In 1973, George Lucas released American Graffiti, a nostalgic film that captured the spirit of teenage life in the early 1960s, filled with fast cars, drive-in diners, and rock ‘n’ roll. One fleeting yet unforgettable moment in the film featured a mysterious blonde woman in a white Thunderbird who silently mouthed “I love you” to a mesmerized Richard Dreyfuss. That woman was Suzanne Somers — and that brief scene was the beginning of her rise to fame.
A Magnetic Debut
At the time, Suzanne Somers was relatively unknown. She wasn’t cast for a speaking part or a major role — in fact, she was hired mostly because she could drive a car and had the perfect look for the part. But that single moment of cinematic charm was enough to capture attention. It led to an invitation to appear on The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson, and suddenly, Suzanne Somers was on the radar of major TV executives.
Her presence caught the eye of ABC executives, and soon after, she landed the role that would make her a household name: Chrissy Snow on the hit sitcom Three’s Company.
Breakout as Chrissy Snow
Three’s Company, which debuted in 1977, was an immediate hit. Somers played Chrissy Snow, a bubbly, naive blonde who became one of the most beloved characters on television. She delivered comedic lines with perfect timing and brought warmth to what could have easily been a one-dimensional role. Her chemistry with co-stars John Ritter and Joyce DeWitt lit up the screen, and Chrissy became a cultural icon of the late ’70s.
Somers quickly became one of the most recognizable faces on television, receiving critical acclaim, a Golden Globe nomination, and countless fan letters. She was at the top of her game — but behind the scenes, trouble was brewing.
A Stand for Equal Pay
In 1980, at the height of her popularity, Suzanne Somers took a bold stand. She demanded a salary increase — equal pay to her male co-star John Ritter, who was earning significantly more than she was at the time. Her request wasn’t well received by the network. Instead of negotiating, the producers reduced her role, and after a brief period of appearing in short, disconnected scenes, she was eventually fired from the show.
Her decision to advocate for equal pay came at a high cost. She was blacklisted from television for several years, and many in the industry labeled her “difficult.” But Somers never regretted her choice. She would later say that standing up for herself in that moment helped define her future.
Reinvention and Business Success
Rather than retreat from the spotlight, Suzanne Somers reinvented herself. She began performing in Las Vegas, where she was named Female Entertainer of the Year. She went on to star in other TV shows, including the family sitcom Step by Step, which ran for seven seasons and introduced her to a new generation of fans.
But perhaps her most impressive accomplishment was her transformation into a successful entrepreneur. In the 1990s, she became the face of the ThighMaster, a piece of home workout equipment that sold millions of units. Alongside her husband, Alan Hamel, she built a wellness empire — writing over 25 books on health, fitness, and aging, many of which became bestsellers.
Her views on health and alternative medicine were sometimes controversial, particularly her outspoken advocacy of hormone therapy and natural treatments. Still, she gained a loyal following of readers and customers who appreciated her candor and authenticity.
Courage in the Face of Illness
In 2000, Suzanne Somers was diagnosed with breast cancer. She chose to treat the disease with a combination of traditional and alternative methods, including a lumpectomy and lifestyle changes. Her battle with cancer became a central theme in her later life, and she continued to speak openly about it in interviews, books, and on television.
Despite facing recurring health challenges, she remained optimistic and energetic, continuing to work, write, and inspire others. Her strength and resilience endeared her to fans and positioned her as a symbol of aging with grace and courage.
A Final Goodbye
Suzanne Somers passed away on October 15, 2023, just one day before her 77th birthday. She died peacefully at home, surrounded by her husband and family. Her passing marked the end of an era, but her legacy lives on through her television work, her business success, and the lives she touched with her advocacy and honesty.
From a brief appearance in a white Thunderbird in American Graffiti to becoming one of television’s most beloved stars, Suzanne Somers embodied resilience, reinvention, and strength. She proved that setbacks can lead to new beginnings and that staying true to oneself is always the right choice.
Her journey reminds us that sometimes, a single moment — even just mouthing “I love you” from behind the wheel of a car — can spark a lifetime of impact.