If you know Alan Hamel at all, it’s probably through the lens of his famous late wife, Suzanne Somers. She was the bubbly blonde who made Three’s Company a household name and turned the ThighMaster into a pop culture icon. But behind her was Alan—a sharp, determined, and creative mind who understood that the right partnership can transform showbiz sparkle into a real, lasting empire.
Alan Hamel’s name may not be plastered across tabloid covers the way Suzanne’s once was, but spend a little time learning about his life and you’ll quickly see he deserves his own spotlight too. He’s proof that success in entertainment isn’t just about what happens on camera—it’s also about the business moves made when the cameras are off.
Humble Beginnings in Canada
Born on June 30, 1936, in Toronto, Ontario, Alan Hamel was the kid who loved radio shows, tinkered with ideas, and dreamed of a career that went beyond the ordinary. By the time he made it to Ryerson University’s Radio and Television Arts program, it was clear he wasn’t just daydreaming—he was laying a foundation.
His first big break came in the early 1960s when he landed the hosting gig for Razzle Dazzle, a Canadian children’s show that quickly became a hit. Between 1961 and 1964, Alan wasn’t just a host—he was a friendly face in countless Canadian homes every week, winning over families with charm and a warm sense of humor.
A Move South and A Fateful Meeting
Hosting Razzle Dazzle opened doors for Alan. By the late 1960s, he crossed into the American TV market, a tough leap for many Canadian entertainers at the time. He found himself in the game show world, hosting ABC shows like Wedding Party and Anniversary Game.
It was during Anniversary Game that Alan’s life changed forever—on camera and off. A young, fresh-faced Suzanne Somers came onto the set, and the two quickly formed a connection that blossomed into a partnership lasting more than 40 years. Their relationship would become one of Hollywood’s great enduring love stories—but more importantly, a working partnership that built something much bigger than either of them could have done alone.
The Alan Hamel Show: The Canadian Talk Show Era
While Suzanne’s star rose in the U.S., Alan doubled down on his roots in Canada. In the 1970s, The Alan Hamel Show hit the airwaves on CTV. It was a warm, upbeat daytime talk and variety show—think celebrity guests, music performances, and light comedy sketches.
The show made Alan one of Canada’s top TV personalities. But unlike many hosts who might have settled for a comfortable spot on screen, Alan was already thinking ahead. He understood the fleeting nature of TV fame and knew that real wealth and legacy came from diversifying and controlling what happens behind the scenes.
From Spotlight to Strategy
When Three’s Company made Suzanne Somers a household name, Alan didn’t just stand by and watch. He stepped in as her manager, her advisor, and her biggest champion.
Their first big power move? Taking control of the Suzanne Somers brand. Suzanne wasn’t just an actress—she was relatable, aspirational, and trusted by millions of viewers. Alan saw that the real opportunity was transforming that popularity into products people would buy and a brand they’d keep coming back to.
They co-created fitness videos, self-help books, and healthy living products. But the crown jewel of their empire was that simple piece of exercise equipment: the ThighMaster. It might seem silly now, but back then, it was a sensation. Millions of units sold, endless TV spots—overnight, Suzanne’s image as America’s favorite TV blonde turned into a fitness icon.
Here’s the genius: when they realized how much money was flowing through other companies distributing the ThighMaster, Alan and Suzanne bought out the partners. They took complete control of the product, the branding, the profits. That single move massively boosted their wealth and proved they were more than just TV faces—they were smart business operators.
Real Estate: Building More Than a Brand
While they were selling ThighMasters and fitness books, Alan and Suzanne were also building a real estate portfolio that any investor would envy. They knew that the right properties could be more than homes—they could be investments, retreats, and long-term assets.
Their Palm Springs estate is legendary. Sprawled across 73 acres with multiple houses connected by a private funicular, it was quirky, luxurious, and pure California dream. They listed it for $35 million in 2008—later selling off parts of it when they decided to downsize.
In 2018, they donated nearly 480 acres in northern Palm Springs to the Coachella Valley Conservation Commission, preserving the land for future generations instead of cashing in. It was a move that showed Alan’s thoughtful approach to legacy: sometimes, it’s not just about profit—it’s about purpose too.
In Malibu, they snapped up oceanfront real estate that later sold for over $12 million. With every transaction, Alan showed he knew how to spot opportunities others might overlook.
Life Without Suzanne: Carrying On the Legacy
When Suzanne passed away in October 2023, just a day before her 77th birthday, the world mourned the woman who made millions laugh, sweat, and believe they could take control of their own health. For Alan, the loss was deeper than public grief. He lost his life partner, best friend, and the person he’d built an empire with.
But Alan isn’t a man to fade quietly. Now in his late eighties, he’s found new companionship with actress Joanna Cassidy—a reconnection that began years ago when their paths crossed in show business and later through family ties.
Friends say he still brings that same warmth and dry humor to every conversation. He’s still managing his affairs, still taking calls about projects, still proving that age can’t dim the energy of a mind that’s always working a step ahead.
A Net Worth Built on Smart Moves
Today, Alan Hamel’s net worth sits around $100 million. That number isn’t just the sum of a few paychecks from hosting shows—it’s decades of smart deals, strategic ownership, and making the right moves when others might have stayed passive.
He turned a small on-screen career into a multi-million-dollar enterprise because he understood a simple truth: real power comes when you own your work, your brand, and your future.
What Alan Hamel Teaches Us
Alan Hamel’s story is proof that sometimes the most powerful people in Hollywood are the ones you don’t see as much. The quiet minds who understand that entertainment is only one piece of the puzzle. The real work happens when the lights go down, the cameras stop rolling, and you figure out what to do next.
He’s shown that success can come from partnership—genuine, loving, equal partnership. He was never overshadowed by Suzanne’s fame because he was too busy helping build it into something that would last beyond reruns and talk shows.
Today, Alan’s story continues to inspire anyone who believes that fame alone isn’t the goal—it’s what you do with it that matters.
So the next time you hear about Suzanne Somers and the ThighMaster, remember the man behind it all too. Alan Hamel: TV host, husband, businessman, and living proof that behind every great star, there’s often an equally great mind making sure the dream doesn’t just shine—it endures.