Suzanne Somers, an iconic American actress, author, and entrepreneur, became a household name in the 1970s through her role as the bubbly blonde, Chrissy Snow, on the popular sitcom Three’s Company. While her acting career launched her into stardom, Somers’ impact on American culture extends far beyond her time in front of the camera. Over the years, she has evolved into a health advocate, author, and businesswoman, influencing millions with her views on wellness, aging, and entrepreneurship.
Early Life and Career Beginnings
Born Suzanne Marie Mahoney on October 16, 1946, in San Bruno, California, Somers’ early life was marked by challenges. She grew up in a modest household, with an alcoholic father and a troubled family dynamic. Despite these difficulties, Somers was determined to make something of herself. Her beauty and talent were evident early on, and she pursued a career in modeling and acting.
Somers’ early career was filled with minor roles in films and television shows. However, it was not until she landed the role of Chrissy Snow on Three’s Company in 1977 that her career truly took off. The show, which centered around the comedic misadventures of three roommates, quickly became a hit, and Somers’ portrayal of the naive but lovable Chrissy made her a fan favorite.
The Three’s Company Controversy
Despite the show’s success, Somers’ time on Three’s Company was not without controversy. By the end of the fifth season, Somers was at the peak of her popularity, but she felt underpaid compared to her male co-star, John Ritter. In 1980, she demanded a significant salary increase, seeking parity with Ritter’s earnings. The producers refused, leading to a highly publicized contract dispute. As a result, Somers was written off the show, a move that could have ended her career.
However, Somers’ departure from Three’s Company marked the beginning of a new chapter in her life. Rather than allowing the setback to define her, she used it as a springboard to explore new opportunities and reinvent herself in ways that would leave a lasting impact.
Health and Wellness Advocacy
After leaving Three’s Company, Somers turned her focus to health and wellness, a field in which she would eventually become a significant voice. Her interest in health was spurred by personal challenges, including a battle with breast cancer in 2000. Rather than following conventional treatments, Somers opted for alternative therapies, including a regimen of supplements, a low-carbohydrate diet, and hormone replacement therapy.
Her approach to health, particularly her use of bioidentical hormone replacement therapy, became a cornerstone of her advocacy. Somers authored several best-selling books on health, aging, and wellness, including The Sexy Years, Ageless, and Breakthrough. In these books, she promoted a holistic approach to health, emphasizing the importance of diet, exercise, and hormone balance in maintaining vitality and youthfulness.
Somers’ views on health have been both celebrated and criticized. While many women found her advice empowering and life-changing, some medical professionals questioned the safety and efficacy of the therapies she endorsed. Despite the controversy, Somers remained steadfast in her beliefs, continuing to promote her message of health and wellness through her books, television appearances, and online platforms.
Entrepreneurship and Business Ventures
In addition to her work as a health advocate, Somers has been a successful entrepreneur. She turned her personal experiences and passions into a thriving business empire. One of her most notable ventures was the ThighMaster, an exercise device that became a pop culture phenomenon in the 1990s. The ThighMaster’s success demonstrated Somers’ ability to leverage her celebrity status into a lucrative business.
Somers also developed a line of skincare and beauty products, which she promoted as part of her holistic approach to aging and wellness. Her business ventures extended to the online world, where she launched SuzanneSomers.com, a platform where she shared health advice, sold products, and connected with her audience.
Through her entrepreneurial efforts, Somers demonstrated the power of personal branding and the potential for celebrities to create successful businesses beyond their careers in entertainment. Her ability to pivot from acting to business was a testament to her resilience and adaptability.
Personal Life and Relationships
Somers’ personal life has been as public as her professional endeavors. She has been married to Alan Hamel, a television host and producer, since 1977. Their marriage has been one of the longest-lasting relationships in Hollywood, a rarity in an industry known for its short-lived romances. Somers often credited Hamel as her partner in both life and business, acknowledging his support and influence on her career.
Somers also had a son, Bruce, from her first marriage, and she has been open about the challenges she faced as a young, single mother. Her experiences as a mother and wife have shaped her views on life, love, and success, and she often shared insights from her personal life in her books and public appearances.
Aging Gracefully
As Suzanne Somers aged, she continued to be a voice for women navigating the challenges of growing older. Her advocacy for bioidentical hormone replacement therapy and other anti-aging strategies resonated with many women who sought to maintain their health and vitality as they aged.
Somers’ message was clear: aging does not have to mean decline. Instead, she encouraged women to embrace the aging process with confidence and to take control of their health through diet, exercise, and hormonal balance. Her book Ageless became a manifesto for women looking to redefine aging on their terms.
Somers also continued to act, taking on roles that allowed her to explore new dimensions of her talent. She appeared on television shows such as Step by Step and Dancing with the Stars, where she showcased her enduring charisma and energy.
Controversies and Criticisms
Throughout her career, Somers has not been without controversy. Her promotion of alternative therapies, particularly her stance on hormone replacement therapy, has been met with skepticism from some in the medical community. Critics have accused her of promoting unproven and potentially dangerous treatments, while others have questioned her qualifications to dispense medical advice.
Despite the criticisms, Somers has remained unapologetic in her views. She has argued that conventional medicine often fails to address the root causes of health issues and that alternative therapies offer a more holistic approach. Her willingness to challenge the status quo has endeared her to many but has also made her a polarizing figure.
In addition to the controversies surrounding her health advocacy, Somers’ career has been marked by occasional missteps. For example, in 2009, she faced backlash for comments she made suggesting that chemotherapy does more harm than good. The comments were widely criticized by medical professionals, and Somers later clarified her stance, stating that she supports patients making informed decisions about their treatment options.
Legacy and Impact
Despite the controversies, Suzanne Somers’ legacy is one of resilience, reinvention, and empowerment. She has inspired millions of women to take control of their health, embrace aging, and pursue their passions with determination. Her journey from a sitcom star to a health advocate and entrepreneur is a testament to her ability to adapt and thrive in the face of adversity.
Somers’ impact on American culture extends beyond her roles on television. She has been a trailblazer in the health and wellness industry, advocating for alternative approaches to aging and challenging conventional wisdom. Her books, products, and public appearances have touched the lives of countless individuals, many of whom credit her with helping them improve their health and well-being.
As she continues to age gracefully, Somers remains a symbol of vitality and resilience. Her life story serves as an inspiration to those who face challenges and setbacks, reminding them that it is possible to reinvent oneself and achieve success at any stage of life.
Conclusion
Suzanne Somers’ journey from Chrissy Snow to health advocate and entrepreneur is a remarkable tale of reinvention and perseverance. Her influence on American culture is undeniable, and her legacy will continue to inspire future generations. Whether through her acting, her advocacy for alternative health, or her entrepreneurial ventures, Somers has left an indelible mark on the world, proving that true success is about more than fame—it’s about making a lasting impact.