In a surprising and heartwarming turn of events, Alan Hamel, the beloved television host and producer, has confirmed a blossoming romance with actress Joanna Cassidy, who once starred alongside his late wife Suzanne Somers. The announcement has drawn both praise and curiosity from fans who remember the love story Alan shared with Suzanne—one that spanned nearly five decades. Now, at 88, Hamel is navigating a new chapter in life, finding comfort and companionship in a woman connected to the very heart of his past.
Suzanne Somers, a household name since her breakout role as Chrissy Snow on Three’s Company, passed away in October 2023 after a long and public battle with breast cancer. Her death left a void in the entertainment industry and, more personally, in Alan Hamel’s life. The couple had been inseparable since the 1970s, their bond a fixture of Hollywood’s golden-age love stories. Throughout their marriage, they shared not only deep affection but also creative projects, business ventures, and public admiration for their unwavering support of one another.
Enter Joanna Cassidy, a seasoned actress best known for her roles in Blade Runner, Six Feet Under, and the sitcom She’s the Sheriff, where she co-starred with Suzanne in the late 1980s. Cassidy, now 79, and Hamel had known each other peripherally for years through Hollywood circles and Somers herself. However, according to Hamel, it wasn’t until after Suzanne’s passing that the two truly connected on a deeper level—initially bonding over grief, memories, and shared admiration for the woman they both loved in very different ways.
In a recent interview, Hamel acknowledged the unexpected nature of their relationship: “I never thought at this stage of life I’d find myself in the midst of something so new and beautiful. Joanna has brought light into a very dark time for me. We talk about Suzanne all the time. This connection isn’t about replacing her—it’s about honoring her in a way that makes life feel possible again.”
Hamel’s openness about his grief has resonated with many who have experienced the loss of a spouse or long-term partner. The journey of mourning, especially after such a storied and high-profile relationship, is never easy. But finding companionship in someone who not only understands that grief but shared part of the history makes this relationship feel particularly poignant. For Hamel, Cassidy isn’t a departure from Suzanne, but rather a bridge back to life, love, and laughter.
Joanna Cassidy, too, has faced her share of personal challenges, including the loss of family members and the realities of aging in Hollywood. Known for her candor and strength, she has often spoken about resilience, reinvention, and the importance of staying connected. In her words: “Love doesn’t end with death. What Alan and I share is grounded in deep respect—not just for each other, but for the incredible woman who brought us together in the first place.”
Reactions to the couple’s romance have largely been positive. Fans of Suzanne Somers have expressed joy at seeing Hamel find happiness again. “Suzanne would want Alan to be happy,” one commenter wrote on social media. “She was all about love and light—and if Joanna brings that to him, then it’s a beautiful continuation of Suzanne’s legacy.”
Others have noted how rare it is to see public figures in their late 70s and 80s share their romantic journeys so openly. In a culture often obsessed with youth and novelty, Hamel and Cassidy’s story is a refreshing reminder that love is ageless and that new beginnings can bloom even after immense loss.
The couple has been spotted together at several public events in recent months, including a charity gala benefiting breast cancer research—an issue close to both their hearts. They were also seen walking hand in hand in Malibu, where Hamel and Somers once made their home. Observers noted the natural ease between the two, suggesting a quiet chemistry that defies flashy headlines but speaks volumes in subtle ways.
Family members of both Hamel and Cassidy are said to be supportive of the relationship. Hamel’s children, who were close to Suzanne, have reportedly embraced Cassidy with warmth and appreciation for the companionship she brings to their father.
While Hamel and Cassidy are not making any formal announcements about their future—no talk of marriage or moving in together—their message is clear: they are savoring each moment, finding joy in the present, and leaning into a connection that feels both healing and real.
In a world often marked by loss and uncertainty, their story offers a glimmer of hope. It tells us that even after goodbye, life has a way of circling back with unexpected blessings. For Alan Hamel and Joanna Cassidy, love has come again—not to replace what was, but to remind them, and all of us, that the heart is vast enough to hold both memory and possibility.
As Hamel put it, “I will always love Suzanne. That never changes. But I believe she’d be smiling down on us right now, happy that I’m not alone, happy that I’m laughing again. That’s the kind of woman she was—and Joanna understands that better than anyone.”
