Suzanne Somers Triumphs Over Breast Cancer - A Remarkable Journey at 76
Suzanne Somers, beloved actress and advocate, passed away on October 15, leaving behind a remarkable legacy She will be remembered for her strength, talent, and enduring spirit
Suzanne Somers, aged 76, passed away peacefully at home on October 15th. Despite battling an aggressive form of breast cancer for over 23 years, she left a lasting legacy. The actress was surrounded by her loving husband Alan, her son Bruce, and her immediate family during her final moments.
Hay further commented that Somers' family plans to commemorate her remarkable life on what would have been her 77th birthday, Monday, October 16. The statement concluded by expressing gratitude to her millions of devoted fans and followers who cherished her deeply. A private family burial will be conducted later this week, with a memorial service scheduled for next month.
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Somers' husband, Alan Hamel, revealed earlier this year that her cancer had returned. Hamel, 87, shared with Page Six in July that Suzanne has been battling cancer for her entire life. He mentioned that she had experienced two hyperplasia incidents in her 20s, which he likened to a precursor or warning sign of cancer.
Hamel stated, "At present, our priority is to prioritize her health over work, so we have decided to temporarily set work aside."
Somers faced her initial bout with skin cancer in her thirties, and later confronted breast cancer starting from 2000. During that period, she made the decision to reject chemotherapy and instead underwent a lumpectomy and radiation treatment.
In October 2018, Somers revealed to Us that she has adopted a new standard of care. Instead of relying on chemical treatments, she has made significant changes to her diet, choosing to eat only real, organic food. She favors ingredients that can be picked, plucked, milked, or shot. Her diet includes organic buttercream, sour cream, and cream cheese -- all free from hormones. In addition to her dietary changes, Somers emphasizes the importance of getting eight hours of sleep each night and avoiding pharmaceutical drugs. She confidently asserts that she is leading an optimal life and has no concerns about cancer.
After playing minor roles in both film and television, Somers gained widespread recognition when she secured the leading role in the popular 1977 sitcom Three's Company. In the show, she portrayed Chrissy Snow, the roommate of Janet Wood (Joyce DeWitt) and Jack Tripper (John Ritter). Subsequently, Somers continued to achieve leading roles in other successful sitcoms such as She's the Sheriff and Step by Step.
In her personal life, Somers tied the knot with her first husband Bruce Somers in 1965. Later that year, they welcomed their son, Bruce Jr. However, their marriage ended in divorce in 1968. Subsequently, Suzanne found love again with Hamel and they exchanged vows in 1977.
When asked about the secret to their successful marriage in January 2021, Suzanne shared exclusively with Us, "We prioritize giving each other a great deal of attention. It may sound simple, but it's surprising how many couples forget to do this. For us, it's not a chore. I genuinely enjoy hugging and stroking his hair. He always tells me I'm beautiful, and we even hold hands while we sleep. It's the most wonderful aspect of my life."
