By Marisa Laudadio
9:50am PDT, Oct 27, 2023
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A comedy icon is gone. After a cancer battle that lasted for more than two decades, Suzanne Somers died on Oct. 15. The "Three's Company" and "Step By Step" actress and Thighmaster exercise icon was 76 — she passed just one day before her 77th birthday.
On Oct. 26, The Blast reported that Suzanne's death certificate confirmed her cause of death: breast cancer with metastasis to the brain, with other underlying conditions — including hypertension and hydrocephalus, which is the buildup of fluid deep within the brain (a condition she battled for more than a year) — noted as contributing factors.
"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," her rep told People magazine in a statement on behalf of the star's family. "Suzanne was surrounded by her loving husband Alan [Hamel], her son Bruce [Somers], 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."
Alan later shared details of his wife of 46 years' final days and hours.
They returned home to Palm Springs, California, on Oct. 12 after spending more than a month in Chicago, where Suzanne — who in July publicly shared that her cancer had returned — was being treated at a physical therapy clinic as she struggled with pain and mobility issues following a 2020 fall. "The first few days we were back, she ate, she had a great appetite and she was taking her meds," Alan, 87, told People magazine. But by Oct. 14, the actress had stopped those things and did not respond to his questions.
"I was staying up most of the night just talking to her," he shared. "Then I kissed her, and she responded to that, and it was a physical response with her lips. I knew she was still with us, and I knew that she could probably hear what I was saying." Alan then kept "just talking to her for hours at a time" until she took her final breath alongside him in their bed at 5 a.m. on Oct. 15: "Then finally it was over."
"Normally, when people are not responding, stop eating and stop taking their meds, you call 911 and they take you to the hospital. I knew that she did not want to be in a hospital setting. That was the difference," he shared. "So it was very peaceful, and that's the way it all went."
Celebrity friends, fans and more notable names mourned the star on social media and in statements.
Keep reading to see what they're saying about Suzanne…
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"Suzanne and I were friends for decades. She was the sister I never had and my close confidant forever," music star Barry Manilow told People magazine.
"We shared triumphs and heartaches. Her fame in so many fields overshadowed her real talent as one of our greatest comedic actors, a loving mother, an amazing homemaker, and one of the world's best cooks. I will miss her dearly and hope that she is now out of pain and at peace."
MORE: Stars who've had cancer
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"We lost a true American Icon today. @suzannesomers you will be missed. It was always a pleasure and a riot working with you over the years! Here we are way back in the 70's at Pepperdine with Howard [Cosell]! Rest in Peace," Caitlyn Jenner captioned a throwback photo with the late "Three's Company" star on Instagram.
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"So saddened to hear this. She was a friend & supportive when I was diagnosed with black mold. When we ran into each other, she would lean over & whisper, 'We're survivors!'" –Morgan Fairchild
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"Oh no! So sad to see this. She loved to make people laugh. I met her once and she just beamed kindness and beauty and love. R.I.P. Suzanne Somers." –Megyn Kelly
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"Sad so sad." –Goldie Hawn
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"Suzanne Somers has passed away, which is such tragic news," Bethenny Frankel said in a video she posted on Instagram.
"I've had the pleasure of getting to know her. She is a force, she is groundbreaking, she is love. She was married to her soulmate, best friend. They were inseparable. She's a family person. She's about research and fighting for what she believes in when that takes tremendous courage and it's not popular.
"I really, really really really had so much respect for her. What a wonderful person. I'm so, so sorry. Sorry to Suzanne's family. What a tremendous loss on such a week of tremendous loss."
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"This one hurts my heart. I love you @suzannesomers. I'll never forget your positive loving outlook on life. Your sweet heart and gentle spirit. Rest, dance, smile in paradise…" –Khloe Kardashian
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"Suzanne – kind and generous, fun and funny, and just a few weeks ago was giving me advice on doctors and longevity. I will miss her so! God speed my friend — thank you for your grace, kindness and beautiful life example Will love you always -Sandy!" –Sandra Lee
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"RIP Suzanne Somers. I grew up watching Three's Company. You were a joy and forever young. Rest well" –Viola Davis
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"Rip @suzannesomers what an honor getting to know you #danceinheaven beautiful human being so saddened by this news" –Tony Dovolani, who was Suzanne Somers' pro partner on "Dancing With the Stars"
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"Devastated to hear about the passing of Suzanne Somers. A true icon and overall amazing human being. You will be greatly missed, my friend." –Adam Carolla
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"How sad to hear that actress and Uber businesswoman, Suzanne Somers, has died. She was going to turn 77 tomorrow. She had fought breast cancer for more than 2 decades. Will never forget her 'Chrissy' in the hit show Three's Company." –Deborah Roberts
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"May she RIP always a joyous person – condolences to family, fans and friends" –Robert Davi
