When you think of Suzanne Somers, the first thing that might come to mind is her iconic role as Chrissy Snow on the hit sitcom Three’s Company. But there’s so much more to her story—her rise from a TV star, fired from a major show, to becoming a self-made millionaire with an empire that spans across multiple industries.
In this article, we dive deep into Suzanne’s remarkable journey—from being fired to never needing a job again—showing how determination, resilience, and a strong entrepreneurial spirit can lead to extraordinary success.
The Unlikely Start: Fired from Three’s Company and Rejected by Hollywood
Let’s rewind to the late 1970s. Suzanne Somers was on top of the world. Her role as Chrissy Snow made her a household name, and it seemed like nothing could stop her. But then came the unexpected: she was fired from Three’s Company after a salary dispute with the producers. For most actors, being written off from a hit show might have been a career-ending blow. But for Suzanne, it was just the beginning of an incredible comeback.
So, what happened next? Instead of retreating, she boldly embraced her next opportunity. She was determined to prove that being fired didn’t mean failure—it was merely a stepping stone.
Embracing the Setback: A Lesson in Resilience
Being fired could have broken her, but Suzanne Somers was not one to crumble under pressure. She learned quickly that the entertainment industry was full of rejection and that one person’s no could easily turn into another person’s yes. While many actors would have taken a hiatus or disappeared from the public eye, Suzanne took charge of her destiny.
She didn’t just sit around waiting for another job to come her way. Instead, she chose to explore new avenues. She became a motivational speaker, sharing her personal journey of resilience with others, and this new direction set her up for even bigger opportunities.
From TV Star to Entrepreneur: Finding a New Path
Once Suzanne realized the power of personal branding, she shifted her focus. She started to branch out into new business ventures, all while continuing to expand her celebrity. She capitalized on her fame and transformed it into a business empire that spanned a variety of industries, including health, wellness, and lifestyle products.
Her early entrepreneurial ventures were grounded in self-help and wellness, with a strong emphasis on anti-aging. Suzanne started promoting a line of health supplements and even wrote books on health and wellness, which became bestsellers. Her savvy marketing techniques and authenticity made her a trusted figure in the wellness space.
A Game-Changer: The ThighMaster
While many people would recognize her for her role on Three’s Company, Suzanne’s most significant breakthrough came when she introduced the ThighMaster to the world in 1990. At the time, the fitness industry was booming, and Suzanne saw an opportunity to create a product that could appeal to the everyday person looking to stay fit from the comfort of their home.
The ThighMaster became a sensation, appearing on TV infomercials and selling millions of units. It turned into a cultural phenomenon and cemented Suzanne’s status as not just a former TV star, but as a savvy businesswoman who knew how to turn an idea into a fortune.
Becoming a Self-Made Millionaire: The Power of Branding
Suzanne Somers didn’t just stop at the ThighMaster. She understood the importance of branding and how to use her personal image to promote products she believed in. Her line of health products, books, and fitness equipment all bore her name, and her success in these areas led to even greater wealth and recognition.
By the mid-2000s, Suzanne had turned her side businesses into a multi-million dollar empire. She had diversified her portfolio to include a range of wellness products, a real estate business, and even ventures into skincare and beauty.
Her Role as a Health Advocate
One of Suzanne’s most important legacies is her role as a health advocate. Through her books and interviews, she has spread the message of healthy living, focusing on natural health remedies and alternative treatments for aging. Her anti-aging books, including Ageless: The Naked Truth About Bioidentical Hormones, have sparked widespread conversations about alternative healthcare options.
Suzanne’s mission was clear: to help people live better lives through health and wellness, without relying solely on traditional medicine. This commitment to promoting wellness through a more holistic approach resonated with countless individuals, especially those in midlife or beyond, who were looking for solutions to aging.
Breaking Barriers and Shattering Glass Ceilings
What makes Suzanne Somers’ journey even more inspiring is the fact that she didn’t just build a business empire from scratch—she did so while defying expectations and breaking barriers in industries that were often dominated by men. She showed that women, especially older women, could thrive as entrepreneurs and role models in business.
In a world that often dismisses aging women as “past their prime,” Suzanne proved that success doesn’t have an expiration date. She showed that anyone, regardless of their age or career setbacks, could reinvent themselves and achieve greatness.
The Philosophy Behind Her Success: “I Never Needed a Job Again”
So, what’s the secret to Suzanne’s success? It’s a combination of grit, determination, and the willingness to take risks. Her quote, “I never needed a job again,” speaks volumes about her approach to life and career. She didn’t rely on others to determine her success; she took control and built something lasting on her own terms.
Her philosophy was simple: build your own brand, invest in your passions, and never let fear of failure hold you back. And, most importantly, always have the courage to pursue your dreams, no matter how many roadblocks you encounter along the way.
How She Kept Her Legacy Alive
Even after decades in the public eye, Suzanne Somers continued to work, reinventing herself with each new venture. She remained relevant by staying true to her core values and constantly seeking new ways to reach her audience.
Today, Suzanne’s name is synonymous with success, health, and resilience. Even after she passed, her impact continues to resonate through the businesses she built, the lives she changed, and the example she set for future generations of entrepreneurs.
Conclusion: The Legacy of Suzanne Somers
Suzanne Somers’ story is one of triumph over adversity. From being fired from a popular TV show to becoming an unstoppable business mogul, her journey is an inspiration to anyone facing setbacks. It teaches us that failure isn’t the end—it’s merely a chapter in a larger story. Her resilience, vision, and dedication have earned her a place in history as one of the most successful self-made women in the world.
So, next time you face a tough situation, remember Suzanne’s journey. Let her story inspire you to rise above and transform your own challenges into opportunities for greatness.
FAQs
1. How did Suzanne Somers become so successful after being fired?
Suzanne embraced the setback as an opportunity to reinvent herself, launching successful businesses, writing bestselling books, and promoting health products, notably the ThighMaster.
2. What was the key to Suzanne Somers’ entrepreneurial success?
Her success lay in her ability to capitalize on her personal brand and her deep knowledge of health and wellness, which resonated with a wide audience.
3. How did Suzanne Somers promote her health and wellness philosophy?
Suzanne became a health advocate through her books, media appearances, and the promotion of bioidentical hormone therapy, which contributed to her reputation as a wellness expert.
4. What was Suzanne Somers’ most iconic product?
The ThighMaster was her most iconic product, becoming a fitness sensation through TV infomercials and contributing to her multi-million dollar empire.
5. How did Suzanne Somers defy expectations in the business world?
Suzanne shattered barriers as a female entrepreneur in industries dominated by men, proving that age and gender should never limit one’s potential for success.
