Posted on: October 15, 2023, 07:22h.
Last updated on: October 15, 2023, 07:22h.
Renowned for her performances in Las Vegas production shows, Suzanne Somers, famous for her roles in “Three’s Company” and ThighMaster, passed away from breast cancer at the age of 77 at her Palm Springs residence. Beginning her journey in the entertainment industry in the 1970s sitcom, Somers battled breast cancer since 2000.
The versatile star, known for her portrayal of Chrissy Snow on “Three’s Company,” captivated her audience with her talents and charm. Despite lacking the vocal prowess of Streisand or the dance skills of Juliet Prowse, Somers impressed with her ability to entertain through singing, dancing, and stand-up comedy. Her self-deprecating humor endeared her to fans. One of the highlights of her shows was a Q&A session where she candidly answered questions, such as rumors about John Ritter’s character’s sexuality on “Three’s Company.”
To generate buzz for her shows, Somers’ husband, Alan Hamel, acted as both producer and manager. He took to the streets of Las Vegas, spreading word-of-mouth about the spectacular Suzanne Somers show by conversing with taxi drivers.
A Star in Vegas
In 1980, Somers departed from “Three’s Company” amid a highly publicized salary dispute with the show’s producers. She then embarked on a two-year residency at the MGM Grand’s celebrity theater, marking the beginning of her successful Las Vegas career. Although not a powerhouse singer or dancer, Somers won over audiences with her personalized performances and comedic anecdotes.
Discussing her residency at the MGM Grand, Somers mentioned to United Press International, “But the audience likes me best when I talk to them. I just ramble every night.”
However, her residency was cut short when a fire broke out at the MGM Grand on November 21, 1980.
The Las Vegas Hilton Years
Following her residency at the MGM Grand, Somers briefly headlined at the Riviera before finding her next home at the Las Vegas Hilton in 1982. With the goal of revitalizing the poorly attended Moulin Rouge show, owner Conrad Hilton brought in Somers as the featured performer.
Somers recalled her experience to UPI, saying, “Baron told me he’d be happy if I brought in an additional 300 or 400 people a night. Against the advice of my agents and friends, I agreed to try it. They told me it was crazy to flog a dead horse. But Alan told me to take a shot. He said if I failed, no one would notice. But if I were a hit, it would establish me as a big-time club entertainer.”
Under Somers’ leadership, the show saw a surge in attendance, rivaling the popularity of Elvis Presley’s performances at the same venue. Encouraged by the success, Somers and Hamel relocated to Las Vegas during the run. They remained in the city throughout most of the 1980s before Somers’ return to television with the sitcom “Step By Step,” which aired from 1991 to 1997.
The Final Act
In May 2015, Somers commenced her final Las Vegas show, “Suzanne Sizzles,” at the Westgate (formerly the Las Vegas Hilton). Sadly, the show, which paid tribute to the Rat Pack, endured a short-lived run. After two months of underwhelming attendance, “Suzanne Sizzles” came to an end.