Hollywood is a tough business, but Suzanne Somers proved she was even tougher. Fired from the hit TV show Three’s Company for daring to ask for equal pay, she didn’t just fade into obscurity—she built a $300 million empire with one of the most iconic fitness products of all time: the ThighMaster.
This is the story of how Suzanne Somers turned rejection into a legendary success, proving that sometimes, losing a job is the best thing that can happen to you.
Suzanne Somers’ Rise to Stardom
How “Three’s Company” Made Her a Household Name
In the late 1970s, Suzanne Somers became a TV sensation as Chrissy Snow on Three’s Company. Her character was fun, lovable, and charmingly clueless—quickly making her one of the most popular actresses on television. The show was a massive hit, ranking among the top-rated sitcoms of its time.
The Pay Disparity That Changed Everything
Despite the show’s success, Somers was being paid significantly less than her male co-star, John Ritter. While Ritter earned $150,000 per episode, Somers made only $30,000. Frustrated by the pay gap, she demanded equal compensation.
What happened next shocked everyone.
Suzanne Somers Gets Fired for Asking for Equal Pay
The Network’s Harsh Response
Instead of negotiating, ABC fired Somers. The network painted her as “difficult” and replaced her character. At the time, female actors had little bargaining power, and Somers became an industry cautionary tale.
Blacklisted in Hollywood
After her firing, she struggled to land major roles. Hollywood had labeled her as “troublesome,” and casting directors steered clear. But rather than accepting defeat, she did something extraordinary.
The Birth of the ThighMaster Empire
Reinventing Herself as an Entrepreneur
With Hollywood doors closing, Somers pivoted to something unexpected—fitness and health products. In the early 1990s, she discovered the ThighMaster, a simple yet effective exercise tool.
The Genius Behind the ThighMaster’s Marketing
Somers didn’t just endorse the product—she became its biggest promoter. Through infomercials and direct-to-consumer sales, she made fitness fun, relatable, and accessible. Her engaging, charismatic presence made the ThighMaster an overnight success.
How the ThighMaster Made $300 Million
At just $19.95 per unit, the ThighMaster seemed like a small purchase. But with over 10 million units sold, it generated a staggering $300 million. Somers owned a significant percentage of the business, ensuring she took home a massive chunk of the profits.
Lessons from Suzanne Somers’ Incredible Comeback
Know Your Worth and Stand By It
Somers refused to settle for unfair treatment, even when it cost her a lucrative acting career. In the long run, her decision led to something even bigger.
Adaptability is Key to Success
Rather than dwelling on rejection, she reinvented herself. When Hollywood shut its doors, she found a new audience through fitness and health.
Branding and Marketing Are Everything
The ThighMaster wasn’t just a product—it was a phenomenon, thanks to Somers’ smart branding. She used television, personal branding, and direct marketing to turn a simple exercise tool into a household name.
The Legacy of Suzanne Somers
More Than Just an Actress
Although most people remember her as Chrissy Snow, Suzanne Somers was much more than just an actress. She became a business mogul, health advocate, and best-selling author, proving that success can come in many forms.
A Trailblazer for Women in Business
Somers’ fight for equal pay wasn’t in vain. Her courage helped pave the way for future female stars to demand better contracts. And by building her own empire, she proved that women don’t need Hollywood’s approval to succeed.
Conclusion: The Best Revenge is Success
Suzanne Somers’ journey is a masterclass in resilience, reinvention, and business savvy. She took a career setback and turned it into a $300 million success story, proving that rejection can sometimes be the best thing that ever happens to you.
Her story is an inspiration to anyone who has ever been underestimated, undervalued, or told “no.” Because as Suzanne Somers showed us—sometimes, the best revenge isn’t getting even. It’s getting rich.
FAQs
1. Why was Suzanne Somers fired from Three’s Company?
She was fired for demanding equal pay with her male co-star, John Ritter. The network refused and chose to replace her instead.
2. How much did Suzanne Somers make from the ThighMaster?
She earned over $300 million from ThighMaster sales, thanks to smart branding and direct-to-consumer marketing.
3. Did Suzanne Somers act again after being fired?
Yes, she later starred in Step by Step and appeared in various TV shows, but her biggest success came from entrepreneurship.
4. What made the ThighMaster so popular?
Its affordability, ease of use, and Somers’ engaging marketing made it a must-have fitness product in the 1990s.
5. What is Suzanne Somers’ legacy?
She’s remembered as a trailblazing entrepreneur, health advocate, and a symbol of resilience, proving that success isn’t limited to one industry.
