Early Days and Rise to Stardom
Born and raised in California, Suzanne Somers was not initially recognized for her acting. Her first steps into the public eye were as a poet and writer, sharing her work on various talk shows. However, the 1970s saw Somers dipping her toes into acting. After various bit parts, her role as Chrissy Snow in “Three’s Company” catapulted her to stardom, making her a household name in America.
The Playboy Controversy
In the 1980s, Somers faced a significant scandal when Playboy magazine published unauthorized nude photos taken of her a decade prior. Determined to stand her ground, Somers sued the magazine, revealing that the only reason she had posed initially was to cover her son’s medical bills. In a surprising move, after settling her lawsuit with Playboy, Somers decided to pose for them once more in 1984. However, she ensured full control over the photos, a bold and unprecedented move at the time.
The ThighMaster and Beyond
Although Somers had faced both ups and downs in her acting career, her real fortune didn’t come from the big screen. The ThighMaster, a fitness device that Somers endorsed, became a sensation. The product’s success can be attributed not just to its effectiveness but also to Somers’ genuine passion for it. Following this, she moved on to star in sitcoms like “She’s the Sheriff” and “Step By Step,” further cementing her position in the entertainment world.
A Stand for Equal Pay
During her time on “Three’s Company,” Somers made a brave and revolutionary move. Noticing the vast pay disparity between herself and co-star John Ritter, she demanded pay parity. In a time when such demands were frowned upon, especially from female actors, Somers’ courage was met with backlash. The producers not only denied her the equal pay but also let her go from the show.
Net Worth and Financial Achievements
By the time of her passing in October 2023, Suzanne Somers had amassed a net worth of $100 million. This fortune wasn’t just from her acting gigs but also from her savvy business ventures. Somers once remarked about a partnership gone awry but also highlighted the importance of holding control over one’s business, which she did by buying out her partners.
The Palm Springs Estate
In 2021, Somers made headlines once again when she decided to sell her Palm Springs home, a grand property with five villas. The decision came as she and her husband, Alan Hamel, wanted a greener environment with fewer chemicals. Somers expressed that letting go of the property was also an emotional and spiritual decision, as it no longer felt like the right home for them.
In conclusion, Suzanne Somers’ life and career are testament to her resilience, passion, and business acumen. Whether it was standing up for equal pay, endorsing a product she believed in, or navigating through personal controversies, Somers always emerged stronger, leaving an indelible mark on Hollywood and beyond.
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