Suzanne Somers, whose standout role as Chrissy Snow on Three’s Company led to a long career including She’s the Sheriff and a long run on Step by Step, has passed away from breast cancer. She was 76 years old and only a day away from hitting 77.
“She survived an aggressive form of breast cancer for over 23 years. Suzanne was surrounded by her loving husband Alan, her son Bruce, and her immediate family,” her publicist said in a statement. “Her family was gathered to celebrate her 77th birthday on Oct. 16th. Instead, they will celebrate her extraordinary life, and want to thank her millions of fans and followers who loved her dearly.”
Somers’ departure from Three’s Company was a controversial one, as she lobbied to make as much money as her male co-star, John Ritter, and the producers of the show refused. What ultimately happened that TV season resulted in Suzanne’s character Chrissy literally “phoning it in” and she had no contact with her other co-stars. She did reconcile with John Ritter before his passing in 2003; she also later reconnected with Joyce DeWitt on Somers’ own talk show about a decade ago.
Despite possible career setbacks after leaving Three’s Company, Somers was still a true talent who was soon hired for other series. First, there was the syndicated She’s the Sheriff, and then she played the mother, Carol Foster-Lambert, on Step By Step for the entirety of its run on ABC and CBS, with Patrick Duffy playing her husband.
Somers is the sixth major star from Three’s Company to pass away, following Norman Fell (Mr. Roper), Audra Lindley (Mrs. Roper), Don Knotts (Mr. Furley), Ann Wedgeworth (Lana), and of course, John Ritter who played Jack Tripper. Her work will be enjoyed for many years to come, and our condolences go out to her friends and family.
