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Brett-Somers-Obituary

Brett Somers

Westport, Connecticut

Jul 11, 1924 – Sep 15, 2007 (Age 83)

About

BORN
July 11, 1924
DIED
September 15, 2007
AGE
83
LOCATION
Westport, Connecticut

Obituary

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Actress and comedian Brett Somers, who amused game show fans with her quips on the "Match Game" in the 1970s, has died, her son said. She was 83. Somers died Saturday at her home in Westport of stomach and colon cancer, Adam Klugman said Monday. Hosted by Gene Rayburn, "Match Game" was the top game show during much of the 1970s. Contestants would try to match answers to nonsense questions with a panel of celebrities; much of the humor came from the racy quips and putdowns. Shows from the 1973-79 run, featuring regulars like Somers, Richard Dawson and Charles Nelson Reilly, are still seen on cable TV's GSN (formerly Game Show Network.) Somers married actor Jack Klugman, the future star of the television shows "Quincy" and "The Odd Couple," in 1953. The two separated in 1974, but never divorced. They made many television appearances as a couple. Somers appeared on several episodes of "The Odd Couple," playing the ex-wife of Klugman's character. In the summer of 2003, she appeared in a one-woman cabaret show, "An Evening with Brett Somers," which she wrote and co-produced. She continued to perform after being diagnosed with cancer. She was born Audrey Johnston in New Brunswick, Canada, and grew up in Portland, Maine. She ran away from home at age 17 and headed for New York City, where she settled in Greenwich Village. She changed her first name to Brett after the lead female character in the Ernest Hemingway novel "The Sun Also Rises." Somers was her mother's maiden name. Her son said she was caustic, irreverent and a self-declared bohemian. "She maintained her independence till the end, and her irreverence," Adam Klugman said. "She died very much at peace." In addition to Adam Klugman, Somers is survived by another son, David, and a daughter, Leslie.

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It's gonna be 17 years since her passing next sunday, September 15, 2024 and she is surely missed 17 years ago as much to the present day. Beautiful Yankee chick from Maine who was always teasing another late great, CNR, when I always remember Gene saying they're only jiving, when CNR with his straight face would ask Gene if they could get Bess Myerson to replace Brett! Living next in beautiful socal, never would this country boy from se Utah get to meet and shake her hand, maybe even hug...

Joe Serrano

September 09, 2024 | Moab, UT | Acquaintance

I was penpals with her for 5 years Then met her in cal Will miss her very much

Pegclaydon

July 10, 2024

Watching you now on Match game '73 on the Buzzr TV show channel. You still make me laugh daily. Rest in peace Brett.....Rob Drinkwine

Rob Drinkwine

April 16, 2024 | Saranac Lake, NY

Actress and comedian Brett Somers, who amused game show fans with her quips on the "Match Game" in the 1970s, has died, her son said. She was 83. Somers died Saturday at her home in Westport of stomach and colon cancer, Adam Klugman said Monday. Hosted by Gene Rayburn, "Match Game" was the top game show during much of the 1970s. Contestants would try to match answers to nonsense questions with a panel of celebrities; much of the humor came from the racy quips and putdowns. Shows from the...

Grady Morris Youngblood

March 05, 2024 | Friend

I loved her laugh on the Match Game show. So funny!

Jeannie Medlen

November 02, 2021 | Huntsville, AL | Acquaintance

Loved u on Match Game madam. Still watch you on Game Show Network (2021) Rest in Heaven❤

Mary Diggers

October 28, 2021 | Friend

I know you're an angel, looking down on us all!!! You we're my Favorite..."blank"...

Alisa Johnson

October 12, 2021 | Shakopee, MN | Friend

Well dear beautiful and talented Lady, enjoyed your sense of humor and wit that you portrayed on Match Game, always bring laughter and joy to my life, at this moment in time I was a teen, you're no longer with us bringing cheer and joy into our lives but now its the Big JC's turn for you to entertain Him and the Angels in Heaven. And besides, nothing beats an AWESOME rerun!

José Serrano

August 28, 2020 | Moab, UT | Friend

We miss you and glad we can enjoy seeing you on reruns. R I P. Your never forgotten watched you with my Mom till her death in 2015

Charlene Nguyen

October 07, 2019 | Lehighton, PA

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