Inside Story: Remembering the Legacy of Richard Roundtree and Suzanne Somers, Who Died Yesterday

Yesterday, October 24, 2023, brought the somber news of the passing of two prominent figures in American entertainment: Richard Roundtree, the iconic star of the "Shaft" franchise, and Suzanne Somers, the effervescent actress and businesswoman best known for her role in "Three's Company." While seemingly disparate, their deaths mark the end of eras and prompt reflection on their significant contributions to film and television.

Who Were They?

  • Richard Roundtree: Born in New Rochelle, New York, in 1942, Roundtree rose to fame in 1971 with the release of "Shaft." He played the cool, confident, and resourceful private detective John Shaft, a character that challenged racial stereotypes and became a symbol of Black empowerment in the blaxploitation era. He continued to act in numerous films and television shows throughout his career, including "Roots," "Seven," and "Being Mary Jane."

  • Suzanne Somers: Born in San Bruno, California, in 1946, Somers gained widespread recognition for her role as Chrissy Snow in the sitcom "Three's Company," which premiered in 1977. She also starred in "Step by Step" and became a successful entrepreneur, building a brand around health, wellness, and beauty products. Somers was a vocal advocate for alternative cancer treatments and authored several books on the subject.

    • What Happened?

  • Richard Roundtree: Roundtree passed away at the age of 81 after a brief battle with pancreatic cancer. His death was confirmed by his manager, Patrick McMinn, who stated that Roundtree was surrounded by family at the time.

  • Suzanne Somers: Somers died at the age of 76, a day before her 77th birthday, after a long battle with breast cancer. She had first been diagnosed with breast cancer in 2000 and had spoken openly about her experiences with the disease. Her publicist, R. Couri Hay, confirmed her passing, stating that she died peacefully at home.

    • When and Where Did These Events Occur?

    Both deaths occurred on October 24, 2023. Richard Roundtree passed away in Los Angeles, California, surrounded by family. Suzanne Somers died at her home in Palm Springs, California.

    Why Are These Deaths Significant?

  • Richard Roundtree's Impact on Representation: Roundtree's portrayal of John Shaft was groundbreaking. In the early 1970s, Hollywood rarely depicted Black characters in such a powerful and heroic light. "Shaft" was a box office success, grossing over $13 million on a $500,000 budget (Box Office Mojo), and spawned sequels and a television series. Shaft represented a cultural shift, offering a positive image of Black masculinity and challenging the status quo of racial representation in media. His character provided a template for other Black action heroes that followed.

  • Suzanne Somers and the Evolution of the Sitcom: "Three's Company" was a massive hit in the late 1970s and early 1980s, consistently ranking among the top-rated television shows. Its success, in part, was due to Somers' comedic timing and on-screen charisma. However, her departure from the show in 1981, following a salary dispute with ABC, also highlights the gender pay gap and the challenges faced by women in the entertainment industry. Her later success as a businesswoman demonstrated her entrepreneurial spirit and her ability to reinvent herself.

  • Somers' Advocacy and Controversy: Somers became a prominent figure in the alternative health and wellness space, advocating for bioidentical hormone replacement therapy and alternative cancer treatments. While she gained a devoted following, her views were often met with skepticism and criticism from the medical community. Her advocacy sparked important conversations about patient choice and the role of alternative medicine in healthcare.

    • Historical Context:

  • Blaxploitation Era: "Shaft" emerged during the blaxploitation era, a period in the 1970s characterized by films with Black protagonists and themes that appealed to Black audiences. These films offered a counter-narrative to the dominant white-centric narratives of Hollywood, but were also criticized by some for perpetuating stereotypes.

  • Sitcom Boom: "Three's Company" was part of a wave of successful sitcoms that dominated television in the late 1970s and early 1980s. Shows like "Happy Days," "Laverne & Shirley," and "M\*A\*S\*H" provided escapism and lighthearted entertainment during a period of economic uncertainty and social change.

    • Current Developments:

    News of Roundtree's and Somers' deaths has been met with widespread tributes from fans, colleagues, and industry leaders. Social media platforms are filled with messages celebrating their lives and contributions. Television networks are likely to air tributes and reruns of their most iconic performances.

    Likely Next Steps:

  • Documentaries and Biographies: It is likely that documentaries or biographies will be produced to further explore the lives and careers of Roundtree and Somers. These projects could delve deeper into their personal struggles, their professional achievements, and their lasting impact on popular culture.

  • Reassessment of Their Work: The deaths of Roundtree and Somers provide an opportunity to re-evaluate their work in the context of contemporary social and cultural values. Their films and television shows may be viewed through a new lens, prompting discussions about representation, gender roles, and the evolution of media.

  • Continued Dialogue on Cancer Treatment: Somers' outspokenness about her cancer journey will likely continue to fuel discussions about the role of alternative medicine in cancer treatment and the importance of patient advocacy. Her legacy may inspire others to explore different treatment options and to challenge conventional medical wisdom.

In conclusion, the passing of Richard Roundtree and Suzanne Somers marks the end of significant chapters in entertainment history. Roundtree's portrayal of Shaft shattered stereotypes and paved the way for greater representation of Black characters in film. Somers' comedic talent and entrepreneurial spirit made her a household name. Their legacies will continue to inspire and influence generations to come.