Suzanne Somers, the beloved star of the hit '70s sitcom "Three's Company," has sadly passed away at the age of 76 after a courageous battle with breast cancer. Throughout her illustrious career in showbiz, Somers not only found fame on the small screen but also became a spokeswoman for the iconic exercise contraption, the ThighMaster. However, the story of how she became involved with the thigh-toning empire is a fascinating tale in itself.

Somers rose to prominence portraying the ditzy blonde Chrissy Snow on "Three's Company" from 1977 to 1981, alongside the late John Ritter and Joyce DeWitt. It was reported that Ritter was earning $150,000 per episode, and Somers desired equal pay.

She requested a salary increase similar to her colleague from the show "8 Simple Rules." Unfortunately, the network executives did not meet her demands and only offered her a $5,000 raise, leading to her eventual departure from the show.

Facing financial challenges, Somers had to seek alternative means to support herself. She graced the pages of Playboy and headlined the Horseshoe Casino Hotel in Las Vegas. However, in 1990, an opportunity arose that would significantly impact her career. Somers was approached to endorse the ThighMasters in numerous commercials, and she went on to make millions as the face of the product.

Speaking on the "Hollywood Raw" podcast last year, Somers revealed the astounding financial success she achieved through the ThighMaster. She proudly proclaimed, "I grew up poor, and I live a good life," disclosing that she had earned an estimated $300 million from the exercise device over the decades. As her sales surpassed the $10 million mark, Somers stopped keeping count of the number of units sold.

Somers expressed her gratitude towards her loyal fans who supported her product. "Always tell the truth," she emphasized. "The public is smart, and they can smell BS."

In addition to her ThighMaster venture, Somers also found continuing success in her Hollywood career.

In 1991, she landed the role of Carole Foster-Lambert on the sitcom "Step by Step."

Moreover, Somers contributed to her net worth by authoring 27 books on health and wellness. Despite her vast accomplishments, she acknowledged that she is most renowned for the ThighMaster. Reflecting upon her business endeavors, she noted, "It was the right product, the right place, the right timing, the right spokesperson — the right everything. It was a perfect storm."

Suzanne Somers leaves behind a legacy of laughter, resilience, and entrepreneurial spirit. She will forever be remembered for her comedic talents, her influential fitness device, and her dedication to promoting health and well-being.