Three’s Company actress Suzanne Somers dies aged 76, a day before her 77th birthday, after decades-long cancer battle.
She was best known for her portrayal of Chrissy Snow on Three’s Company.
The news of her passing has been shared by her publicist R Couri Hay.
The statement he released said, “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.”
It was in July of this year that the actress and businesswoman informed her fans that her cancer had returned.
“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. This is not new territory for me. I know how to put on my battle gear and I’m a fighter.”
She also praised her husband, Alan Hamel, who she said had been by her side “every step of the way”.
“I can’t even explain how much he has done for me. If it’s even possible, we are even closer than ever”, she added. “My incredible family has been so supportive.”
Other roles she’s known for include Sheriff Hildy Granger in She’s the Sheriff, Carol Foster Lambert on Step by Step, and more.
Suzanne’s latest TV credits include co-hosting Candid Camera, her own talk show The Suzanne Show, and an appearance on Dancing with the Stars.
Among the rest, she published over 25 books, covering topics such as wellness, sex and weight loss, as well as her 1988 memoir Keeping Secrets.
Suzanne and her husband Alan were married for 46 years.
Before she passed away, he gave her an early birthday present. According to the couple’s friends, Alan gave his beloved wife “a handwritten love poem wrapped in her favorite pink peonies.”
Our thoughts and prayers are with Somers and his loved ones at this time.