Suzanne Somers is best known for her roles in Three’s Company, Step by Step, Magnum Force and as an aerobics enthusiast. Loved by many, the actress has been candid about her struggles with breast cancer and for more than 20 years, has bravely fought to overcome the disease. Sadly, she passed away recently, and just before her 77th birthday. In the days leading up to her death she had some supportive and upbeat words for her fans on Instagram.
Early Life of Suzanne Somers
Suzanne Somers was born in San Bruno, California on October 16, 1946. One of 4 children, Suzanna Somers and her siblings had a seemingly happy childhood. However, her father had a terrible drinking habit and Suzanne Somers struggled in school as a result. Fortunately, around age 14 she began taking a music class, the only class she easily managed straight A’s. Although she fell in love with music, singing and performing, it would be years before she would get noticed in Hollywood.
She graduated high school in 1964 and went to college on a music Scholarship. Suzanne Somers married Bruce, her high school sweetheart on April 15, 1965, and the pair welcomed Bruce Jr. into the world in November of that same year. Ultimately, she was unfulfilled in their marriage and moved out to Sausalito, California, to raise her son as a single mother. She took some modeling, but it took her a bit longer before she broke out into fame. Suzanne Somers’ first acting gig was in advertisements. After that, she appeared in a few box-office hits and ultimately was picked up for Three’s Company, which ran for eight seasons.
Suzanne Somers Celebrates
Suzanne Somers had an upbeat and positive outlook, thrilled that her birthday month had arrived. “Good morning!!! “It’s October which means, it’s my birthday month!! So many exciting things happening.” She wrote in an Instagram post.
Somers then posted again the Friday before her birthday to celebrate with her followers, telling them they may have a “very lucky Friday night” and offering fans a “free gift”. Sadly, she was found dead on Sunday, having died just one day before her 77th birthday.
As a result, Fans took to Social Media to express their heartfelt sympathies. “I’m so sorry to hear of the loss of the beautiful (Suzanne) – I loved her when I was a kid, and loved watching her videos here on IG as an adult. Her beautiful smile and laughter will be missed.” Said one follower. “I am so very sorry for her whole family! I will miss her podcasts, her beautiful smile, her wit, her laughter. She has touched my life in such a positive way I feel like I lost a good friend.” Said another.
Earlier this year Suzanne Somers reminded fans of when she had been diagnosed in her 30’s and again in her 50’s. “… As you know, I had breast cancer two decades ago, and every 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.” Somers disclosed.
Breast Cancer Awareness
Suzanne Somers was diagnosed with breast cancer multiple times in her life. Bravely fighting and undergoing treatment, all the while with an upbeat and encouraging disposition. She was an advocate for something that many women face, in fact, as many as 240,000 cases of breast cancer are diagnosed annually. Of those cases, around 42,000 are fatal. Although it’s not as prevalent in men, there are still around 2,000 cases in men in the US, each year. Sadly, around 500 of those cases are fatal as well.
There are several types of breast cancer, and the risk factors are very similar to other types of cancer. A person who has a family medical history of cancers, breast in particular, is at higher risk. Other factors include diet, exercise, and overall wellness. It is always suggested to keep in routine contact with a professional medical team regarding the care of your body. For example, mammograms should be every two years. Furthermore, consulting with a healthcare professional regarding any worrisome or long-term symptoms is advised. Suzanne Somers spent her life shining brightly and sharing her struggles with breast cancer so that she could comfortably speak about their challenges.
Still Celebrating Her Birthday
R.Couri Hay is her publicist and released a statement confirming her death. “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,” he explained.
Sharing that the family would gather and celebrate her birthday, Hay also said, “Instead, they will celebrate her extraordinary life, and want to thank her millions of fans and followers who loved her dearly. A private family burial will take place this week, with a memorial to follow next month.”
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Sources
- “Basic Information About Breast Cancer.” CDC
- “Suzanne Somers.” Encyclopedia
- “Suzanne Somers shared cryptic, 4-word post before her death aged 77 – and it’s so tragic.” Newsner Michael Panter. October 16, 2023.
- “Suzanne Somers’ cryptic final posts teased ‘exciting things are happening’ just before death.” Mirror. Ayeesha Walsh. October 15, 2023.