Suzanne Somers has died at 76. The “Three’s Company” and “Step by Step” actress would have celebrated her 77th birthday on Monday.
“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 longtime publicist, R. Couri Hay, said in a statement to Page Six on Sunday.
“Suzanne was surrounded by her loving husband Alan, her son Bruce, and her immediate family,” the statement continued. “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.”
According to Hay, a private family burial will take place this week for the late star. Additionally, a memorial will be held in November.
In July, the actress, who was diagnosed with cancer in 2000, revealed that her breast cancer had returned.
“Since I have been taking time off from work, many of you have asked for more details about my health,” she wrote on Instagram at the time. “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. 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,” she continued. “My incredible family has been so supportive, and have helped so much by keeping the business running so you can still have access to all the wonderful products. Thank you for the continued love and support. It’s only about who you love and who loves you — and I love you!”
Her husband, Alan Hamel, recently praised her for her resilience.
“Suzanne and I just returned home from the Midwest where Suzanne had six weeks of intensive physical therapy,” he told People this month, shortly before her death. “Even after our five decades together, I still marvel at Suzanne’s amazing determination and commitment.”
Somers is survived by Alan, her three children — Leslie, Stephen, and Bruce — and six grandchildren.
Stars — including Goldie Hawn and Olivia Munn — have reacted to the news via social media.
“Sad so sad,” Hawn, 77, wrote via Instagram, while Munn, 43, simply commented in a post: “Oh no,” with a heartbreak emoji.
Reality star Bethenny Frankel, meanwhile, echoed the same sentiment as the “Buddy Games” actress.
“This one hurts my heart. I love you @suzannesomers,” Khloé Kardashian, 39, wrote Sunday in an Instagram Story.
Bravo honcho Andy Cohen, 55, shared a photo of himself and Somers on his show “Watch What Happens Live.”
It was captioned with seven hearts.
