When Suzanne Somers passed away in October 2023, she left behind much more than a collection of iconic TV clips. She left an empire. While many actors struggle to transition from the screen to the boardroom, Suzanne mastered it, amassing an estimated net worth of $100 million by the time of her passing.
How did a sitcom star who was famously fired for asking for a raise become one of the most successful female entrepreneurs in America? Let’s break down the pillars of her fortune.
1. The “ThighMaster” Phenomenon
You can’t talk about Suzanne’s wealth without mentioning the ThighMaster. In the early 1990s, Suzanne became the face of this simple piece of exercise equipment. It was a masterclass in direct-to-consumer marketing.
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The Reach: She sold over 10 million units in the initial years.
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The Revenue: The ThighMaster alone reportedly generated over $100 million in sales over its lifetime.
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The Lesson: Suzanne didn’t just endorse it; she owned a significant stake, proving that ownership is the key to real wealth.
2. The Beauty and Wellness Empire (Suzanne Organics)
Long before “clean beauty” was a buzzword, Suzanne was advocating for toxin-free living. She launched Suzanne Organics, a massive line of products including:
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Skincare and makeup.
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Haircare.
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Supplements and bioidentical hormone information.
By cutting out the middleman and selling directly to her fans through her website and home shopping networks (like HSN and ShopHQ), she maintained high profit margins and a fiercely loyal customer base.
3. A Best-Selling Literary Career
Suzanne wasn’t just a face; she was a voice. She authored over 25 books, many of which became New York Times bestsellers.
| Genre | Notable Impact |
| Autobiographies | Keeping Secrets shared her vulnerable story of growing up in an alcoholic home. |
| Health & Wellness | Ageless and The Sexy Years sparked national conversations on hormone therapy. |
| Cookbooks | “Somersizing” became a popular weight-loss method with its own line of food products. |
The royalties from these millions of copies sold formed a steady stream of passive income for decades.
4. Turning “Failure” into Fuel
The foundation of Suzanne’s business drive was actually a professional setback. In 1980, she asked for a salary increase on Three’s Company (from $30,000 to $150,000 per episode) to match what male leads like John Ritter were making.
She was fired and effectively blacklisted from network TV. Instead of retreating, she took her talents to Las Vegas, where she became the “Entertainer of the Year,” earning huge contracts that eventually funded her first business ventures.
The Bottom Line
Suzanne Somers’ fortune was built on resilience and diversification. She didn’t wait for Hollywood to give her a job; she created her own brand. At the time of her death, her empire encompassed media, retail, and real estate, ensuring that her family was taken care of for generations to come.
She proved that you could be a “blonde bombshell” and the smartest person in the boardroom at the same time.