Sunday morning, as we prep to go to church as a family, Suzanne Somers, popularly known for her dynamic roles in Step by Step and Three’s Company, breathed her last surrounded by family at home, according to People’s reports.
Somers’ longtime publicist, R. Couri Hay, wrote in a statement shared on behalf of the actress’ family procured by People, “Suzanne Somers passed away peacefully at home in the early morning hours of October 15th. 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,” the statement added. “Her family was gathered to celebrate her 77th birthday on October 16th. Instead, they will celebrate her extraordinary life and want to thank her millions of fans and followers who loved her dearly.”
In another statement that was procured by People, it was stated that the place where Somers spent her final days was the ‘house of her dreams, ‘ bringing poetic justice to her unfortunate departure.
View this post on Instagram
Her publicist said in a statement procured by People, “There were all these plans and she was always working and dreaming and had brought her family into the business, and the grandchildren and step-children were all part of the business,” adding, “she was very engaged right to the end.” According to Hay, a private family burial will take place this weekend, followed by a memorial in November.
People also report the late actress and entrepreneur shared that she was planning to be with her “nearest and dearest” on her birthday, including her “beloved husband Alan [Hamel], our three children, Leslie, Stephen, and Bruce, [his wife] Caroline, plus our six wonderful grandchildren.” Her husband, Somers, praised her wife’s resilience in the same interview, stating, “Suzanne and I just returned home from the Midwest where Suzanne had six weeks of intensive physical therapy,” in a statement to People, “Even after our five decades together, I still marvel at Suzanne’s amazing determination and commitment.”
Rewinding the tapes to July 2023, Somers posted on her Instagram that her breast cancer was back since her diagnosis back in 2000. The post featured a picture of her and her husband, with the caption reading, “As you know, I had breast cancer two decades ago, and now and then it pops up again, and I continue to bat it down. I have used the best alternative and conventional treatments to combat it. This is not new territory for me. I know how to put on my battle gear and I’m a fighter.”
In the same post, the actress also expressed gratitude for how much Hamel — and her entire family — have supported her.
“Alan has been by my side every step of the way,” she wrote. “I can’t even explain how much he has done for me. If it’s even possible, we are even closer than ever. My incredible family has been so supportive, and has helped so much by keeping the business running so you can still have access to all the wonderful products. Thank you for the continued love and support. It’s only about who you love and who loves you – and I love you!”
Apart from her work testaments, the actress was also revered for her books of which she wrote 25 of them. She was a New York Times best-selling author — and for her health and beauty business ventures, namely the ThighMaster exercise equipment. She leaves behind Hamel, her son Bruce, 57, her stepchildren, Stephen and Leslie, and her six grandchildren.