What We Know About Suzanne Somers’ First Husband, Bruce Somers

According to Variety, Suzanne Somers’ marriage to her first husband, Bruce Somers, lasted just three years. Suzanne was pursuing a modeling career, and reportedly she began a romantic fling with her dramatic coach that led to her split from Bruce. She once explained to the Tampa Bay Times in 2005 that her turbulent childhood had left her unable to maintain a steady relationship. “Getting pregnant and getting a divorce a year later only contributed to my low self-esteem and my need for constant crises,” she said.

Suzanne Somers’ tragic life continued for several years afterward, as she tried to support herself and her young son any way she could. She was arrested in 1970 for passing bad checks, but reimbursed the money to avoid jail time. She also lived every mom’s worst nightmare when young Bruce Jr. was hit by a car. Thankfully, he survived, and Somers was inspired to seek therapy to work through her past traumas. This journey to mental health paved the way for her to find love with Alan Hamel, whom she married in 1977. 

Not much is known about Bruce Somers Sr., but he apparently remained close to his namesake son. In June 2016, Bruce Jr. posted a photo on Instagram showing him with his father, grandfather, and one of his daughters. “So proud to be part of these 4 generations with my daughter, dad, and grandfather that I love so much on this Father’s Day,” he wrote.