Patrick Duffy Honors Suzanne Somers: A Cherished Bond

Patrick Duffy recently paid a heartfelt tribute to his late Step by Step co-star, Suzanne Somers. Speaking at 90s Con in Hartford, Connecticut, on October 16, 2026, Duffy, 77, reflected on the profound friendship he shared with Somers, who passed away in October 2023. He described Somers as his "best friend" over their seven years on the beloved family sitcom.

Duffy recalled meeting Somers shortly after leaving Dallas, joking that she reminded him of his former co-star Larry Hagman. He cherished their shared sense of humor and the improvisational spirit they brought to their characters, Frank Lambert and Carol Foster. Their goal was to portray a marriage filled with romance and spontaneity, a quality that resonated with audiences.

The on-screen chemistry between Duffy and Somers seamlessly transitioned into a deep real-life friendship that endured beyond the show's run. Somers, who had battled breast cancer since 2000, died on October 15, 2023, at her home in Palm Springs, California. Her legacy extends beyond acting, encompassing her work as an author and entrepreneur, most notably promoting the ThighMaster.