Suzanne Somers, beloved star of Three’s Company, is being mourned in the entertainment industry. Despite facing a dark childhood, she went on to have a long and prosperous career. Her role as “the dumbest blonde in America intellectually” on Three’s Company has cemented her place in television history. However, not everything was perfect behind the scenes. Somers and her co-star Joyce DeWitt developed a long-standing feud. Before she passed away, DeWitt revealed what actually happened between them. Let’s take a closer look into the life of Suzanne Somers.
A Difficult Childhood
Suzanne Somers was born on October 16, 1946, in San Bruno, California. She grew up in a troubled household with an alcoholic father who verbally abused her. Somers shared in an interview that her father called her “stupid” and “worthless.” Growing up with an alcoholic parent was not easy, but she learned to use the negative experiences to empower herself.
Overcoming Challenges
Despite her difficult upbringing, Somers didn’t let it define her. She found a way to forgive her father and stand up for herself. Her Catholic school expelled her after she wrote explicit love letters, but she continued her education elsewhere. She showed promise as a performer and caught the attention of Walter Winchell, a famous gossip columnist, who saw her potential.
A Life-Changing Moment
Somers’ breakthrough came when she landed a small part in George Lucas’ film American Graffiti. Her single line, “I love you,” caught everyone’s attention. From there, she began making appearances on The Tonight Show and gained popularity as the “Mysterious Blonde in the Thunderbird.” This caught the eye of a TV executive who offered her a role on the upcoming show Three’s Company.
The Success of Three’s Company
On Three’s Company, Somers played the beloved character Chrissy Snow. She brought a lovable and moral dimension to the “dumb blonde” stereotype. However, tensions arose when Somers demanded equal pay for her work. The producers refused, and she was ultimately let go from the show. Despite the setback, Somers stood her ground and fought for what she believed in.
A Troubled Relationship
The fight for equal pay strained the relationship between Somers and her co-star Joyce DeWitt. They had different approaches to their careers, which led to misunderstandings and resentment. For over 30 years, they did not communicate. However, in 2012, they reconciled on Somers’ talk show Breaking Through. They expressed their different viewpoints and thanked each other for their contributions to the show.
A Life Remembered
Suzanne Somers paved the way for herself as a successful writer, businesswoman, and advocate for women’s rights. She faced challenges throughout her career but never lost her resilience. On October 15th, Suzanne Somers passed away peacefully at home after a 23-year battle with breast cancer. Her family and millions of fans will remember her extraordinary life.
Rest in peace, Suzanne Somers. Your legacy will live on.
