Alan Hamel’s name might not be splashed across global tabloids like some of Hollywood’s bigger stars, but at 88 years old, his story stands as a masterclass in how to blend talent, smart choices, and loyal partnership into a $100 million fortune. From a Toronto kid with a dream to the quiet power behind a cultural empire, Alan’s life proves that success isn’t always about staying in the spotlight.
Born To Broadcast
Alan Hamel was born on June 30, 1936, in Toronto, Ontario. Growing up in a modest Canadian household, Alan found himself fascinated by the magic of broadcast media at a young age. His curiosity turned into a calling when he enrolled at Ryerson University to study Radio and Television Arts. He didn’t just want to watch TV—he wanted to shape it.
Making Families Smile With ‘Razzle Dazzle’
His first big break came in the early 1960s with Razzle Dazzle, a children’s show that ran from 1961 to 1964. Alan’s warm, approachable style made him an instant favorite among Canadian families. The show’s success laid the groundwork for a TV career that would soon cross borders.
From Canada To America’s Living Rooms
By the late 1960s, Alan Hamel had earned enough recognition to catch the attention of American producers. He landed hosting roles on game shows like Wedding Party and Anniversary Game on ABC. These shows introduced Alan to American households, but one of them brought him something even more significant—Suzanne Somers.
The Anniversary Game wasn’t just another hosting gig. It was where Alan met Suzanne, a rising actress whose career was about to explode. Their connection turned into a love story—and a business partnership—that would change both their lives.
The Alan Hamel Show: A Staple Of Canadian TV
Back home in Canada, Alan kept building his brand. In the 1970s, he launched The Alan Hamel Show on CTV, a daytime variety and talk show that quickly became a staple for viewers. The program featured celebrity interviews, music, and comedy sketches that kept audiences entertained and made Alan a familiar, trusted figure in Canadian pop culture.
The Brains Behind Suzanne Somers’ Empire
While Alan’s on-camera presence was strong, his real genius was what he did when the lights went off. As Suzanne Somers’ career took off—thanks largely to her breakout role in Three’s Company—Alan saw the potential for something bigger than sitcom paychecks.
He shifted gears from host to strategist, guiding Suzanne into new ventures. They built a brand that extended beyond acting: bestselling books, self-help content, fitness products, and wellness branding. Alan’s management turned Suzanne from a TV star into a household brand name.
The ThighMaster: A Pop Culture Phenomenon
One of Alan’s smartest moves was recognizing the goldmine in the now-iconic ThighMaster. In the early 90s, at-home fitness was booming, and Suzanne’s name sold the promise of easy workouts. More than 10 million units flew off the shelves. At first, they shared profits with partners, but Alan and Suzanne eventually bought full control. That move alone pumped millions into their growing fortune.
Real Estate Moves As Smart As His Shows
Alan Hamel didn’t stop with TV and fitness gadgets. Together with Suzanne, he built an impressive real estate portfolio that became another source of their $100 million net worth.
Their crown jewel was a 73-acre Palm Springs estate, famous for its one-of-a-kind design and funiculars that connected guest houses on the steep hillside. Originally listed for $35 million in 2008, they later downsized and sold a section for $8.5 million in 2021.
They didn’t just profit—they gave back, too. In 2018, they donated a 480-acre piece of land in northern Palm Springs to the Coachella Valley Conservation Commission, showing that their success wasn’t just about money, but about leaving a legacy.
In Malibu, they bought oceanfront property that sold for $12 million in 2016, proving again that Alan’s eye for good investments matched his knack for good TV.
Family Ties And A Life After Loss
Alan and Suzanne never had children together, but Alan’s family includes two kids from a previous relationship—Stephen and Leslie. Suzanne’s son Bruce Somers Jr. was also a core part of their tight-knit blended family. Even with fame and business to juggle, they stayed close to their roots and to each other.
Losing Suzanne in October 2023, just one day before her 77th birthday, was devastating. They had built everything together—home, fortune, and brand. But Alan, ever the survivor, found comfort in family and familiar faces. In mid-2025, he confirmed that he found new companionship with actress Joanna Cassidy. The two reconnected through old ties dating back to The Alan Hamel Show days, proving that life’s chapters can keep surprising you, no matter how old you get.
A Legacy That Goes Beyond TV
At 88, Alan Hamel’s $100 million net worth is more than just a number. It’s the result of decades of steady work, sharp business instincts, and a genuine love for the craft of entertainment. He showed the world that the person behind the scenes can be just as influential as the face on the screen.
His story is a reminder that the best legacies are built on partnerships, loyalty, and smart decisions that stand the test of time. Today, Alan remains a respected figure who’s proof that good ideas, good instincts, and good people can build an empire that keeps giving long after the cameras stop rolling.
