Hollywood Pays Tribute to Suzanne Somers: “She Was a Pure Light That Will Never Be Extinguished”
From Barry Manilow to Nancy Sinatra to Viola Davis, stars share an outpouring of love
The entertainment world is in a state of mourning following the passing of beloved sitcom actress and health advocate Suzanne Somers, and friends, loved ones and celebrities are paying tribute. Somers, who was celebrated for her portrayals of the hilarious, effervescent Chrissy Snow in Three’s Company (1977-1981) and single mother Carol Foster Lambert in Step by Step (1991-1998), died on the morning of Sunday, October 15, after a 23-year battle with breast cancer. It was just one day before what would have been her 77th birthday.
Somers’ longtime publicist, R. Couri Hay, said in a statement that Somers’ husband, Alan Hamel, her son, Bruce, and other immediate family had been with her in Palm Springs, California, 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,” the statement read.
Since the news of her passing, celebrities and loved ones — from Somers’ husband, Alan Hamel, to Barry Manilow, Nancy Sinatra, Fran Drescher and Viola Davis — have made heartfelt tributes to the late actress, author and entrepreneur in celebration of her life.
Tributes to Suzanne Somers
Alan Hamel’s tribute to wife Suzanne Somers
Alan Hamel, Somer’s husband of 55 years, posted a long, heartfelt declaration of love for her on her Instagram account. He ends his emotional message to his late wife with: “I AM IN LOVE WITH YOU, MY BEAUTIFUL SUZANNE, FOR ALL OF ETERNITY”
Bruce Somers Jr.’s tribute to mom Suzanne Somers
Bruce Somers Jr., Suzannes only son, posted a beautiful message about his mother, in which he says, “To so many, she was a brave warrior who articulated their fears. She wasn’t fearless, but she faced them so we could learn. She was a friend, a wife, a sister, a daughter, an entertainer, an icon, and a legend. But to me, she was just Mom. I had the privilege as the only person who could call her that.”
Joyce DeWitt’s tribute to Suzanne Somers
Somers’ longtime friend and Three’s Company costar Joyce DeWitt also issued a statement to PEOPLE: “My heart goes out to Suzanne’s family. They are a very close family — deeply connected and caring one to the other. I can only imagine how difficult this time is for all of them.” DeWitt, 74, added, “I’m sure Suzanne was greeted by Angels into the loving wisdom waiting for all of us on the other side, and I hope that will assist her family’s hearts in healing as they travel through this difficult time.”
Jane Seymour’s tribute to Suzanne Somers
Actress and dear friend of Suzanne, Jane Seymour wrote a heartfelt post about sitting with her in the ashes, and surviving the ups and downs. Seymour finished by saying, “Her spirit will forever live on in our hearts. Let’s celebrate the beautiful life she lived and the love she shared. ♥️”
Courteney Cox’s tribute to Suzanne Somers
Actress Courteney Cox posted a sweet video in honor of Suzanne’s birthday, saying, “Today, 76 years ago, a wonderful human was born. Sadly, yesterday she passed away. Rest in peace, my beautiful friend Suzanne. Here is Suzanne with me, doing what she loved most.. having fun! My heart goes out to Alan and the family.”
Sandra Lee’s tribute to Suzanne Somers
Home and lifestyle guru and long-time friend Sandra Lee said, “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!”
Barry Manilow’s tribute to Suzanne Somers
Singer-songwriter, Barry Manilow, and friend of Somer’s for over 40 years wrote: “Suzanne and I were friends for decades. She was the sister I never had and my close confidant forever. 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.”
Deborah Roberts’ tribute to Suzanne Somers
ABC Journalist and wife of Al Roker, Deborah Roberts, said, “How sad to hear that actress and uber businesswoman Suzanne Somers has died,” ABC News correspondent Deborah Roberts tweeted. “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.”
Tony Dovolani’s tribute to Suzanne Somers
Somer’s Dancing with the Stars parter Tony Dovolani said, “Rip @suzannesomers what an honor getting to know you #danceinheaven beautiful human being so saddened by this news”
Nancy Sinatra’s tribute to Suzanne Somers
Nancy Sinatra, singer, actress and daughter of Frank Sinatra, posted to Instagram: “Oh, dear, this is terrible news. Suzanne was such a special person. May her final journey be an easy one. Bless her forever.”
Erin Murphy’s tribute to Suzanne Somers
On X, formerly Twitter, Bewitched actress Erin Murphy states: “Funny and beautiful. Rest in Peace, Suzanne Somers. I had the pleasure of meeting her several times. Her scenes in American Graffiti inspired me to get a T-Bird.”
Fran Drescher’s tribute to Suzanne Somers
Fran Drescher, comedian and president of SAG-AFTRA, wrote: “The heaviness of this past week’s horrors just got worse with the loss of friend Suzanne Somers. She was a sweet & talented woman, a wife and mother. Survivor and thriver for more than 2 decades. But so sad to say she passed away today. Life is very hard, wherever we can bring joy, love, empathy and kindness as we move thru each day, do it! RIP dear Suzanne, you will long be remembered.”
Viola Davis’ tribute to Suzanne Somers
Award-winning actress Viola Davis said: “RIP Suzanne Somers. I grew up watching Three’s Company. You were a joy and forever young. Rest well.”
Leeza Gibbons’ tribute to Suzanne Somers
Leeza Gibbons, actress and close friend of Suzanne Somers, posted a tribute to X: “The world feels a little less bright without her. My friend @SuzanneSomers was the light for so many; a source of love, healing and growth. Always something new to do or learn. I think we live forever in the lives we touched and so, dear Suzanne, your spirit is eternal.
Morgan Fairchild’s tribute to Suzanne Somers
Another actress and friend, Morgan Fairchild, also mourns Suzanne, saying: “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!'”
Caitlyn Jenner’s tribute to Suzanne Somers
Olympian and activist Caitlyn Jenner, who had worked with Somers in the 1980s, said: “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 ’70s at Pepperdine with Howard! Rest in Peace.”
Megyn Kelly’s tribute to Suzanne Somers
News anchor Megyn Kelly said: “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.”
Adam Carolla’s tribute to Suzanne Somers
Commedian and talk show host Adam Carolla said: “Devastated to hear about the passing of Suzanne Somers. A true icon and overall amazing human being. You will be greatly missed, my friend.
Monica Crowley’s tribute to Suzanne Somers
Somers’ good friend and former Assistant Secretary for Public Affairs for the U.S. Department of the Treasury Monica Crowley posted on instagram: “It was one of the great honors of my life to have her as my friend. For those of us lucky enough to have known and loved her, she was a pure light in the world that will never be extinguished.”
Read here for more on Suzanne Somers:
The 8 Gems of Wisdom Kept Suzanne Somers on a Carousel of Joy Throughout Her Life
7 Beautiful Principles That Suzanne Somers Swore By as Her Guiding Light
