When Suzanne Somers first appeared on television screens as the ditzy, blonde bombshell Dorothy Zbornak in “Three’s Company,” she was only 25 years old. This young actress had big dreams and a talent for making audiences laugh, and her role as the flirty love interest of Jack Tripper (played by Chuck Woolery) would catapult her to international fame.
But how did such a young actress land such a high-profile role in a hit sitcom? In this article, we’ll explore the early years of Suzanne Somers’ career and delve into what made her stand out from the competition.
Childhood and Early Career
Growing up in California, Suzanne Somers was always interested in acting. She began performing in local theater productions at a young age and later landed roles in high school plays. After graduating, she decided to pursue a career in Hollywood and moved to Los Angeles to audition for parts.
It wasn’t long before Suzanne landed her first big role. In 1978, she appeared as the love interest of actor Richard Simmons in the TV movie “The Greatest American Hero.” This role would launch her career and pave the way for future success.
Breaking Out in "Three’s Company"
In 1980, Suzanne Somers landed the role of Dorothy Zbornak in the hit sitcom "Three’s Company." The show, which aired on ABC, followed the exploits of three bachelor roommates – Jack Tripper (played by Chuck Woolery), Larry Monroe (played by John Ritter), and Jerry Douglas (played by Richard Kramer) – as they navigated their love lives in Los Angeles.
Suzanne’s character, Dorothy, was a lovable airhead who often provided comedic relief through her ditzy antics and flirtatious behavior. Her chemistry with Chuck Woolery, who played Jack Tripper, quickly became one of the most popular aspects of the show. The two actors developed a strong onscreen presence together and their characters’ relationship would evolve over the course of the series.
After "Three’s Company"
Following the success of "Three’s Company," Suzanne Somers continued to land roles in TV shows and movies. In 1985, she starred as a nurse in the romantic comedy "She’s Out of My League." She would later appear in other hit sitcoms such as "Family Ties" and "The Nanny."
However, it was her role on the daytime talk show “The View” that catapulted Suzanne to even greater heights. From 1997 to 2003, she co-hosted the show alongside Whoopi Goldberg, Joy Behar, Sunny Hostin, and Meghan McCain. The show quickly became one of the most popular daytime talk shows and Suzanne’s wit, humor, and charm made her a beloved figure among viewers.
Summary
Suzanne Somers’ early years as an actress were marked by hard work and determination. Her roles in TV shows and movies such as "Three’s Company" and "The Greatest American Hero" helped launch her career and set the stage for future success.
Today, Suzanne continues to be a popular figure in Hollywood and a beloved personality on television. With her charm, wit, and talent, she has captured the hearts of audiences for decades and will continue to do so for years come.
