Suzanne Somers, a name synonymous with Three’s Company and 1980s pop culture, has experienced a career filled with highs and lows. While she was once a darling of television, her acting career eventually slowed down, leaving her to explore other ventures. Enter the ThighMaster—a fitness product that would not only save her career but also make her a household name again. Here’s how Suzanne Somers turned what seemed like a career setback into one of the most iconic successes of her life.
The Early Days of Suzanne Somers’ Acting Career
A Rising Star on Three’s Company
Suzanne Somers first captured America’s heart with her portrayal of Chrissy Snow on the hit sitcom Three’s Company. Her role as the bubbly, ditzy blonde quickly became iconic, making her a star in the 1970s and 1980s.
A Sudden Career Setback
However, just as her acting career was taking off, she faced a sudden downturn. After a public dispute with producers over pay, Somers was famously written off Three’s Company in 1981. This marked the beginning of a challenging period in her professional life, as she struggled to find new roles that would match her earlier success.
From TV Star to ThighMaster Mogul: The Shift
Turning to Product Endorsements
After facing setbacks in Hollywood, Somers shifted her focus to other entrepreneurial pursuits. She made appearances on various talk shows, wrote books, and even tried her hand at selling health products. This is where her life would take an unexpected turn.
Introducing the ThighMaster
In the early 1990s, Suzanne Somers partnered with fitness company Health International to market the ThighMaster. A simple yet effective piece of exercise equipment designed to tone the thighs, the ThighMaster quickly gained popularity. Despite the skeptics, Somers’ relentless promotion of the product made it a household name.
Why ThighMaster Became a Phenomenon
A Groundbreaking Marketing Strategy
What made the ThighMaster so successful wasn’t just the product itself, but the way Somers marketed it. She appeared on infomercials and television shows, demonstrating the device and sharing her personal journey of health and fitness.
ThighMaster’s Pop Culture Moment
The ThighMaster’s rise to fame wasn’t just about its effectiveness—it also became a pop culture phenomenon. Somers’ enthusiastic promotion of the device, coupled with her undeniable charm, made the ThighMaster an object of fascination. People weren’t just buying it to get in shape; they were buying into Suzanne Somers’ success story.
The Impact of ThighMaster on Suzanne Somers’ Life
A Second Chance at Fame
For Suzanne Somers, the success of ThighMaster was more than just a business venture—it was a personal redemption. After the low point of her acting career, this new venture helped her regain her confidence and public image.
Financial Success Beyond Hollywood
Somers made millions from the ThighMaster, turning what was originally a fitness gadget into a long-lasting source of income. With this newfound wealth, Somers solidified her place as a savvy businesswoman in addition to a former TV star.
The Lessons Suzanne Somers Learned from the ThighMaster Journey
Embracing Reinvention
Through her experience with ThighMaster, Somers learned the importance of reinvention. Instead of succumbing to Hollywood’s harsh realities, she took control of her career and built a new one on her own terms.
Persistence Pays Off
Somers’ story proves that even when the odds are stacked against you, persistence and a willingness to adapt can lead to incredible success. The ThighMaster wasn’t an instant hit, but Somers’ constant promotion and belief in the product ultimately made it a household name.
The ThighMaster Legacy in Today’s World
How ThighMaster Stands the Test of Time
Even though fitness trends have evolved, the ThighMaster still holds a special place in pop culture. It continues to be a symbol of 90s nostalgia and serves as a reminder of Suzanne Somers’ ability to pivot in her career.
ThighMaster as a Symbol of Empowerment
For many, the ThighMaster is more than just an exercise tool—it represents empowerment, perseverance, and the idea that it’s never too late to reinvent yourself.
Suzanne Somers Today: A Multifaceted Entrepreneur
Beyond ThighMaster: The Entrepreneurial Journey
Suzanne Somers didn’t stop with the ThighMaster. She went on to build a successful empire, which includes books, health products, and even a wellness brand. Somers has shown that the road to success doesn’t always follow a straight path.
A Passion for Health and Wellness
Today, Somers continues to promote healthy living, advocating for natural remedies, balanced nutrition, and fitness. Her brand has grown beyond fitness products to include personal health advice that resonates with people of all ages.
The Power of Resilience: Suzanne Somers’ Message
Turning Setbacks Into Opportunities
Somers’ journey is a testament to the power of resilience. When one door closed in her acting career, she opened another in the world of entrepreneurship. Her story is a powerful reminder that success can come from unexpected places.
A Voice for Women in Business
As a female entrepreneur in an industry traditionally dominated by men, Somers broke down barriers and proved that women can thrive in business. Her success with ThighMaster and other ventures has inspired countless women to take charge of their careers.
How ThighMaster Changed the Fitness Industry
A Revolutionary Fitness Tool
The ThighMaster wasn’t just a fad; it introduced a new way for people to incorporate fitness into their daily lives. It became a symbol of accessible fitness that didn’t require a gym membership or expensive equipment.
The Power of Marketing in Fitness
The success of the ThighMaster also highlighted the importance of effective marketing in the fitness industry. Somers understood that a great product combined with compelling advertising could reach a massive audience.
The Enduring Legacy of Suzanne Somers
A Cultural Icon
Suzanne Somers’ role in pop culture has been cemented by her time on Three’s Company and the success of the ThighMaster. Her influence extends far beyond television, making her an icon in American culture.
Inspiring a New Generation
Today, Suzanne Somers’ story continues to inspire. She’s a living example of how it’s never too late to reinvent yourself, take risks, and achieve greatness.
Conclusion: The ThighMaster Success Story
Suzanne Somers’ journey from TV star to ThighMaster mogul is a true testament to resilience, reinvention, and entrepreneurial spirit. After a series of professional setbacks, Somers took charge of her destiny and turned an unexpected product into an enduring success. The ThighMaster not only saved her career but also launched her into a new chapter as a businesswoman, wellness advocate, and cultural icon. Suzanne Somers’ success story continues to inspire those who face challenges, proving that with persistence and vision, anything is possible.
FAQs
1. How did Suzanne Somers get involved with the ThighMaster?
Suzanne Somers partnered with Health International in the early 1990s to market the ThighMaster, a fitness device that became a massive hit through her enthusiastic promotion.
2. Was the ThighMaster successful immediately?
No, it took time for the ThighMaster to gain popularity. Suzanne Somers’ relentless marketing helped turn it into a household name.
3. How much money did Suzanne Somers make from ThighMaster?
While exact figures are not public, Suzanne Somers made millions from the ThighMaster, cementing her success as both a TV star and businesswoman.
4. What else has Suzanne Somers done since the ThighMaster?
Besides the ThighMaster, Suzanne Somers has written books, launched health and wellness products, and continues to promote a healthy lifestyle.
5. What is Suzanne Somers’ message to others?
Suzanne Somers encourages people to embrace reinvention, take risks, and believe in themselves, no matter what obstacles they face in life.
