Fans of Suzanne Somers are in mourning after her passing was announced yesterday, October 15, 2023, just one day shy of her 77th birthday.
The Three’s Company star had been in a lengthy battle with cancer prior to her death, while her representatives revealed that her family had been by her side during her final moments, including her dedicated husband, Alan Hamell, and her son, Bruce.
According to reports, her loved ones had gathered to celebrate her birthday – today, October 16 – and by all accounts Somers herself was looking forward to marking another milestone after living with cancer on and off for some 23 years (she was first diagnosed back in 2000).
In fact, a truly heartbreaking interview that the actress conducted over email with PEOPLE Magazine just one week ago has now come to light, and in it she discussed the plans for her big day.
As per PEOPLE, Somers, also a New York Times best-selling author, was in good spirits ahead of turning 77, and revealed that she was looking forward to spending time with her “nearest and dearest”.
“I heard Caroline (son Bruce’s wife) is making her famous short rib tacos and I have asked for copious amounts of cake,” Somers said.
“I really love cake.”
Her husband Alan, meanwhile, recently told PEOPLE that he was proud of his wife’s resilience.
“Suzanne and I just returned home from the Midwest where Suzanne had six weeks of intensive physical therapy,” Hamell said.
“Even after our five decades together, I still marvel at Suzanne’s amazing determination and commitment.”
Suzanne Somers’ cancer
Back in July, Somers revealed to Fox News that her breast cancer had returned, saying: “I have been living with cancer for decades now, using the best of alternative and conventional medicine to keep it at bay. Every time that little f***** pops up, I continue to bat it back.”
Addressing her most recent diagnosis, she added: “It’s a recurrence of my breast cancer. Like any cancer patient, when you get that dreaded, ‘It’s back,’ you get a pit in your stomach. Then I put on my battle gear and go to war. This is familiar battleground for me, and I’m very tough.”
Somers first rose to fame in 1977 when she portrayed Chrissy Snow, the vivacious blonde roommate in the sitcom Three’s Company alongside Jack Tripper (John Ritter) and Janet Wood (Joyce DeWitt).