Net Worth Ranker
What Is Suzanne Somers’ Net Worth?
At the time of her passing on October 15, 2023, just a day shy of her 77th birthday, Suzanne Somers, the multifaceted American actress, author, and singer, had accumulated a net worth of $100 million. Her career spanned across various domains, contributing to this substantial wealth.
Career Highlights and Earnings
Suzanne Somers’ journey to stardom began with her role as a prize model on “Anniversary Game” in 1969. She gained widespread recognition in 1977 for her portrayal of “Chrissy Snow” on the sitcom “Three’s Company.” During the show’s initial four seasons, Suzanne earned $5,000 per episode. Her salary increased to $30,000 per episode by the fifth season, which is approximately $95,000 per episode when adjusted for inflation to today’s value.
During contract negotiations, Somers sought to receive $150,000 per episode, equivalent to about $500,000 today, mirroring the salary of her co-star, John Ritter. She also requested 10% of the show’s profits, but these requests were denied, leading to her departure from the show. Subsequently, she sued the network for $2 million in damages but received only $30,000.
In 1987, Somers returned to sitcoms with “She’s the Sheriff,” which lasted for two seasons. She then starred in “Step By Step” from 1991 to 1998, appearing in all 160 episodes over seven seasons. Additionally, she hosted various talk shows and appeared on Broadway. In 2015, she participated in “Dancing with the Stars,” finishing ninth.
Entrepreneurial Ventures and Income Streams
Suzanne Somers successfully transitioned into an entrepreneur and businesswoman. She became known for her self-help books, particularly those focused on alternative medicine. Notably, her ThighMaster product generated over $100 million in revenue. She was inducted into the Direct Marketing Response Infomercial Hall of Fame in 2014.
Somers began appearing in infomercials for the ThighMaster in the early 1990s. Although she didn’t own the product, she was significantly compensated for her role in popularizing it.
Suzanne Somers also had a recurring role with Playboy. In 1980, Somers sued Playboy and eventually received a settlement of $50,000.
Real Estate Portfolio
Suzanne Somers invested in real estate throughout her life. She and her husband, Alan Hamel, once owned a 73-acre mansion in Palm Springs, which they listed for $35 million in 2008. The property’s price was reduced multiple times, eventually selling for $8.5 million in May 2021, with the acreage reduced to 20 acres.
The Palm Springs property was located on a vast estate. A video tour highlighted the property’s expansive grounds and luxurious amenities.
They also owned 480 acres in northern Palm Springs, which they donated to the Coachella Valley Conservation Commission in 2018.
In 1999, Suzanne and Alan purchased an oceanfront property in Malibu for $2.3 million. They acquired the adjacent lot in 2001 for $2.35 million, giving them 190 feet of ocean frontage. In 2007, a fire destroyed the homes. They sold the two empty lots in 2016 for $12.03 million. A 5,000-square-foot mansion was subsequently built on the site, listed for nearly $40 million in late 2021, but the price was later reduced to just under $30 million.
The Malibu property’s transformation into a modern mansion was captured in a video, showcasing the property’s prime location and luxurious design.
Early Life and Career Beginnings
Suzanne Marie Mahoney, born on October 16, 1946, in San Bruno, California, began her career as a prize model on “Anniversary Game” in 1969, hosted by Alan Hamel, whom she later married in 1977. One of her early acting roles was in George Lucas’ film “American Graffiti.” She then secured roles in shows like “The Rockford Files,” “The Six Million Dollar Man,” and “One Day At A Time.” She also had a minor role in the film “Magnum Force.”
Personal Life and Marriage
Suzanne Somers married Bruce Somers at 19 and had a son, Bruce Jr., in November 1965. They divorced in 1968. She married Alan Hamel in 1977, and they remained together until her death in 2023.
Health and Cancer Diagnosis
In 2000, Suzanne Somers was diagnosed with breast cancer and opted for alternative medicine, including mistletoe extract (Iscador), combined with surgery and radiation therapy. She faced criticism for advocating non-traditional approaches to cancer treatment. She also expressed opposition to water fluoridation and supported bioidentical hormone replacement therapy.
