The year was 1980, and the world was about to witness a phenomenon that would shake the very foundations of the entertainment industry. Suzanne Somers, the lovable and charming actress from the hit TV show “Three’s Company,” was set to make her debut on the cover of Playboy magazine. The news sent shockwaves throughout the nation, with fans and critics alike eager to catch a glimpse of the beloved star in a whole new light.
As the story goes, Somers was initially hesitant to pose for the iconic magazine. With a successful career in television and a reputation for being a wholesome, all-American girl, she was unsure if baring it all for the camera would tarnish her image. However, after some persuasion from her husband, Alan Hamel, and a reported $100,000 fee, Somers finally agreed to take the plunge.
The photo shoot, which took place in a luxurious mansion in the Hollywood Hills, was a lavish affair. Somers worked with renowned photographer Richard Fegley, who had previously shot covers for Playboy featuring legendary models like Farrah Fawcett and Bo Derek. The theme of the shoot was “Suzanne Somers: The Woman Behind the Laugh,” and Fegley’s goal was to capture the actress’s playful, flirtatious side while still maintaining her signature charm and elegance.
Somers has since spoken about the experience, recalling how she felt a mix of excitement and nerves as she prepared to pose nude for the first time. “I was terrified, but I was also thrilled,” she said in an interview. “I had always been the girl next door, and this was an opportunity for me to show the world that I was more than just a pretty face.” With the help of Fegley and his team, Somers was able to relax and let her guard down, resulting in a series of stunning photos that would go on to become some of the most iconic in Playboy history.
The issue, which hit newsstands in February 1980, was an instant bestseller. Somers’s cover shot, which featured her posing seductively on a plush couch, wearing nothing but a pair of high heels and a come-hilt smile, sparked a national frenzy. Fans and critics alike couldn’t get enough of the actress’s daring new look, with many praising her for her courage and confidence.
However, not everyone was pleased with Somers’s decision to pose for Playboy. Some of her fans felt betrayed, believing that she had compromised her values and reputation by appearing in the magazine. Others criticized her for being a hypocrite, citing her previous statements about being a role model for young women and her opposition to nudity in films and television.
Despite the backlash, Somers remained unapologetic about her decision, stating that she had done the shoot for herself and not to appease others. “I wanted to prove to myself that I could do it,” she said. “I wanted to show the world that I was a woman, not just a girl.” The experience, she claimed, had been empowering and liberating, allowing her to tap into a side of herself that she never knew existed.
In the years following her Playboy debut, Somers continued to defy convention and push boundaries. She went on to write several bestselling books, including “The Suzanne Somers Weight Loss Program” and “The Naked Truth: About Breast Implants,” and became a successful entrepreneur, launching her own line of natural health products and wellness programs.
Today, Somers’s Playboy cover is widely regarded as one of the most iconic in the magazine’s history, symbolizing a moment in time when a beloved actress dared to be different and challenge societal norms. As Somers herself once said, “I’m proud of what I did, and I would do it again in a heartbeat.” The story of her Playboy debut serves as a testament to the power of self-expression and the importance of living life on one’s own terms.
What was the reaction to Suzanne Somers's Playboy debut in 1980?
+The reaction to Suzanne Somers's Playboy debut was mixed. While some fans and critics praised her for her courage and confidence, others felt betrayed and criticized her for compromising her values and reputation.
How much did Suzanne Somers get paid for her Playboy cover shoot?
+Suzanne Somers was reportedly paid $100,000 for her Playboy cover shoot, which was a significant amount at the time.
What was the theme of Suzanne Somers's Playboy photo shoot?
+The theme of Suzanne Somers's Playboy photo shoot was "Suzanne Somers: The Woman Behind the Laugh," which aimed to capture the actress's playful, flirtatious side while still maintaining her signature charm and elegance.
In conclusion, Suzanne Somers’s Playboy debut was a groundbreaking moment in the history of entertainment, marking a turning point in the actress’s career and cementing her status as a cultural icon. The story behind her daring decision to pose for the magazine serves as a testament to the power of self-expression and the importance of living life on one’s own terms. As Somers herself once said, “I’m proud of what I did, and I would do it again in a heartbeat.”
