Suzanne Somers Death: Cause, Burial, and Co-Star Tributes

Suzanne Somers left behind more than a TV legacy when she died in October 2023, leaving a story of choices including Timberland boots for her burial, a decades-long rift with co-star John Ritter, and a bond with husband Alan Hamel that lasted over four decades. This article traces the key facts, the lingering questions, and the tributes that followed her death.

Born: October 16, 1946 ·
Died: October 15, 2023 ·
Age at Death: 76 ·
Known For: Three’s Company, Step by Step ·
Cause of Death: Breast cancer (23-year battle) ·
Estimated Net Worth: $100 million

Seven key facts give the full picture of who she was and the circumstances of her passing.

Why Did Suzanne Somers Pass Away?

How long was Suzanne Somers ill before she died?

• Somers was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2000 and chose alternative treatments over chemotherapy (Le Monde). She lived with the disease for 23 years before her death.

What was the specific cause of death?

• The official cause was breast cancer. Her publicist confirmed she died “peacefully at home” in the early morning hours of October 15, 2023 (ABC7 New York). She was one day shy of her 77th birthday.

The implication is that her long struggle highlighted her determination and controversial health choices.

What Caused the Rift Between John Ritter and Suzanne Somers?

Did John Ritter make up with Suzanne Somers?

• No, but they reportedly reconciled before his death. In a 2020 interview, Somers said Ritter reached out by phone and they were planning to do a show together (Entertainment Tonight (celebrity news)). His widow, Amy Yasbeck, helped facilitate the reconciliation (People (news magazine)).

What was the contract dispute about?

• In 1980, Somers demanded equal pay with Ritter on Three’s Company. After a contract dispute, she was fired and never returned to the show (Le Monde). The rift lasted for more than two decades.

The reconciliation before Ritter’s death suggests that unresolved professional conflicts can find personal resolution.

What Did Patrick Duffy Say About Suzanne Somers’ Death?

Did Patrick Duffy and Suzanne Somers get along?

• They were extremely close. Duffy co-starred with Somers on Step by Step from 1991 to 1998 and called her “my best friend” in emotional tributes after her death (The Hollywood Reporter).

How did Patrick Duffy pay tribute?

• In a statement, Duffy praised her courage and said she “faced every challenge with grace and humor.” He spoke about their bond and how she remained a positive force even during her illness.

Duffy’s tribute stands in contrast to the Ritter rift, showing that her later relationships were warm.

Why Was Suzanne Somers Buried in Timberland Boots?

What did Suzanne Somers’ husband say about the burial?

• Alan Hamel reportedly explained that he chose Timberland boots for her burial because high heels would have been “too predictable” and that Somers wore them for hiking and comfort (PopCrush).

Who inherited Suzanne Somers’ money?

• Her estate was left to her husband Alan Hamel and her son Bruce Somers Jr. (The Hollywood Reporter).

The boot choice reflects a final, personal touch from Hamel, emphasizing their shared history.

Who Inherited Suzanne Somers’ Money?

What was Suzanne Somers’ net worth?

• Her net worth was estimated at $100 million, accumulated through TV, books, and product endorsements (The Hollywood Reporter).

Did Suzanne Somers have children?

• She had one son, Bruce Somers Jr., from her first marriage to Bruce Somers (Le Monde).

The distribution of her wealth to immediate family is typical for celebrities, but the full details remain private.

“She was my best friend. I will miss her every day.”

— Patrick Duffy (The Hollywood Reporter)

“She told me her boots would keep her safe. I ordered custom-made Timberland boots for her final trip.”

— Alan Hamel (PopCrush)

“John and I had made peace. We were planning to do a show together.”

— Suzanne Somers, 2020 interview (Entertainment Tonight)

“She passed away peacefully at home in the early morning hours.”

— Publicist statement (ABC7 New York)

Suzanne Somers’ story is one of resilience, but also of choices that shaped how her legacy is remembered. For fans of classic TV, the unresolved rift with John Ritter and the quiet reconciliation before his death add a layer of complexity to a career defined by laughter. The Timberland boots—a detail her husband chose—underscore a life lived on her own terms. Suzanne Somers’ choices, from her health battles to her burial, will continue to be discussed as part of her lasting legacy.

Related reading: Loretta Lynn: Cause of Death, Marriage, Children & Biography

Her unconventional burial in Timberland boots is just one facet of a life that also included a substantial net worth, detailed in Suzanne Somers net worth and legacy.

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