Born 80 Years Ago Today, This Iconic ’70s TV Star Left Us After A 23-Year Cancer Journey – The List
Today marks the birthday of a Hollywood legend who will be forever remembered for her quick wit and stunning beauty. Suzanne Somers died the day before her 77th birthday back in 2023. Now, the “Three’s Company” star’s fans and loved ones are celebrating what would’ve been her 80th birthday.
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“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,” the star’s publicist, R. Couri Hay, shared in a statement on behalf of Somers’ family, according to People. “Suzanne was surrounded by her loving husband Alan [Hamell], her son Bruce, and her immediate family,” the statement noted. “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 surely bittersweet for Somers’ loved ones to say goodbye to the beloved star instead of enjoying the planned birthday festivities. Yet, as the statement said, there was so much to celebrate in the star’s life, including the everlasting bond she shared with her husband of more than 40 years.
Suzanne Somers’ husband was her rock for decades
The timeline of Suzanne Somers’ journey with cancer started long before her death. She had cancer three times while “Three’s Company” was on-air from 1977 to 1984. Decades later, the “Step by Step” star and New York Times bestselling author opened up about being diagnosed with breast cancer in 2000. Somers decided to opt for alternative medicine to treat her illness, rather than chemotherapy. With the help of a lumpectomy and radiation, she was officially cancer-free in 2007.
In 2023, she shared that the cancer was back in an Instagram post. “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,” she wrote. Somers also took the opportunity to honor her everlasting love story with husband Alan Hamel, whom she met in 1969 and married in 1977. Alongside the photo of her and Hamel (above), Somers wrote, “Alan has been by my 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. My incredible family has been so supportive… Thank you for the continued love and support. It’s only about who you love and who loves you — and I love you!” Evidently, her loved ones and her supportive fans were there with her until the very end.
