Actress and health advocate Suzanne Somers passes away at 76

The entertainment world lost an icon this week. Suzanne Somers, the cherished actress, entrepreneur, and influential fitness propose, has surpassed away at the age of 76 after a protracted 23 years conflict with breast cancer. Somers constructed a long-lasting multi-decade profession in Hollywood as each a comedic actress and businesswoman, however additionally emerged in current years as a passionate propose for opportunity fitness remedies after her personal most cancers analysis. She leaves behind an unforgettable acting legacy and impact on how we approach wellness.

Suzanne Somers Early Life and Career Beginnings

Born Suzanne Marie Mahoney on October 16, 1946 in San Bruno, California, Suzanne entered the world destined for stardom. After a childhood spent living with her alcoholic father following her parents’ divorce, she emerged in the late 1960s as a minor starlet with minor roles on shows like The Rockford Files and Bill Cosby are two of the most popular television shows of that time.

Her big break came in 1977 when she was cast as ditzy blonde Carol Foster on the ABC sitcom “Three’s Company” opposite the late John Ritter. Her character, known for her clever quips and playful persona, quickly became a fan favorite and propelled Somers into sitcom superstardom. She would spend five seasons charming audiences before negotiations with ABC over her salary broke down in 1980, leading to her eventual departure. Nevertheless, her iconic role made her a family call that continued lengthy after the display ended.

Suzanne Somers Thriving Entrepreneurship in the 1980s and 90s

After leaving “Three’s Company” behind, Suzanne set her sights on new ventures. She became an entrepreneur in the 1980s, marketing a series of successful exercise equipment products. The ThighMaster device proved especially popular, leading to over 10 million units sold on the power of Suzanne’s infomercials marketing the product.

Her business savvy extended to publishing as well, penning a series of best-selling books on beauty, fitness, and hormone replacement therapy. A number of titles have been published including Ageless: The Naked Truth About Bioidentical Hormones (2006) and BOOM!: Hormones, Menopause, & Beyond” (2014) contained controversial health advice but resonated with readers. She also became a Las Vegas fixture in the 1990s, performing a nightclub act at the MGM Grand Hotel well into the 2000s. Her show emphasized her singing voice, a talent overshadowed by her acting career.

Cancer Diagnosis and Embracing Alternative Treatments

In 2000, Suzanne received the devastating news that she had breast cancer. She initially underwent a lumpectomy and radiation therapy, but elected to forego chemotherapy after these conventional treatments, afraid it would damage her health further. Her decision ignited controversy, but she remained committed to finding alternative paths to wellness.

Suzanne embraced bioidentical hormone therapy, natural supplements, and diet/lifestyle changes to try and overcome her cancer. She became an outspoken critic of chemotherapy and the cancer pharmaceutical industry. In place of these treatments, she advocated natural therapies like vitamin C injections and mistletoe extract.

Her message resonated with an audience desperate for new answers. She published more books digging into her methods like “Knockout: Interviews with Doctors Who are Curing Cancer and How to Prevent Getting It” (2009). She also used her celebrity profile to lobby for cancer patients’ right to choose their course of treatment, partnering with advocacy groups like the Annie Appleseed Project.

While dismissed by the mainstream medical community, she gave hope to many in their own cancer journeys before ultimately passing away from the disease. Nevertheless, her embrace of alternative therapies left a lasting impact on how we approach cancer care.

Suzanne Somers Enduring Legacy Across Multiple Careers

The iconic Suzanne Somers passed away at 76, leaving behind an enduring legacy across entertainment and health advocacy. As an actress, she lit up the screen in her sitcom-star-making role on Three’s Company, where her bubbly comedic energy and timing made her an instant fan favorite. Beyond acting, she found great success as an entrepreneur, marketing the wildly popular ThighMaster fitness product. Her business acumen translated to non-fiction writing as well, authoring 28 self-published books.

After her shocking breast cancer diagnosis, Somers bravely battled the disease for over two decades. She became a vocal advocate for alternative medicine after rejecting conventional treatments like chemotherapy. Though controversial, she gave voice to those disillusioned with mainstream cancer care by promoting natural options like vitamin megadosing. Her message resonated strongly despitebeing dismissed by the medical establishment.

Regardless of the arena, Somers always remained fiercely determined and true to herself. Whether performing her nightclub act in Vegas, undergoing dozens of cancer treatments, or launching a new product, she confronted every endeavor with poise, warmth, and good humor. The legacy she leaves across entertainment, business, and health advocacy will not be forgotten. For those whose lives she touched, Somers will always be remembered as a force of nature who lived life to the fullest by her own rules. She is survived by her husband and three children.

Summary

Suzanne Somers taught us to approach life with joy, determination, and a willingness to buck convention. Both as a comedic actress and groundbreaking advocate for alternative medicine in cancer treatment, she marched to the beat of her own drum. The outpouring of love and appreciation for Somers after the news of her passing at 76 showed the indelible mark her spirited life and unconventional wisdom left on American culture. She will live on through reruns of her classic sitcom role, the health books that line her fans’ shelves, and most importantly, the openness to new possibilities she nurtured in all who learned from her. Suzanne Somers always saw the glass as half-full – may we carry a touch of her sunny outlook forward in her honor.