**Actress Suzanne Somers Dies at 76**

Suzanne Somers, best known for her roles on the television sitcoms "Three's Company" and "Step by Step," died on Sunday at the age of 76. She had been living with breast cancer for more than two decades. Somers died early Sunday, on the eve of her 77th birthday, surrounded by her loving husband Alan, her son Bruce, and her immediate family. Her publicist R. Couri Hay said in a statement that her family was gathered to celebrate her birthday, but will instead celebrate her extraordinary life and thank her millions of fans and followers who loved her dearly.

Somers leveraged her celebrity to launch a successful business career centered around wellness. She became the spokeswoman for the leg-toning ThighMaster and authored 27 books, largely on the topic of natural health. She was first diagnosed with breast cancer in 2000 and her approach to health drew controversy at the time, when she decided to forgo chemotherapy treatment and embraced alternative remedies. In July, she announced that she had been privately facing cancer since her initial diagnosis. Somers first gained attention for her role driving a white Thunderbird in George Lucas' "American Graffiti" in 1973. She later said that role "changed her life forever." She gained lots of TV and film credits during the 1970s but became best known as one of the stars of "Three's Company" from 1977 to 1981, about two women and a man living as roommates. She played the stereotypical "dumb blonde," Chrissy Snow.

Somers will be remembered for her vibrant personality, her entrepreneurial spirit, and her advocacy for natural health. She was a beloved actress and businesswoman who touched the lives of millions with her work.