LOS ANGELES — Suzanne Somers, the well-known actor recognized for her portrayal of Chrissy Snow on the television show “Three’s Company” and her successful business ventures, has died at the age of 76.
Somers had been battling breast cancer for over 23 years and passed away on Sunday morning, according to a statement from her family, provided by her longtime publicist R. Couri Hay. Her husband Alan Hamel, her son Bruce, and other immediate family members were present during her final moments.
“Her family had gathered to celebrate her 77th birthday on October 16th,” the statement read. “Instead, they will commemorate her extraordinary life and express gratitude to her millions of fans and followers who cherished her deeply.”
In July, Somers revealed on Instagram that her breast cancer had returned.
“Like any cancer patient, when you hear those dreaded words, ‘It’s back,’ your heart sinks. But then I gear up for battle,” she told Entertainment Tonight at the time. “This is a familiar battleground for me, and I am incredibly resilient.”
Somers was first diagnosed in 2000, and she also battled skin cancer. She faced some criticism for her reliance on what she described as a chemical-free and organic lifestyle to combat the diseases.
In the 1970s, Somers appeared in numerous television shows, including “The Rockford Files,” “Magnum Force,” and “The Six Million Dollar Man.” However, her most iconic role was on “Three’s Company,” which aired on ABC from 1977 to 1984. She also played the mother in the long-running children’s sitcom “Step by Step.”
