Alan Hamel is a Canadian television host, producer, and entrepreneur with a net worth of $100 million. He built his career across five decades, starting as one of Canada’s most recognized TV personalities in the 1960s before transitioning into production and brand management. Hamel gained wider recognition as the husband and business partner of actress Suzanne Somers, helping transform her into a multimedia empire worth hundreds of millions.
Born in Toronto and educated at Ryerson University, Hamel hosted popular Canadian shows like “Razzle Dazzle” and “The Alan Hamel Show” before moving behind the scenes to manage Somers’ career after they married in 1977. Together, they created successful ventures in fitness products, wellness branding, and real estate. Following Somers’ death in October 2023, Hamel has continued their business operations while starting a new relationship with actress Joanna Cassidy in 2025.
Who Is Alan Hamel
Alan Hamel was born in Toronto, Ontario, and studied Radio and Television Arts at Ryerson University (now Toronto Metropolitan University). He began his entertainment career in the early 1960s when Canadian television was still establishing its identity separate from American networks.
His natural presence on camera opened doors quickly. Hamel became a household name in Canada through his work on children’s programming and game shows, establishing himself as one of the country’s most reliable television personalities before he turned 30.
Unlike many hosts who remained in front of the camera their entire careers, Hamel recognized the business opportunities behind the scenes. This shift in focus eventually led him to produce and manage entertainment properties, a decision that proved financially rewarding.
Early Career in Canadian Television
Hamel’s breakthrough came as host of “Razzle Dazzle,” a children’s series that aired from 1961 to 1964. The show gave him national exposure across Canada and proved his ability to connect with audiences.
His success led to American opportunities, including hosting “Wedding Party” and “Anniversary Game,” both on ABC in the late 1960s. These game shows introduced him to American audiences and expanded his professional network beyond Canada.
By the 1970s, “The Alan Hamel Show” made him a star in his home country. The daytime talk show on CTV combined celebrity interviews, musical performances, and comedy sketches. It became one of Canada’s most popular variety programs during its run from 1976 to 1980.
Hamel also appeared in acting roles on shows like “All in the Family,” “Lou Grant,” and “She’s the Sheriff.” However, his strongest impact came as a host and producer rather than as an actor.
His work during this period established him as a significant figure in Canadian broadcasting history. He helped prove that Canadian-produced content could compete with American imports for viewer attention.
Marriage to Suzanne Somers and Business Success
Alan met Suzanne Somers in the late 1960s when she worked as a prize model on “Anniversary Game,” which he hosted. They began dating shortly after and married in 1977. The relationship lasted 46 years until her death in October 2023.
While Somers gained fame for her roles in “Three’s Company” and “Step by Step,” Hamel played a critical role in managing her career. When Somers faced contract disputes with “Three’s Company” in 1980 that led to her firing, Hamel became her manager and helped redirect her career.
Hamel brought in branding experts who understood how to turn a celebrity into a business. This team helped Somers transition from actress to entrepreneur, creating multiple revenue streams that ultimately generated more income than her acting work.
The couple’s most visible success was the ThighMaster. Hamel produced the commercials and helped market the fitness device, which became a cultural phenomenon in the 1990s and sold millions of units worldwide.
Together, they built The Somers Companies, which included fitness products, wellness supplements, books (Somers authored 27), and television specials. Hamel’s business acumen and Somers’ public appeal created a partnership that lasted decades and produced consistent revenue.
Their working relationship extended beyond typical celebrity endorsements. Hamel understood long-term brand building and avoided short-term deals that might have paid well initially but damaged Somers’ credibility over time.
Alan Hamel Net Worth and Real Estate Portfolio
Alan Hamel has a net worth of $100 million, a combined figure with his late wife, Suzanne Somers. This wealth came from multiple sources: his television work, production credits, business ventures with Somers, and strategic real estate investments.
The couple built an impressive property portfolio in Southern California over several decades.
In the late 1970s, they purchased a 73-acre hillside estate in Palm Springs that became their signature residence. The property featured multiple buildings connected by funiculars and bridges. First listed in 2008 for $35 million, the property eventually sold in 2021 for $8.5 million after being reduced to 20 acres.
