Rosario Monachino
Suzanne Somers has died just one day before her 77th birthday.
Somers was best known for her roles in the TV shows Three’s Company and Step by Step.
The actress was also a New York best-selling author – having written two autobiographies, as well as poetry and wellbeing books.
Tragically, it has been confirmed that Somers passed away on Sunday aged 76.
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In a statement shared on behalf of Somers’ family, longtime publicist R. Couri Hay confirmed that the star died ‘peacefully’ at her home on October 15 following a decades-long battle with cancer.
It reads: “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.
“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.”
Speaking to People, Hay shared that a private burial for the American Graffiti actress will be held this week and then a memorial will take place in November.
Her publicist also added that Somers spent her final moments in her ‘beautiful house’ which was ‘one of her dreams’.
He said: “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.”
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People have paid tribute to Somers on social media.
One person pens: “You will be missed sooooo much! Soar with the angels Suzanne. You were such a beautiful human being. The world is a little sadder tonight.”
Another fan comments: “May God hold you tightly. You are a gem of a woman, and We love you so much. I broke down today upon hearing the news. You helped so many people in your life.”
“Just so sad. Gone too soon. Love and light to you all. She was so vibrant. I feel like I lost a family member,” adds a third.
Someone also writes: “I’m so so sad to hear this. She was a powerhouse. I hope heaven is ready for her.”
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Alongside a successful acting and publishing career, Somers also established a fitness empire by pitching the fitness product Thighmaster and being a spokesperson for the brand.
Speaking on the Hollywood Raw podcast (via Yahoo News), the star claimed that she made roughly $300 million from the exercise product.
The Ropers actress had her own health scares, having revealed earlier this year that her breast cancer had returned for the first time since her first diagnosis in 2000.
In an Instagram post, Somers penned: “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.
“This is not new territory for me. I know how to put on my battle gear and I’m a fighter.”
Somers is survived by her husband Alan Hamel, 87, her son Bruce, 57, her stepchildren, Stephen and Leslie, and her six grandchildren.
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