Somers rose to prominence as Chrissy Snow on the groundbreaking sitcom "Three’s Company", which aired from 1977 to 1984. Her portrayal of the bubbly, naive character made her a household name. However, the success of the show was marred by behind-the-scenes drama, particularly during Season 5, when Somers faced contract disputes with producers. Seeking equal pay with her male co-stars, she requested a significant raise to $150,000 per episode. Instead of a negotiated agreement, producers opted to dismiss her, leading to one of television's most notable behind-the-scenes conflicts.

Following her departure, Somers’s experience on "Three’s Company" highlighted the challenges women faced in the entertainment industry. During her remaining time on the show, she was isolated from her co-stars, forced to shoot her scenes separately. This professional fallout not only affected her career trajectory but also impacted her relationship with co-star Joyce DeWitt, with whom she wouldn’t speak for over three decades. Despite these obstacles, Somers adeptly transformed her early fame into a multifaceted career as a successful Las Vegas performer, talk show host, author, and health and beauty entrepreneur, showcasing her resilience and tenacity in the face of adversity.

In a heartwarming turn of events, Somers and DeWitt finally reunited in 2012, expressing mutual respect and understanding of their diverse paths. DeWitt acknowledged that Somers's ambition and business-minded approach were necessary for paving the way for women in the industry. This reunion not only allowed them to reflect on their experiences during "Three’s Company", but also to celebrate their careers and the joy they brought to audiences worldwide. The evolution of their relationship serves as a powerful reminder of the challenges women face in Hollywood and the importance of camaraderie and forgiveness.

Later Career Ventures and Accomplishments

Following her breakout role as Chrissy Snow on "Three’s Company," Suzanne Somers transformed her television fame into a multifaceted career. Leveraging her personality and brand recognition, she became a popular Las Vegas performer, showcasing her singing and acting talents in various shows. Somers eventually branched into a successful career as a talk show host, where she interviewed various celebrities and discussed topics that resonated with her audience. Her engaging presence and charisma made her a familiar face on television long after her initial success on the sitcom.

In addition to her television pursuits, Somers became a prolific author and health and beauty entrepreneur. She authored numerous best-selling books that focused on health, wellness, and self-improvement, which have garnered a dedicated readership. Her entrepreneurial spirit led her to develop a line of health and beauty products, emphasizing natural remedies and holistic approaches. Somers’ commitment to healthy living and personal empowerment resonated with many, allowing her to establish a lasting legacy beyond her initial fame in the entertainment industry.

Personal Life: Married Life | Husband Alan Hamel | Children

Suzanne Somers is not only recognized for her iconic role as Chrissy Snow in the beloved sitcom "Three’s Company," but also for her vibrant personal life. She married Alan Hamel, her second husband, in 1977. Hamel, a former television producer and a popular figure in entertainment, has been a significant supportive force in Somers' career. Their relationship is marked by mutual respect and shared aspirations, as they have worked together on various projects, including health and wellness endeavors. Somers has often expressed gratitude for Hamel’s unwavering support, particularly during her challenging contract negotiations during "Three's Company."

Together, Suzanne Somers and Alan Hamel have a blended family that includes Somers' two children from her first marriage: Bruce and Leslie. Bruce, born in 1965, has pursued a career in the entertainment industry while maintaining a low profile, and Leslie, born in 1968, has built a successful career in the business world. Somers has emphasized the importance of family in her life, and she often shares insights about parenting and family dynamics, reflecting her deep-rooted values. This focus on her personal life not only highlights her journey as an actress but also as a dedicated mother and wife, grounding her celebrity status in relatable family experiences.

Net Worth and Earning: Earning and Salary from Various Projects

Suzanne Somers, an iconic figure in television, gained fame through her role as Chrissy Snow on the hit sitcom "Three’s Company," which significantly contributed to her initial financial success. Her popularity on the show paved the way for substantial earnings, particularly when she sought to negotiate a salary of $150,000 per episode during the show's peak. Although her departure from the series was marred by controversy, it marked a pivotal moment in her career, showcasing her desire to be compensated fairly, paralleling the earnings of her male co-stars.

Following her stint on "Three’s Company," Somers skillfully parlayed her fame into various ventures. She became a celebrated talk show host, author, and entrepreneur, focusing on health and beauty products that resonated with a broad audience. Her Las Vegas performances further added to her income, alongside several successful books that have sold millions of copies. As of 2023, Suzanne Somers’ net worth is estimated to be around $100 million, a testament to her resilience and ability to reinvent herself in an ever-evolving entertainment landscape.