Suzanne Somers Net Worth

Suzanne Somers: Net Worth, Career, and Legacy

Introduction: Remembering Suzanne Somers

Suzanne Somers, a multifaceted talent who graced our screens and bookshelves, left an indelible mark on the entertainment and wellness industries. With a career spanning acting, writing, singing, and entrepreneurship, Somers achieved remarkable success and became a household name. This article delves into the life and career of Suzanne Somers, exploring her net worth, achievements, controversies, and enduring legacy.

At the time of her passing on October 15, 2023, just a day before her 77th birthday, Suzanne Somers had amassed a net worth of $100 million. Her journey, however, was far from straightforward. She faced both triumphs and tribulations, leaving a lasting impact on pop culture.

Early Life and Struggles

Born Suzanne Marie Mahoney on October 16, 1946, in San Bruno, California, Somers experienced a challenging childhood. Raised in an Irish-Catholic family, she navigated a difficult upbringing marked by her father’s struggles with alcoholism and verbal abuse. These early experiences undoubtedly shaped her resilience and determination.

In her teenage years, Somers found solace and expression as a cheerleader. At 19, she entered her first marriage and welcomed her first child the same year. The marriage, however, was short-lived, ending after three years.

(Ron Galella Collection via Getty Images)

Three’s Company and Rise to Fame

Suzanne Somers’ breakthrough came in the late 1970s with her starring role as Chrissy Snow in the iconic sitcom “Three’s Company.” Her portrayal of the lovable, ditzy blonde quickly captured the hearts of millions, earning her a Golden Globe nomination and solidifying her status as a television star. The show’s popularity soared, with an estimated 20 million viewers tuning in weekly at its peak.

Somers’ character, Chrissy Snow, became a pop culture icon, known for her comedic timing and charming personality. Her success on “Three’s Company” catapulted her to stardom and opened doors for future opportunities.

The Infamous Salary Dispute

As “Three’s Company” gained immense popularity, so did Somers’ bargaining power. By the fifth season, her salary had increased to $30,000 per episode. However, recognizing her significant contribution to the show’s success, Somers sought a salary increase that reflected her value. She requested pay parity with her male co-star, John Ritter, who earned $150,000 per episode. Additionally, she asked for a 10% cut of the show’s profits.

The producers, however, rejected her requests. Consequently, Somers was controversially written out of the show, a decision that temporarily derailed her acting career. This salary dispute remains a significant chapter in her career, highlighting the challenges faced by actresses in Hollywood.

Somers later admitted that this dispute temporarily killed her acting career. However, this would not stop her drive to succeed.

In her own words:

“I started realizing that this is a business. I’m seeing that the men are being paid four, five, ten times more, and they’re on shows that aren’t as successful as mine. When you’re a struggling actor or actress, you hang in there in the hopes that you’ll be one of the few that scores.”

And on the fallout of her failed negotiation:

“My career was dead because the public got mad at me for being greedy. And I was portrayed as greedy. And really, what I was asking for I still think I deserved it.”

Post-Three’s Company Career and Ventures

After the “Three’s Company” controversy, Somers faced challenges in securing leading roles in sitcoms. However, she persevered and eventually returned to the genre with “She’s the Sheriff” in 1987, which ran for two seasons. She also starred in a range of made-for-TV movies.

In 1991, Somers found renewed success with the family sitcom “Step by Step,” which aired for seven seasons and further solidified her enduring appeal. She appeared in all 160 episodes of the show.

ThighMaster and Entrepreneurial Success

Beyond acting, Suzanne Somers demonstrated her entrepreneurial spirit. Her most notable venture was the infomercial for the ThighMaster, a fitness product that generated over $100 million in revenue. Though she didn’t own the product, her endorsement played a pivotal role in its massive success. This success led to her induction into the Direct Marketing Response Infomercial Hall of Fame in 2014.

Somers’ entrepreneurial ventures extended beyond the ThighMaster. She authored numerous self-help books, many focusing on alternative medicine, health, and wellness. These books further established her as a prominent figure in the health and wellness space.

Playboy Controversies

Suzanne Somers’ career was punctuated by controversies, including her involvement with Playboy magazine. She appeared in Playboy twice, both times featuring nude photos. The first time, in the late 1970s, she posed to pay for a medical bill after her son was in a car accident.

Somers initially denied the shoot, which led to the magazine publishing the photos, and she subsequently sued Playboy, eventually reaching a settlement of $50,000. The second time, in 1984, she agreed to pose, believing it would help revive her career. These incidents sparked public debate and added to her complex public image.

(Photo by Kevin Winter/Getty Images)

Personal Life

In 1965, she married Bruce Somers, and the following year, they had a son, Bruce Jr. The pair divorced in 1968. In 1977, she married Alan Hamel, and they remained together until her death in 2023. Her long-lasting marriage with Hamel, a testament to their enduring love, served as a foundation of support throughout her life and career.

Cancer Battle and Advocacy

In 2000, Suzanne Somers was diagnosed with breast cancer. Instead of conventional chemotherapy, she chose alternative treatments, including mistletoe extract (Iscador) combined with surgery and radiation therapy. Her decision to pursue non-traditional methods generated both support and criticism, solidifying her role as a controversial figure in the medical field.

Somers also voiced her views on various health-related topics, including bioidentical hormone replacement therapy and water fluoridation. Her stance on medical issues was outlined in her self-help books, which offered readers insights into her approach to health and wellness.

Getty Images

Real Estate Ventures

Throughout her life, Suzanne Somers owned several impressive properties. Notably, she and her husband, Alan Hamel, owned a large mansion in Palm Springs, California, spanning 73 acres. Initially listed for $35 million in 2008, the property’s price was later reduced, and eventually, in May 2021, it was sold for $8.5 million.

The couple also owned oceanfront properties in Malibu, which were destroyed in a fire in 2007. They sold the empty lots for $12.03 million in 2016. A new mansion was built on the lots and was listed for $40 million in late 2021, but as of this writing, the asking price has been reduced to just under $30 million. Below are some videos of their former properties:

Here is a video tour of their former Palm Springs mansion:

Here is a video of the new mansion on Suzanne’s former lots:

Suzanne Somers’ Legacy

Suzanne Somers’ legacy is multifaceted, encompassing her achievements in acting, writing, entrepreneurship, and her controversial stances on health and wellness. She will be remembered for her iconic role as Chrissy Snow, her entrepreneurial success with the ThighMaster, and her dedication to her fans.

Somers’ career was marked by both triumphs and controversies, but she remained a prominent figure in pop culture for decades. Her impact on the entertainment and wellness industries is undeniable, and her influence will continue to resonate.