They also owned 480 acres in northern Palm Springs, which they donated to the Coachella Valley Conservation Commission in 2018 for environmental preservation.
In Malibu, they bought oceanfront property in 1999 for $2.3 million and the adjacent lot in 2001 for $2.35 million, creating 190 feet of ocean frontage. After a 2007 fire destroyed the homes, the land was sold in 2016 for $12.03 million. A new 5,000-square-foot mansion was later built and listed for $40 million in 2021.
These real estate moves demonstrated Hamel’s understanding of California property markets and his willingness to hold assets long-term for maximum appreciation.
Life After Suzanne Somers’ Death
Suzanne Somers died on October 15, 2023, one day before her 77th birthday, from breast cancer. Hamel was with her during her final hours, talking to her through the night as her breathing became erratic.
Before her death, Somers told Hamel she wanted him to “live your life” and not walk around depressed after she was gone. Hamel wrote a letter about their “magical” 55 years together, which Somers read the night before she died.
Hamel revealed he “moped around for a year and a half” after Somers’ death. The loss affected him deeply, but he eventually decided to honor her wish that he continue living fully.
About 18 months after Somers’ death, Hamel started dating again, initially seeing two women at the same time so it would look like a business meeting if spotted in public. He wanted to avoid appearing disrespectful to Somers’ memory so soon after her passing.
Hamel, now 89, continues to live in Palm Springs and remains involved with SuzanneSomers.com, which sells wellness products and supplements. He maintains relationships with his children from his first marriage to Marilyn Hamel (Stephen and Leslie) and his stepson Bruce Somers Jr. from Suzanne’s first marriage.
The Suzanne AI Twin Project
In 2025, Hamel revealed he had created an AI clone of Suzanne Somers, a project the couple had discussed for decades. The idea originated from conversations with futurist Ray Kurzweil, who became their friend 30 years earlier and explained the concept of digital twins.
The AI was trained on all 27 of Somers’ books and hundreds of interviews to capture her voice, appearance, and perspective. Hamel demonstrated the AI at a technology conference in 2025, where it answered questions in Somers’ voice.
“When you look at the finished one next to the real Suzanne, you can’t tell the difference,” Hamel said. “I’ve been with Suzanne for 55 years, so I know what her face looks like, and when I just look at the two of them side by side, I really can’t tell which one is the real and which one is the AI”.
The plan is to host the AI on SuzanneSomers.com as a 24/7 chatbot where fans can ask health and wellness questions. The AI will provide answers based on the doctors and experts Somers interviewed during her career, not just her personal opinions.
Hamel said it was “Suzanne’s idea” and that she wanted to “provide a service to my fans and to people who have been reading my books who really want and need information about their health”.
The family initially had concerns about the project, but they told Hamel they believe it will become “just another way to communicate with people we care about” and see it as “a great tribute to Suzanne herself”.
Current Relationship with Joanna Cassidy
In June 2025, Hamel confirmed he was dating actress Joanna Cassidy. The two had known each other for over 45 years, first meeting in the 1970s when Cassidy appeared on “The Alan Hamel Show”.
They reconnected through Hamel’s son Stephen, who reintroduced them at a screening. Cassidy, 80, had also appeared in the 1985 miniseries “Hollywood Wives” alongside Suzanne Somers, making her familiar to the family.
Hamel said he’s “grateful to have her in my life” and that they “get along great.” He lives in Palm Springs while Cassidy lives in Los Angeles, so they plan their time together carefully.
Hamel praised Cassidy as “very smart” and “beautiful in many different ways,” noting she has “a great heart”. He shared that one of her five cats has “fallen in love” with him and insists on sleeping on his ankles when he stays at her home.
The relationship represents Hamel’s effort to move forward while honoring Somers’ memory. He believes Somers would approve of him finding companionship rather than remaining alone.
At 89, Hamel remains active in business, maintains close family relationships, and continues the wellness brand work he built with Somers over the decades. His life demonstrates how a Canadian television host became a successful producer, brand manager, and entrepreneur with a lasting impact in the entertainment and wellness industries.
